CO129-522-4 China inland water- river and coastal trade- smuggling by British ships 12-12-1929 - 24-3-1930 — Page 30

4

30

to assist in effecting this no effort must be spared on our part to stop the carriage of illicit cargo and to this end we have in

the past and are at present doing everything humanly possible short of bringing our European Personel into a rmed conflict with the smugglers.

We read your despatch as being of a general nature and not intended solely to apply to British ships controlled by us as the case mentioned by you on page 4 where a quantity of opium amou ting to nearly 14 tons was found on board did not happen to be

one of our vessels. In fact we think we can justly claim that in the matter of opium and pidgin cargo the cases occurring in vessels managed by us does not compare unfavourably with others. To stop it entirely is our object but to accomplish it in the present state of disorganization and in the face of the active countenance of Chinese officialdom is well nigh impossible.

In conclusion we might add that at present and for some time past we have only had one small boat running between Ichang and Chungking the s. s. "Kingwo" and that at the moment of writing she is held on account of the lowness of the water which in all

probability will necessitate her being brought to Shanghai and there laid up until way the end of March next so that the problem as far as we are concerned does not assume large proportions.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servants.

C.F.Garstin Esq.,

B.M..

1.Acting Consul General.

SHANGHAI.

J.i.& Co.Ltd.

Page 30Page 31