Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 215

(Copy)..

No. 298.

Correspondence respecting the alleged Smuggling of Opium from Hongkong to China.-

MY LORD,

Presented to the Legislative Council by command of

His Excellency the Governor.

Governor Sir G. Bowen to Earl of Derby.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HONGKONG, 10th November, 1883.

In my reply to Your Lordship's despatch No. 52 of the 2nd March ultimo, relative to a question asked in the House of Commons concerning the alleged smuggling of Opium from Hongkong to the mainland of China, I had the honour to state that I should forward, as soon as I should receive it, the Report of the Commission appointed by the Officer recently Administering the Government of this Colony (The Honourable W. H. MARSH, C.M.G.,) to enquire into this important subject.

ኔ

2. I have now the honour to transmit herewith six printed copies of the Report of the Commission, which has only just reached my hands, having been unavoidably delayed owing to the necessity of careful enquiry and of taking voluminous evidence.

3. I concur with the practical suggestions of the Commission at the close of their Report, and I recommend them to Your Lordship's favourable consideration.

I have, &c.,

(Signed)

G. F. BOWEN.

HONGKONG,

No. 12.

C. O. to F. O.. 7th Jan.

SIR,

The Earl of Derby to Governor Sir G. Bowen.

DOWNING STREET,

22nd January, 1884.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 298 of the 10th of November, enclosing copies of the Report issued by the Commission recently appointed to enquire into the alleged smuggling from Hongkong into China.

2. As regards the first of the two suggestions made by the Commissioners at

information and guidance, copies of correspondence on the subject with the Foreign Office as noted in the margin.

F. O. to C. O., 18th Jan. the conclusion of their Report (page XIV), I have the honour to enclose for your

3. The second recommendation can be at once approved, and I shall be glad

if you will take steps for giving effect to it.

4. I request you to convey to the Commissioners my appreciation of the trouble which they have taken in drawing up this valuable Report.

Governor Sir G. F. BOWEN, G.C.M.G.,

&c..,

&

I have, &c.,

(Signed)

DERBY.