§ 1. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the greater moral obligation under which the British Government lies to the British-Indian subjects of the Crown as compared with their obligation to the Chinese, His Majesty's Government propose to delay the operation of the agreement between India and China until the provisional Government in the latter Empire is succeeded by a settled administration, which can formally adopt and successfully enforce the obligations of the late Imperial Chinese Government in respect of the cultivation of opium?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)It is true that the welfare and interests of British subjects everywhere are a first charge upon the care of His Majesty's Government and they have in this sense greater moral obligations to British-Indian subjects than to-subjects of foreign nations, but it does not follow that these obligations will be best discharged by delaying at this moment the operation of the Opium Agreement with China, and I cannot therefore answer the question in the affirmative.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the Under-Secretary realise the very serious effect of the present conditions upon those engaged in a lawful trade?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am well aware of that. The whole question is now the subject of protracted and careful negotiations. What I desire to convey is that I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member. The matter is under consideration and negotiations are proceeding.
§ Sir J. D. REESI wish to know if anything effectual can be done without adopting some such suggestion as I have made?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf anything effectual can be done it will be done.
§ Colonel YATEWill the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that the people of India will not be called upon to pay for the delinquencies of the Chinese Government?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe determination of the Government with regard to the growth and export of opium has already been announced to the House.