§ 10. Sir J. D. REESasked whether an anti-opium law is to be passed at Peking imposing further restrictions upon the opium traffic; and, if so, what instructions have been given to the British Minister in this behalf?
§ Mr. ACLANDHis Majesty's Minister at Peking has reported the introduction of a Bill in the National Council, the object of which is to enforce China's domestic laws for the suppression of the cultivation and consumption of opium in China. The Bill has been referred back to Committee for revision. No instructions on the point appear for the moment to be necessary, but His Majesty's Minister has been requested to watch the matter.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask whether the passing of this law will not further prejudice British merchants engaged in this lawful trade?
§ Mr. THEODORE TAYLORHave we not graciously permitted China to absolutely suppress the smoking of opium in that country by treaty on the 8th May last year?
§ Mr. ACLANDIn reply to the supplementary question of the hon. Gentleman opposite, I think it will be better to judge of the legislation when we see finally what it is. With regard to the supplementary question of my hon. Friend, I think the position between this country and China, as defined by treaty, is well known to the House.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the Foreign Office be able to intervene with any effect if we wait until the measure is passed before making any representations?
§ Mr. THEODORE TAYLORAre we not bound by treaty to permit China to absolutely prohibit the smoking of opium, which, of course, would destroy the whole trade?
§ Mr. ACLANDI have said that His Majesty's Minister has been requested to watch the matter. It is well known that opinion has been cultivated to some considerable extent owing to the unsettled state of the country, and, of course, it is only carrying out what it has been always thought the Chinese Government would do, namely, that they would suppress the renewed cultivation as soon as they obtained power to do so.