§ 14. Sir J. D. REESasked whether information acquired regarding the recent extension of, and rise in, the cultivation of Chinese opium is compatible with the agreement between His Majesty's Government and the Government of China; whether His Majesty's Government has power to ensure the sale of Indian opium in Chinese provinces into which by treaty China is bound to allow its entry; whether His Majesty's Government will permit the ousting of Indian opium in order that the more injurious indigenous product may be substituted therefor; whether His Majesty's Government be lieves that any useful result can be obtained by the execution of innocent persons for using a stimulant; what effect the approaching cessation of the provision of Indian opium for China will have upon Indian finances; and whether the time has arrived to reconsider the arrangements made in 1911?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)The information regarding this season's cultivation of opium in China is conflicting, and further inquiries are being made in the several provinces through the Consular officers in co-operation with the local officials. There has been a very large reduction of cultivation in China since the opium agreement with His Majesty's Government was made. In provinces not closed to Indian opium under Article 3 of the agreement of May, 1911, His Majesty's Government are entitled to require that the wholesale trade shall not be interfered with, nor preference shown to native opium. As I have more than once stated, Chinese methods of dealing with their own 2174 people are not a matter for His Majesty's Government. The effect of the suspension of the Indo-Chinese opium export trade on the finances of India is engaging the attention of the Government of India. I understand that no statement is at present possible, but the question is one for the India. Office. The last question is, in His Majesty's Government's opinion, premature.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes His Majesty's Government now see any sign or probability that the Chinese Government will be able to carry out their share of the agreement?
§ Mr. ACLANDWe hope so. They are carrying it out in certain provinces.