File No. 774/584.
Bishop Brent to the Secretary of State.
Bishop Brent says the following resolutions were passed by the international commission:
The adoption of measures necessary to prevent shipment of opium and its derivatives to countries prohibiting their entry is the duty of all countries.
The commission recognizes the sincere efforts of China to suppress opium, and recommends that each Government make an investigation from a scientific standpoint of antiopium remedies and their properties, and of the effects of opium and its products.
The commission finds that the unrestricted distribution of morphine already constitutes a grave danger, which is spreading, and urges the adoption of drastic measures to control the distribution of all opium preparations liable to similar abuse.
Recommends that each Government in its own territory take measures for the gradual suppression of opium smoking.
The commission finds participating countries hold that use of opium except for medical purposes is a matter for prohibition or regulation, and that the regulations of each country aim at increasing stringency.
Urges on all countries concerned the advisability of reexamining their systems in view of experience of other countries.
Urges those Governments having concessions in China which have not taken effective action toward the closing of opium divans to take action as soon as possible.
Recommends negotiations with China by each Government having concessions for the prohibition of trade and manufacture of antiopium remedies containing opium or its derivatives.
Recommends that each Government apply its pharmacy laws to its subjects in concessions in China.
Bishop Brent thinks resolutions should be published immediately, but will await permission of department. Adds that he considers a conference necessary to complete work of commission.
Says commission is leaving for Peking.