File No. 774/679.
The Secretary of State to Chargé White.
Washington, December 23, 1909.
Sir: The department acknowledges the receipt of Mr. Beaupré’s dispatch of the 23d ultimo, in which he reports that he was that day in receipt of a reply from the minister for foreign affairs of the Netherlands in regard to the department’s circular instructions of September 1 last, proposing an international opium conference, with full powers, to the countries that were represented in the International Opium Commission that met at Shanghai.
The department also acknowledges the copy and translation of the note of the minister of foreign affairs, in which the Government [Page 115] of the Queen accepts the proposal of the American Government to bring together a second international conference for the suppression of the abuse of opium, and its desire that the proposed conference should assemble at The Hague.
You will convey to the Government of the Queen this Government’s appreciation of the ready assent given to the proposal for a second conference, and its pleasure that that Government should desire the conference to be held at The Hague. You will also inform the Government of the Queen that as soon as all Governments concerned have adhered to the proposal of this Government, the Government of the Queen will be informed as to the most suitable date for the meeting of the proposed conference.
In the meantime you are informed that China and Portugal have accepted the proposal of this Government, and that the latter has already appointed a distinguished commission to prepare for the conference.
I am, etc.,