893.114 Narcotics/790: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
227. (1) Blanco,16a now at Geneva, has received a telegram from Hoo Chi Tsai, Chinese representative on Opium Advisory Committee now at Peiping stating that he could suggest to his Government that Blanco be asked to come to China for 1 year subject to extension to advise on opium suppression and requesting him to indicate terms of acceptance. Blanco replied July 18 declining appointment for 1 year as insufficient under existing circumstances for obtaining the basic information necessary for the formulation of plans for an efficient narcotic service. He feels that such a short period would lead to no result and would be a waste of money. He proposed a contract of 4 or a minimum of 3 years and stated his terms. He suggested as an alternative method for reaching the same end his reinstatement in the customs service with a view to his being detached for special opium work under Nanking. He could leave Geneva within 1 month after receiving appointment. He left the way open for counter-proposal.
(2) In reply to Blanco’s request for his opinion Fuller informed Blanco in confidence that in his personal opinion Blanco’s estimates set forth above are sound, provided there is a clear understanding that (a) Blanco’s advice will extend to prevention of illicit manufacture and of illicit traffic in manufactured drugs and (b) full reports will be made in future especially on illicit traffic and that Blanco will advise on such reports, under which circumstances the plan might afford Blanco opportunity to do good work in futherance of solution of China’s opium and drug problem although solution must in the end rest with the Chinese themselves.
(3) The foregoing is for information only. The Department prefers not to offer to the Chinese Government any suggestions in regard to the employment of foreigners to assist in suppressing the opium [Page 361] and drug traffic or in preparing reports thereon under the Narcotics Limitation Convention of 1931.17 Should appropriate opportunity present, however, the Legation may point out informally the menace to the United States which existing opium and drug conditions in China constitute and may express the hope that Chinese annual reports on narcotics and reports on seizure cases will be more complete in future.
(4) Inform Nanking by mail.
- A. E. Blanco, of the Anti-Opium Information Bureau, Geneva.↩
- Signed at Geneva, July 13, 1931, Foreign Relations, 1931, vol. i, p. 675.↩