893.114 Narcotics/1461: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China ( Lockhart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 18—11 a.m.]
69. 1. The Peiping–Tientsin Opium Suppression Inspectorate was inaugurated January 14, similar organs in the area allegedly being abolished at the same time. Sale of opium in Hopei has heretofore been illegal. The new inspectorate, however, issued rules on February 10 for the licensing of shops for dealing in opium, purchases and sales to be made only through licensed shops. Licenses for wholesalers are to cost $5000 local currency per annum and a wholesaler must have not less than $50,000 capital. There are two classes of retail shops, annual licenses ranging from $400 to $2400 and required capital ranging from $800 to $6000.
2. This development, for which the Hopei–Chahar Political Council is responsible, appears to have no object other than that of increasing revenue, in which it [concurs in] the example set by the National Government. There is no evidence of Japanese direction or [association]. Despatch52 with regulations] follows. By mail to Tokyo.
- Dated March 21, not printed.↩