FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1934, VOLUME III



necessarily takes place at various points on the river during the
normal movements of the vessels up and down the river, it would
obviously be impracticable to have a Chinese representative present
at all such inspections. In case the Chinese should desire to be
present only at certain special inspections, it would seem reasonable
to anticipate that the smugglers, if any, would obtain advance notice
of such inspection and would take measures to have no contraband
on board at such a time.
  It is not clear from the telegram under reference whether the
British have consented to the Chinese request in only one instance
or whether they have given a general consent. Furthermore, we
appear to have only the Chinese statement that the French have
acquiesced.
  The Department suggests that American naval authorities might
be agreeable in exceptional and specific cases to acceding in some
form to reasonable requests made by appropriate Chinese officials
not on the basis of legal right but on the basis of cooperative courtesy.
  The foregoing observations are offered for the discretionary use
of the Legation and the appropriate consular officers in taking the
matter up further informally and tactfully with appropriate Chinese
authorities and with Admiral Wainwright.
                                                             HULL

500.C1197/732
The Secretary of State to the Amnbassador in Great Britain (Bingham)

No. 450                              WASHINGTON, June 28, 1934.
  The Secretary of State refers to the Ambassador's telegram No. 276,
dated May 25, 1934, 3 p. Mi.,15 stating that the Embassy had been
informed informally by the Foreign Office that the British Govern-
ment considered that no action at the moment was necessary in regard
to the matter of a reply to communication No. C.L.27 (a).1934.XI.,
dated March 16, 1934, from the Secretary General of the League of
Nations 15 which requested certain foreign governments to furnish for
the use of the Opium Advisory Committee any information obtainable
in regard to the traffic in opium and narcotic drugs in Manchuria and
Jehol.
  The Department has noted on pages 1081 and 1082 of the Parlia-
mentary Debates, House of Commons, dated June 7, 1934, copies of
which were transmitted to the Department by the Embassy under date
June 12, 1934, that Sir John Simon '6 made the following statement:



15 Not printed.
1 British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.



358