File No. 774/708.
Chargé Fletcher to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Peking, February 19,
1910.
No. 1367.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose copy in
translation of a note received from the Wai-wu Pu, dated December 10
last, on the subject of the restrictions of the importation of
cocaine.
The Chinese Government desires to apply to the importation of cocaine
restrictions exactly similar to those now in force with respect to
morphine.
This matter has been discussed by the diplomatic corps, and while it
seemed to be the consensus of opinion that this request of the Chinese
Government should be complied with, it was thought necessary to have the
express approval of the Governments concerned, which all the ministers
have promised to ask.
I therefore have the honor to request the department’s authority to
consent to the application by China of the same prohibition and
restrictions to the importation of cocaine as are now in force with
respect to morphine. (See dispatches numbers 993 of Sept. 2, 1908,1 1027 of Oct. 15, 1908,2
and 1078 of Jan. 5, 1909.3
I have, etc.,
[Page 299]
[Inclosure—Translation.]
The Prince of Ching
to Chargé Fletcher.
Foreign Office,
Peking, December 10,
1909.
No. 650.]
Your Excellency: The Min-Che viceroy has
made the following representation:
“The Hsing-Thuan-Yung Taotai reports that having been informed that
Western countries now have a drug called ‘cocaine’ which will
satisfy the opium craving, and which is even more injurious than
opium, and that considerable quantities of this drug have been
imported into Amoy, he inquired of the commissioner of customs about
the matter. The commissioner replied as follows:
Cocaine is made in foreign countries from the I-shih-lo tree
(Brythoxylon?). It is used to deaden pain and is classified
as an anesthetic. If one takes morphine he only experiences
a little lassitude and there may still be a chance to save
him, but if one takes this drug his limbs lose all their
strength and he suffers from extreme depression. Its evil
effects are greater than those of morphine. A statement has
been drawn up showing the importations of cocaine during the
last year.
The Taotai remarks that morphine has just been prohibited; that
cocaine is a similar anesthetic; that on taking this drug the limbs
of the user lose their strength and that it is administered by the
hypodermic needle so that after a little time the skin and flesh of
the victim suppurate and death finally ensues. Since it is worse
than morphine the Taotai asks that Wai-wu Pu be requested to
communicate with the ministers of the different powers in reference
to prohibiting the importation of the drug. On receipt of this
report from Taotai the viceroy at once ordered the bureau of foreign
affairs to investigate this matter thoroughly in conjunction with
the Amoy Taotai and make a report. Their report is as follows:
The commissioner of customs states that cocaine is not
materially different in its effects from morphine, and that
the British doctor Lien-ni has analyzed the drug and has
pronounced it similar to morphine in its effects, but more
injurious. Therefore it ought to be prohibited, and the
regulations concerning morphia should be applied to it in
order to avoid the evil effects of the poison. The viceroy
now therefore requests the board of foreign affairs to take
into consideration measures for the prohibition of the
drug.
My board observes that since cocaine appears to be of the nature as
morphine and even more injurious, it ought to be prohibited in just
the same manner as morphine. We now call your excellency’s attention
to this matter and ask that instructions may be issued to all
American merchants accordingly. Your excellency is requested to send
a reply.
A necessary dispatch.
(Seal of the Wai Wu Pu.)
