Attempts to establish opium hongs in the Western district, recent thorough investigations have proved, were made as far back as January 1938, but these plans did not materialize until late in November, 1938 when arrangements were made to establish eleven hongs. The delay in the formal opening was due to the failure of hong owners to meet the demands of the Japanese, who demanded the payment of $3,000 quarterly in advance as "deposit money."
After much wrangling between the authorities and the owners of the hongs, however, a start was made in the nefarious business and the eleven hongs were established in November last year. Today a total of 34 known hongs are reaping rich profits in the Western district and many more may be expected to be established in the future for the trade is a successful One, both for the owners and the Japanese.
In replying to Mr. P. J. Noel-Baker, Labour member fo Derby, Mr. Butler said that the matter of further measures of British financial support for China in pursuance with the League Assembly resolution of last September was still being considered. Ee regretted'that he was not yet in a position to make a statement.
Mr, Noel-Baker commented that "if the British Government can do something, it will have a very wide support in this House and country."—
Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.