OPIUM HABITS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 18 November 1924, Page 7

OPIUM HABITS.

CONFERENCE AT GENEVA. . HEATED DISCUSSIONS ENSUE. By Cable—Press .U-ooiation Copyright. : (Received November 17, 5.5 p.m. GENEVA,' November 16. Heated discussions between the Japanese and British Empire delegates occurred at the Opium Conference of the League of Nations, ovbr the question of the export, import and transhipment of opium from the possessions of the Fiir Eastern Powers, which, according to the British draft agreement, are forbidden. The Japanese proposed that where consignments of opium were accompanied by an imports certificate, or official guarantee that import should be legitifiiatej ; and ,no unfair discrimination, oil the ground of the nationality of the vessel, or.'origin of the goods, should be resorted to at the ports. Sir M. Delevigue (Britain), emphasised that Britain made no unfair discrimination.. He expressed the opinion that tlie Japanese proposal was an unfair criticism of the British Government. Mr Campbell (India), emphasised tht India reserved the right to discriminate in, regard to certificates. '•-Df.i Sugiiniira (Japan), declared that as long as mutual confidence and respect were lacking between the interested states the Japanese delegation could not sign the agreement. Sir M. Delevigne (Britain) and Mr Campbell (India) denied they were casting any imputation on Japan. They wbrie mefeiy defending principle. The decision was adjourned for a few. days to enable the delegates to consult their Governments. \