Circular N. 4142 of the Territorial Department Revenue from the Officiating Secretary to the Government at Bombay Castle, Charles Edward Fraser Tytler, to the Resident in the Persian Gulf [‎9r] (7/44)

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MINUTE BY THE HONORABLE MR. WILLOUGHBY,
Dated 27tk July 1846.
1 Since 1 recorded the above minute, we have received a copy of the HonoraUe Court s
despatch to the Government of India dated the 17th ultimo, which contains the following
remark " We entirely approve of your having declined to authorise any a ttem P s 0 0 "
tain the co-operation of Native States in measures for preventing the transit from Malwa to
the sea of opium unprotected by a British pass. The evil effects of the restrictive syste
which you were compelled to abandon in the year 1829, should warn us against again
resorting to any proceedings for the preventing of smuggling beyond the adoption ot sm
able precautions, and the exercise of due vigilance within our own territory.
2 1 was not in possession of the information contained in this extract when I recorded
mv minute of the 25th. 1 would, however, still call for the information I have suggested,
though of course no measures can now be adopted to induce Barnah or Oodeepoor, m the
absence of actual engagements, to co-operate with us in the restrictive policy, until the ques-
tiou has been specially referred for the consideration of the Honorable Court.
3 It may be, however, that the Court only refer to Native States in Malwa, and I hope
this is the right construction, for 1 am satisfied that as the territory of the Guieowar an,I
other petty foreign States so nearly approaches the sea, it will almost be impossi) e to pie-
vent smuggling now that the inducement to do so is so much increased by the enhancemen
of the price for passes, if our preventive measures are confined to our own territories.
4. The restrictive police undoubtedly exists in Kattiawar and the Mahee Kaunta, and I
see no reason why it should not extend to Barriah, Oodeepoor, and Rajpeepla. The hrst
place effectually commands one route by which opium is smuggled, and the second place
another. Our'opium restrictions, however, have always been in force in His Highness
the Guicowar's territory, though they have been imperfectly enforced. If these preventive
arrangements are now to be abandoned, a great stimulus will be given to the illicit trathc in
opium, and consequent diminution of the revenue we derive from this source ; and need
not add this will occur at a time when the state of our finances can very ill afford the loss.
5. Copy of this correspondence, and of these minutes, should at once be foiwarded to
the Governor General of India, for any orders His Lordship may see fit to issue.
6. Copy should also be transferred to the Revenue Department for information.
(Signed) J. P. WILLOIGHI'A ,
27f/i July 1846.