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 [‎10v] (10/44)

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never, that I am aware of, confiscated to our own use opium seized out of British territory;
we have merely aided the Chiefs in co-operating in our preventive measures for the benefit
of both parties, their benefit being the value of an article declared contraband, and ours the
indirect support which this check to the illicit trade in opium afforded to one ot the most
lucrative sources of the public revenue.
11. In referring the question for the consideration and orders of the Government o
India, it should be specially noticed that the Chiefs of the Mahee Kaunta and Rewa Kaunta can
in no sense of the term be considered independant. They are either tributary and dependau^
on the British or Guicowar Governments, and bound, therefore, we consider, to attend to our
requisitions on a subject of so much general fiscal importance. r lhey are liable to strict
supervision by the Political Officers of the British Government, who hold Courts of criminal
justice in their territories for the trial and punishment ot oilences beyond their competency
to deal with. . .
12. Instead of relaxing the prohibitory measures heretofore in force in these tributary
states, I should with deference advocate their extension and more rigid enforcement at all
places where our influence exists, beyond the limits of Malwa. r i his is, however, a question
which the Government of India can alone determine ; but I should fail in my duty were I
not to point out, that if the Barriah and Oodeepore outlets are opened for the free passage of
opium, the Demaum trade, with the pass fee raised to Us. 300 per chest, must largely revive ,
for the only risk to be incurred by the smugglers would be in travelling a few miles by land
either in the Broach or Surat Collectorates; or, what is more likely, opium would be brought
from Oodeepore to Tulluckwara, and there be embarked on the Nerbudda, by which river it
would not be very difficult to transport it by sea direct to Demaun.
13. Before the subject is referred to Calcutta, these proceedings should be submitted to
Mr. Reid, who will probably desire to record his sentiments on a subject with which he is
so conversant.
(Signed) J. P. WILLOUGHBY.
2Sth July 1848.