THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS: Opium

At Geneva, representatives of the nations of the world busied themselves in an International Congress, aimed to eliminate the illicit trade in the drug.

Japan staggered the Congress at one point of the proceedings by injecting into a motion, expressing confidence in China’s willingness to stamp out the opium trade, a resolution placing the Powers on record as determined to abide by a policy of non-intervention in Chinese affairs. After a prolonged palaver over this and a counter-motion blaming China, the whole matter was dropped.

The only constructive suggestion advanced was a state monopoly on opium. Only by this means was it thought that consumption of the drug could be effectively stopped. Japan, however, differed and thought that the elimination of opium smoking could be effected only by registration and rationing of all smokers.

Then the question of opium import certificates was raised. Britain’s representative said that she could not habitually recognize import certificates because of scandals over them in an Oriental country which he “preferred not to name.” Japan took quick offence, said she was being discriminated against, virtually withdrew from the Congress, which was then adjourned until after a larger and more important general conference should have taken place.

At the general conference, which began its deliberations at Geneva, Americans present were: Representative Stephen G. Porter, chairman of the U. S. delegation; Bishop Charles H. Brent, Dr. Rupert Blue, ex-Surgeon General of the Public Health Department, Edwin L. Neville.