The BEIC,
Topic 1-China-India Opium Trade, Maximizing Efficiency & Forming a Proper Diplomatic Response
Since 1601, the Queen has implemented the utmost trust in the board to create mass revenue for our shareholders and lead England to success. Therefore we are obligated to honor this trust by making the correct decisions. Looking in the past, from the signing of the charter to the battle of Plassey where Clive led her majesty to victory, we have prioritized our investors by doing all that is necessary to achieve a thriving economy. That exact philosophy remains to this date. The Qing Empire has attempted to halt our illicit opium trade, as it is poses significant threats to their economy.
Over 10 % of the population is addicted to our exclusive product to the extent where they are incapable of completing basic tasks successfully and thus unable to provide for themselves or their family. If we continue the process of smuggling opium, using methods such as free samples and increasing the amount dealers, we have the capabilities to hinder their economy far more severely. I share a similar opinion as my fellow colleagues in that profit and monetary success are in front of everything else. We can increase our exports of opium to exceed 1400 tons per year and smuggle it via Jardine, Matheson & Co, and Dent & Co along the straits of Malacca. We can maximize the production of opium in Bengal by increasing the incentive to become an employee for us. We will provide an insignificant tax reduction for those who work in the opium field.
The Qing Empire is deeply concerned and urges the company to yield its illicit sale of opium as it is taking a toll on their economy. In the case that we stopped smuggling opium to the Chinese, the company barley makes a profit and English silver is lost due to the high price of tea. A diplomatic solution should be discussed first before harsher actions should be made to eliminate the probability of a rash decision. We should demand the Qing Empire to exponentially reduce the price of tea where are actions result in a net gain.
In the case that a diplomatic solution could not be utilized, aggressive acts should be made. Qing knows we have a larger army than him and that he has a disadvantage as we crippled his economy. We first have to start setting up bases on the straits of Malacca where we will be able to send in forces when necessary. This is the most logical solution in this scenario as our shareholders are put first.
Topic 2-Loss of Monopolies
In the past, our success was based on control, we didn’t just trade, we controlled areas. We have made massive amounts of money due to our monopolies. When this was taken away, it does not only decline our economic state, but the whole of England. There are politicians who support this yet we lack representation in the parliament. We don’t have the authority we used to in the government. More time and money should be put into lobbying, as it is imperative
