0003160 G.F. 316
}
SECRET E ☀ 2
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43.
From a speech made by the Chinese delegate to the 52nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on the 16th May, 1972 it would appear that the Peoples' Republic of China may accede to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and co- operate with the International Narcotics Control Board in the not too distant future. If this happens it will be a significant event and one which in time could have a marked effect on illicit opium production and trafficking originating in 'The Golden Triangle' region which to a major degree is peripheral to China. Although outwardly China adopta a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, nevertheless having acceded to the Single Convention, China may come to the conclusion that its purpose would be served best by publicly adopting a high moral stance on the whole question of the illicit narcotics trade which could lead to firm pressure being applied to Burma, Thailand and Laos to put a stop to opium growing and trafficking. This line may have particular appeal in view of China's long history as a drug victim country, plus the fact that very many drug addicts today in South and East Asia are Chinese. Hong Kong could only benefit from such a posture.
Such
44.
It is known that the President of the International Narcotics Control Board, (Sir Harry Greenfield, C.S.I., C.I.E.), wishes to visit Peking before his term of office expires in March 1974, a visit which may be timod to take place shortly after China accedes to the Single Convention if it docs. a visit could be of considerable value to Hong Kong. It would enable the Chinese attitude to be sounded out regarding the serious narcotics position existing in Hong Kong and the whole business of opium growing and the illicit traffic in the East Asian region. Such a visit could prepare the ground for regular diplomatic exchanges with a view to encouraging China to take some positive action in this matter. Furthermore it may be possible to find out how China has dealt with the problem of illicit opium growing, trafficking and the treatment and rehabi- litation of drug addicts which would be of benefit to Hong Kong and all countries in this area, always assuming that Draconian
It is measures repulsivo to our way of life were not used. considered that every encouragement should be given to a visit to Peking by the President of the International Narcotics Control Board at the right moment. However, now that China has been admitted to the United Nations and having regard to the substan- tial improvement in climate between Great Britain and China, opportunities may present themselves to raise 'The Golden Triangle drug problem and its implications for Hong Kong with the Chinese Government independently of any visit to Poking by the President of the International Narcotics Control Board. Whichever way it goes, no opportunity should be lost to harness the prestige and power of China in a positive way so that its good offices may be brought to bear upon this difficult and intractable situation. At the appropriate time there would appear to be substantial merit in the United Kingdom Government either proposing, or supporting a move to seat China in the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs and in the International Narcotics Control Board.
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