Kong, enforcement authorities closed down six heroin laboratories. At least one heroin lab was seized in Manila.
From these beginnings, we shall continue to strive to reduce illicit supplies of opium and opiates in Southeast Asia. We are encouraged by signs that the governments in the area are developing regional approaches, as exemplified by the October meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila. where the problem of drug abuse and areas of cooperation were explored. In November 1971, the Government of Australia hosted a conference for Southeast Asian enforcement officers who are directly involved in drug control, and plans are being made for a second conference in 1973.
Evaluation
For the purpose of evaluating the first year of activities of the Cabinet Committee on International Narcotics Control, Secretary Rogers called a conference in September, bringing together Federal officials in Washington and senior narcotics control officers from more than 50 U.S. missions abroad. The conference was opened by Presi- dent Nixon, who said:
"I consider this Conference to be as important as any that any one of you has ever attended. . . . because winning the battle against drug abuse is one of the most important, the most urgent national priorities confronting the United States today.
"In working on narcotics control around the world, I want you to convey this personal message from me to the foreign of- ficials.... Any government whose leaders participate in or protect the activities of those who contribute to our drug prob- lem should know that the President of the United States is required by statute to suspend all American economic and military assistance to such a regime and I shall not hesitate to comply with that law where there are any violations.
"I consider keeping dangerous drugs out of the United States just as important as keeping armed enemy forces from landing in the United States. . . . Every government which wants to move against narcotics should know that it can count on this country for our wholehearted support and assistance in doing so."
The message is clear. A full-scale, comprehensive battle against drug abuse is needed. The approach of a successful program cannot relate to supply alone. Nor is an attack on the demand side alone the answer. We must interdict supply to the point where the amount of drugs is sharply reduced. The shortage of drugs will then hopefully
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