SECRET,
香港總督府
SCR 4/1316/72
اشتال من
ECLIPSE
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
HONG KONG
See draft reply Des 18/14
April, 1973.
53
AKKIG
M
chr
1
(55)
Dangerous Drugs
Copies of Elther & sval
sint to
(I
Home Efprice (il. Train) S.K..X.D. U..V.D.
I am enclosing copies of Rolph's report on his recent visit to Burma, Laos and Thailand. Copies are also being sent to the Missions in those countries so that they may have the opportunity of commenting, and we are meanwhile considering what can now be done in Hong Kong.
The Report contains six recommendations summarised in paragraph 33 which, subject to comments from the Missions, can be taken with the original recommendations in our Paper Two - "International Considerations". Of particular interest is the re- commendation at (f) about acetic anhydride. If this could be achieved it would be a major breakthrough, but we have no idea of the practicality of such adulteration. We are looking into the possibility of seconding two officers to Thailand and whether we can help with the disposal of kidney beans.
From our point of view the visit was extremely useful since it provides us with an up-to-date apprecia- tion of the most difficult problems with which the opium producing countries are confronted. We are greatly indebted to H.M. Ambassadors, and in particular Arthur de la Mare for making the visits possible, and for being so helpful about what I realise is for them a very hot potato. Incidentally we have had some comments from the Americans indicating strong interest in and encourage- ment for Hong Kong (and the U.K.) playing a larger part.
Sir Duncan Watson, KCMG,
D.U.S., F.C.O.
SECRET
ECLIPSE