TNAG-0371-FCO40-417-Visits-of-leading-personalities-of-Hong-Kong-to-the-UK-1973 — Page 34

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Tsoi's reprieve

6. Mr Cheong-Leen may take the line that it was wrong for

Tsoi to be reprieved against the wishes of most people in

Hong Kong and at a time when their Campaign to Fight Violent

Crime is under way. Mr Cater, the Secretary for Information,

has said publicly that "the reprieve has no connection with

the Fight Violent Crime Campaign".

7. Mr Cheong-Leen is probably not an experienced enough

member of Legislative Council to be able to talk with

authority about the long term effects of HMG overruling a

Hong Kong decision, but he may refer to the possible adverse

effects on relations between Hong Kong and HMG.

Narcotics

8. Mr Wilford has suggested that Mr Royle might mention the

efforts that are currently being made to contain and stamp out

the introduction and circulation of drugs in Hong Kong.

9.

There are estimated to be no fewer than 60,000 addicts

in Hong Kong. US Sources put it as high as 80,000 - 100,000.

The turnover of the business of opium and its derivatives is

estimated to be about HK$1 million a day in Hong Kong.

10. Mr Rolph, Commissioner for Narcotics in Hong Kong, has

prepared a series of papers on the drug problem in Hong Kong

and has made recommendations for action which might be taken

in the international field to prevent the illicit supply of

drugs to Hong Kong. The US have for some time been seriously

/concerned

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