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Hong Kong Representation at United Nations Conferences
45.
Hong Kong per head of the population has by far the most acute opiate addiction problem in the Commonwealth and is vitally concerned with the substantial illicit traffic which gives rise to that addiction. Such being the case there would appear to be merit in Hong Kong being represented suitably at United Nations Conferences and those of the World Health Organisation which deal with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, in order that its voice may be heard. In particular it is considered that Hong Kong should be represented at sessions of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Hong Kong being a dependent territory, representation would have to be as a part of a United Kingdom Delegation. There is no reason to think that this would incur criticism from the Chinese.
46.
At the present time Hong Kong takes part in the annual 'Interpol' Congress as a part of the British Delegation. Dangerous Drugs have invariably formed the centrepiece of such Congresses during recent years and undoubtedly will continue to do so for some time ahead. Attendance at 'Interpol' is useful and productive and should be continued. Beyond this Hong Kong also participates from time to time in Far Eastern regional meetings convened to discuss illicit drug trafficking and related matters. These meetings are valuable and should be attended as and when they arise. Regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, Hong Kong is one of the world leaders in this field, the advice and assistance of the Prisons Department especially being sought by organs of the United Nations and other countries. Hong Kong is more than willing to share its knowledge and experience with others in this way, but there is a need for the Government to develop expertise concerning the abuse of drugs and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts beyond the custodial aspect involving the Prisons Department. The Medical and Health Department should be represented at conferences of United Nations bodies and the World Health Organisation concerned with narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, quite apart from any attendance which may be relevant to the Prisons Department.
Cannabis and Synthetic Drugs
47.
No mention has been made in this paper of cannabis and the man-made drugs which are the subject of abuse today in many parts of the world including Hong Kong. This is deliberate since the abuse of these drugs in the Colony is extremely small when compared to the opiates. It is a problem which Hong Kong is able to handle itself with its own resources. The position of the United Kingdom Government with regard to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances however is not very clear. It is under- stood that the United Kingdom has signed the Convention but there is some doubt locally as to whether the intention is to ratify it or otherwise. Hong Kong would welcome information about this matter since it has a direct bearing on legislation now under preparation to control more effectively the synthetic drugs of abuse.
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