TNAG-0415-FCO40-461-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 64

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

COMMITTEE ON INTERSTATE AND FOREIGN COMMERCE,

Washington, D.C., March 27, 1973.

Hon. HARLEY O. STAGGERS, Chairman, Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, House of

Representatives, Washington. D.C.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Transmitted herewith is the report of the undersigned members of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of our review of narcotic enforcement efforts in Hong Kong, Thailand. Burma. India. Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, France, and the Netherlands. We left Washington, D.C. on January 22, 1973 and re- turned on February 7, 1973.

The principal purpose of the trip was to review for the Administra- tion and the Congress the principal sources of illegal drugs reaching the United States and American troops abroad. the changing traf- ficking patterns, and the enforcement efforts of the governments of the countries we visited and the American missions in those countries. We noted a changed attitude by both American and foreign officials toward narcotics enforcement as a result of increased emphasis by the Administration on interdicting international drug traffic. Despite the increased strength and effectiveness of U.S. narcotic enforcement. efforts, it is our firm conclusion that there will continue to be a large supply of illegal drugs available in the United States for some time to come unless dramatic changes are made.

It is our hope that the detailed review we have made of efforts by individual countries and the United States and our recommendations for steps which should be taken to make those efforts more effective will be seriously considered.

We would like to express our appreciation for the assistance, advice, cooperation and hospitality extended to us during the course of our investigation. And, to you Mr. Chairman, we express our appreciation for your assistance in authorizing this investigation and the printing of this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Lot FREY, Jr.,

PETER N. KYROS, JAMES F. HASTINGS.

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