TNAG-0415-FCO40-461-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 8

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

MUIKERS

Army moves

in on

Colum

growers

THE FURIAD Army offensive

the

jungle boluca eunty of Barwaj Laos and Thailand, has surprised... United States and British authori ties in Hong Kong, writes Richard Hughes.

The heart of the long-entrens ched opium - heroin morphine kingdom-the so-called golden triangle is the Burmese town. of Tachilek, which has been pë minded at last by the Burmest

dy. An estimated 15,000 former Chinese nationalist army veterans and local Irregulars have find the town.

The warlord adventurer who ruled the area, 34-yor-

}

Heng-han, is on the run

but the United States has reser vations about the effectiveness of the campaign.

Although the facts have not been publicised, it is known that United States agents (Bureau of 'Narcotics and Dangerous: Drugs) have been in contact with "General" Lo on the Thai-Burma border, They have, ben promising a subsidy allegedly provided by the Burmese government in Rangoon bút Chanced :: from United States fund-to induce opium growers and heroin manu” facturers to transfer to other. agricultural work. ?

+1

There had been hopes that this devious transaction-- honest bribery," as one United States diplomat describes It would have dried up the production of opium in Burtau as similar action -directed and Biancod Ty Washe ington-diverted por "owera in Turkey to ethe innoceat agricultur;

Impre

Sunday Times:

6.5.73.