0003160 G.F. 316
SECRET 高度機密
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Corruption
24.
H.M. Ambassador, Bangkok, very rightly points out in his comments on paper two the ingrained corruption which is an integral part of the Thai way of life and which must be a part and parcel of the illicit narcotics trade in Thailand, even in high places. Paragraphs 9 and 20 of paper two refer to corruption. in a general way. It is also apparent that narcotics and corrup- tion have been, and probably still arc, closely interrelated in Laos. The extent to which the corruption of government officials in Burma is connected to the intractable opium problem in the north east of the country is not known. While there is probably some at the lower levels, it is not thought to be so extensive or deep seated as in Thailand and Laos.
25.
Corruption is an endemic problem in the Orient, Hong Kong by no means being immune. The Narcotics Bureau in the Colony has long been aware of widespread corruption in the narcotics field involving the Thai Army and Police; indeed my information is that both to this day are heavily implicated. The corruption factor must certainly be taken into account when planning in order that the measures to be adopted frustrate the opportunities for it to intrude so far as possible. But it would be wrong to adopt a defeatist attitude towards it or to rely on it as a principal excuse for the lack of success in stopping illicit trafficking. With changing attitudes, it is to be hoped that the Governments of Burma, Laos and Thailand will be more willing than in the past to root out corruption wherever it is found. My impression is that the Americans in their enthusiasm are inclined to skate too lightly over the corruption aspect of illicit drug trafficking in South and East Asia.
The Americans
26.
The Americans are clearly delighted that Hong Kong has appointed a Commissioner for Narcotics. Not a week goes without me receiving ample testimony of this. During my visits to Burma, Laos and Thailand I was extended every cooperation, courtesy and hospitality by American officials, nothing boing too much trouble. Up to the present time, drug addiction and the war against illicit opium products, heroin in particular, has been identified firmly with the Americans and it is the United States worldwide and virtually alone which has been exerting great pressure on opium producing, heroin manufacturing and trafficking countries to put a stop to these practices. They are also devoting much money and expertise in terms of highly trained personnel to combatting the drug menace in Laos and Thailand. Undoubtedly the Americans feel their isolation.
That Hong Kong is now giving greater voice to
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