TNAG-0416-FCO40-462-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 153

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Mr. Wilford

Kford

Mr

CONFIDENTIAL

79

HONG KONG: NARCOTICS

1. Mr Baas of the US Embassy called on me on 17 May.

Mr Wenban-Smith of UN Department and Mr Gregory-Hood of SEAD

were also present. The purpose of the visit was to propose an

informal meeting in Hong Kong on the narcotics problem between

the Director of the US Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

and representatives of HMG and the Hong Kong Government. The

dates proposed were 4 to 6 June. Since time was short I sent

the attached telegram, which gives further details, to the

Governor.

2. Mr Baas had had an earlier discussion with Mr Stuart. I

was not present but I understand that Mr Stuart expressed

reservations about the danger of crossing wires with the

proposed United Nations Ad Hoc Committee which is to study

ways of developing cooperation against drug trafficking in the

Far East. Mr Baas evidently reported Mr Stuart's comments to

Washington, and the present proposal is designed to avoid this

difficulty and also to avoid ruffling any Chinese sensitivities.

Subject to the Governor's views I think we should now support

the idea, and so do United Nations Department, South East Asian

Department and the Home Office.

CONFIDENTIAL

13.