TNAG-0416-FCO40-462-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 174

MELEY

S.C.MP 30 APRIL 1872

¡Govt refutes Washington

drugs charge

The suggestion that British

officials in Hongkong were reluctant to recognise the severity of the drug problem was quite untruc. 3 Government spokesman said yesterday.

**There is close liaison between British officials In Hongkong and the United States Bureau of Narcotics and dangerous drugs officials stationed here," the spokesman said.

Commenting on a Congressional report from Washington which alleged that there was a growing flow of heroin from Hongkong to the Netherlands, the spokesman said: "We have received no communications from the Dutch authorities concerning this.

"Police action against narcotic offences is a matter of public record and thi. for itself.

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"The allegation that we are reluctant to take action against narcotic offenders IS irresponsible and misinformed. The suggestion that we must obtain clearance from London

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before we step up action against

narcotic offences is also not true." the spokesman added.

The Congressional report, issued in Washington, said that the Nixon administration should put pressure on the British Government to help stem the growing flow of heroin from Hongkong to American troops in Europe.

The report was made earlier this year by three members of the House of Representatives Commerce Committee Mr Louis Frey (Republican, Florida), Mr Peter Kyros (Democrat. Maine) and Mr James Hastings (Republican. New York) following a trip to Asia and Europe.

They said they found changing patterns in the international · drug pattern follow the withdrawal of 'American troops from South

Vietnum.

Their report said that in recent months there had been a growing pattern of shipments from Hongkong through the Netherlands to American servicemen in Germany.

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