TNAG-0416-FCO40-462-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 91

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3.

I can appreciate the formidable legal problems about searching vessels on the high seas, although this is obviously what is wanted. I wonder whether there are precedents in the slave traffic in the Red Sea or in Sanctions. These would be worth looking at, although I would assume that we would have to act under cover of a U.N. Resolution; I wonder how hard this would be to get past the Chinese, and if successful where it might lead us? This would need very careful thought.

Ad Hoc Committee

4.

On the appointment of a Sub-Commission by the Ad Hoc Committee our main aim is naturally to get something moving. The U.N. Commission itself is intended to meet only once every two years (though to do it justice it has met annually of late), and since all recommendations from a Sub-Commission would have to be referred to it (Report of the 25th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs) we could find ourselves with a rather sleepy body. In the terms of reference we should argue for the greatest possible independence.

5.

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We realise that the work of the Sub-Commission could overlap with another organisation the Far East Regional Assembly of Interpol, which is intended this year to hold its first meeting since 1967, although the venue is not fixed. Interpol is incidentally mentioned in the terms of reference of the Ad Hoc Committee. the law enforcement field, this Regional Assembly could have a part to play, if only it could be resuscitated. At the Annual Assembly of Interpol at Vienna in October, I hope that Hong Kong, which is represented as part of the U.K. delegation, will have something meaningful to say on this and generally. If the Regional Assembly were to materialise there would be scope for this and the Sub-Commission to work in harness.

6.

We have an open mind whether Rolph should accompany the Ad Hoc Sub-Committee. If the Ad Hoc Committee can do an effective job without our participation (except of course when the members come to Hong Kong); and if realistic conclusions, which allow Hong Kong to take part in whatever organisation is recommended, can be achieved by allowing the logic of the situation to work itself out rather than by Hong Kong thrusting herself forward, well and good.

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