TNAG-0417-FCO40-463-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 122

SUNDAY POST HERALD AUGUST 191 73

19/3

HKK 19

KEY TALKS ON DRUGS DRIVE

THE leader of the visiting U.S. Congressional team, Representative Lester Wolff (Democrat-New York), and the Colony's Narcotics Commissioner, Mr Norman Rolph, yesterday held talks aimed at improving the methods of combating drug trafficking.

Secrecy shrouded the matters the two men discussed, but Mr Wolff said later: "All I can really comment at the moment is that talks are proceeding aimed at improving the situation and we have been assured of local co-operation."

holding

is also discussions with other senior Hongkong officials during his four day visit to the Colony and Mr Wolff added: "1 am concerned that people don't seem to know the extent of the drugs problem."

Experience had shown that officials in Thailand had been co operating with Hongkong in efforts to eradicate the trade in narcotics, he said.

"My attitude here is not to come with a big stick, but to indicate what is available to the two Governments in the variety

of weaponry that can be used in A combined effort to end the drugs trafficking.”

Despite some of the fierce talking and accusations that have recently been taking place between the Hongkong Government officials and the Americans over local efforts to stamp out the drugs scene, Mr Wolff said there had been no

in hostility

the talks held yesterday with Mr Rolph.

Commenting on Mr Wolff's statement on possible trade sanctions against Hongkong if it did not offer the United States full co operation in fighting narcotics, a Government spokesman said "there is and has been for a long time the fullest and friendliest" operation between the two authorities.

CO-

In order to obtain a better balanced view of these relations, he quoted a chapter dealing with Hongkong in a report of the special study mission led by Mr Wolff to Southeast Asia.

The report was published in Washington on July 26, and part of the chapter reads as follows:

Until recently, U.S. agents of the highest calibre

were not receiving the type of co operation from British officials that would yield the most effective results. And while it is understandable that the British have reservations about American interference in enforcement matters, the U.S. Consul General must continue to exert every effort to gain the whole hearted co-operation of the authorities in Hongkong in the mutually beneficial effort to stop the production of and trafficking narcotics throughout Southeast Asia.

"In recent months, Hongkong authorities have made several notable seizures. Their Narcotics Bureau is of very high quality. Despite these positive facts, however, the availability of No 4 heroin seems to be on the increase. . . . But the refining process can be so easily set up and is so highly| mobile that apprehension and prosecution is difficult.

1

**Another problem confronting both the United States and British narcotics enforcement agents is the mas sive air and sea traffic criss- crossing Hongkong daily Clearly the magnitude of the traffic makes even normal customs operations exceedingly difficult."