TNAG-0417-FCO40-463-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 131

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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(A) The Problem of Cooperation

Ming Po reacted very strongly to this problem, saying that Hong Kong has no obligation to cooperate with the U.S. The U.S. Government should feel very grateful if we cooperate with them. They should not ruin the reputation of Hong Kong by open criticism even if we do not want to co-operate.

The paper pointed out that because Hong Kong is a free port and its tourist industry is developing very rapidly, it is extremely difficult to stop the flow of drugs.

It further pointed out that one of the reasons behind the U.S. drug problem is that the penalty for drug traffickers in the United States is too light. Therefore, the paper concluded, the U.S. Congress should not lay all the blame on Hong Kong.

On the other hand, Ming Po said that to stop the flow of drugs is an international responsibility which all nations and territories should shoulder in the interest of all mankind. Hong Kong should cooperate with the U.S. as well as other nations in the world to stop the flow of drugs.

(B) The Allegation of International Drug Centre

Both the communist and non-communist newspapers considered the allegation to have some basis for truth.

"Hong Kong should wash out this bad name, " said Ming Po.

"Get rid of this bad name by appropriate action!" urged New Evening Post (communist).

"The fact that the average age of drug addicts in Hong Kong is younger than before should not be ignored," said New Life Evening Post.

"The people of Hong Kong should be responsible for rooting out this shame. They should report and give their fullest support to destroy drug dens," said Nem Wah Man Po.

"We can never rid ourselves of this bad name by evading responsibili Let us face realities," said Ching Po (communist).

(C) Propositions

Ming Po said that the penalty for drug traffickers is too light. Capital punishment should be imposed.

The paper also supported the proposal of the Narcotics Bureau to give handsome rewards to informers.

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