0003160 G.F. 316
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Report by the Commissioner for Narcotics, Hong Kong about the Anglo-American discussions on dangerous drugs held in Hong Kong on 7th and 8th June, 1973
Introduction
El 122)
78
1.
Arising from an approach made to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by the American Embassy in London on 17th May, 1973 (Secretary of State's telegram 490 to Governor Hong Kong) Anglo-American informal discussions about dangerous drugs were held in Hong Kong on 7th and 8th June, 1973. A list of the participants is at Annex 'A' with the agenda at Annex 'B'. The agenda was covered fully and embraced the entire substance of the discussions.
2.
The atmosphere of the two day study group was courteous and cordial throughout on both sides. It was essentially a meeting of professionals concerned with the suppression of the illicit drug trade and was played as such. There was no politicizing or tenden- tious talk and at no time did the Americans attempt to criticize or lean on Hong Kong either directly, or through the United Kingdom delegation. In this matter the Americans gave the impression that they had been well briefed to avoid any such controversy.
3.
From the outset the Americans made it clear that they wish to involve the United Kingdom Government in the problem of dangerous drugs emanating from the so-called Golden Triangle area of Burma, Laos and Thailand. The reasons for this appear to be threefold. Firstly, they appreciate Hong Kong's position as a dependent territory and the restriction this imposes upon the Colony's ability to negotiate with other countries. The Americans recognise that British foreign policy is decided solely in London and there- fore the United Kingdom Government must become committed directly in Hong Kong's drug problem if any British impact is to be made in the opium producing countries mentioned above. Secondly, and this is connected with the first, the Americans want the United Kingdom Government to be more active diplomatically in dealing with the Governments of Burma, Laos and Thailand regarding the suppression of the illicit trade in opium and its derivatives. And thirdly, the Americans feel isolated and lonely in their considerable endeavours to curb opium growth and the illicit traffic in this part of the world and want company. As Hong Kong has a major drug problem on its hands and American operations in Laos and Thailand in terms of personnel, money and resources benefit the Colony directly, they feel that the most appropriate company is British. This aspect was mentioned in paragraph 26 of my report on my visits to Burma, Laos and Thailand in February-March 1973 forwarded to Sir Duncan Watson and others on 10th April, reference SCR 4/1316/72.
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