TNAG-0504-FCO40-569-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 175

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Mr Crowson

Mr Stuart

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CPR AND THE UN NARCOTICS COMMISSION

Mr George's letter of 4 February below.

1.

The possibility of China becoming a member of the UN Narcotics Commission was discussed in some depth last

year.

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In the second of a series of five papers entitled 'International Considerations' Mr Rolph suggested that positive efforts should be made to involve China in international efforts to combat the illegal use of narcotics (see paragraphs 24-44). In particular he said he saw substantial merit for the UK "proposing or supporting a move to seat China in the UN Commission of Narcotics drugs and in the International Narcotics Control Board". UK and US attitudes to the CPR joining the Narcotics Commission and the INCB was discussed at the tri-partite meeting held in Hong Kong last June. (see paragraphs 13-14 of Mr Train's report of 5 July 1973) It is worth noting then that the Americans said that the Chinese had indicated that they were not interested in bilateral initiatives; co-operation should come from multilateral and international activities. At that time US officials were apparently not very keen on Mr Rolph's proposals concerning Chinese involvement.

3. There was also some minuting between departments within the FCO. UND and FED had somewhat differing views on how actively we should pursue Chinese co-operation on Narcotics. However, it was decided that an approach would not really achieve very much and Mr Stuart conveyed our views to Mr Rolph in his letter (paragraph 5) of 26 September.

4. I have shown a copy of Mr George's letter of

4 February to Mr Davies (FED). He says he is inclined to agree with Mr George; the Chinese will in any case only join the UN Narcotics, when they want to.

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5. It would be helpful if we knew why the Americans are now anxious to get the Chinese to join the Commission. Last year a case could have been made on the grounds that it was necessary in order to get Chinese assistance in stopping the trawler traffic, but this is no longer valid as the traffic has been drastically reduced.

It seems therefore that there is little tobe gained by an approach being made to the Chinese at this time, and I agree with Mr George that we would have little to gain and much to lose by making a joint approach with the Americans. However, I think we should keep in mind that hitherto our policy has been that we should co-operate as closely as possible with the Americans on Narcotics. Indeed it might equally be said that if we do not "stick" fairly close to the Americans on this issue we will not be so well placed

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