TNAG-0506-FCO40-571-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 101

CONFIDENTIAL

they would pursue it.

I have

Since returning here I have tried out the idea on the Americans and they too have clutched at the straw with decided interest and enthusiasm. been given to understand that no less a person than President Ford himself has very recently declared an interest in examining any new and reasonable initiative and has invited Missions overseas to submit suggestions.

L

I do not underestimate the difficulties inherent in assembling a working group of the kind proposed. Obviously a great deal of careful, painstaking, preparatory groundwork would be essential. To get Burma to attend for

And then example would be a major exercise in itself. numbers of staff papers would need drafting to guide dis- cussions - an arduous task. But I don't think we should allow tough hardles to turn us aside. The political litigation with India should this matter ever reach the

However, Commission I can only leave to your imagination! something has got to be done if we are to win this game and it seems to me that it is time a small working group of the best brains got its international heads together under the U.N. umbrella to see what can be done. If the eventual answer is nothing additional (though I don't believe this to be the case) then that is that. At least the problem will have been thoroughly and exhaustively examined which to the best of my knowledge has not been done before.

I would

My main purpose in sending you this note is to put you in the picture in case this matter is raised on your net either by the U.N. or by the Americans. be grateful to have your reaction to the substance of this letter when you can spare a moment to write.

All good wishes and best regards.

Yours ever,

Mam

(N.G. Rolph)

Commissioner for Narcotics

C.J. Train, Esq.,

Asst. Secretary of State,

Home Office,

Romney House,

Marsham Street,

LONDON, S.W.1.