SECRET
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1
118
A E Donald Esq Political Adviser HONG KONG
Telephone 01-
Your reference
Our reference
HKK 19/1
Date
3 July 1975
LAT
NARCOTICS:
1.
Dear Allan,
INTERCEPTION OF THAI TRAWLERS
R
R
(124) 9 (1217)
I am writing to ask for advice on two proposals discussed at the tripartite meeting on drug trafficking in the Far East held in London on 9-10 June. These concern the possibility of suppressing drug smuggling by Thai trawlers and were mentioned to Sir Duncan Watson when Lee, together with Rumbelow and Law, called on 25 June. I enclose
a copy of the record.
2.
The two proposals are set out in paragraphs and 5 of this and you will see that both, in the opinion of the Thais, are feasible although the second would require a financial contribution from Hong Kong. We are, however, doubtful whether either scheme stands a realistic chance of getting off the ground. We are extremely doubtful whether the MOD would agree to use a Royal Naval vessel for putting a Thai official aboard a trawler suspected of smuggling even if this were to occur in international waters. And I imagine that the second proposal might not be welcome to Hong Kong on financial grounds. There is also the Chinese dimension on which we would particularly like comments.(I should add that there are a number of legal questions on which we are seeking advice within the Office).
3
However, as we have been asked to consider the two proposals, I would be grateful for any comments you might have by 21 July, if necessary by telegram. We would of course also welcome the views of Peking and Bangkok to whom this letter is being copied.
сс
Head of Chancery, Peking Head of Chancery, Bangkok
Yours ear
Laurence
PL O'Keeffe
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
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