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of 14 July) and Mr Tripp has no objection in principle (my letter to Smith of 21 July). Charles Ley has the authority to visit Rangoon within his terms of reference.
3. I do not in fact think that the Burmese would be stand-offish towards Ley because of the fact that he is based in Bangkok. Relations between Burma and Thailand have improved this year and in any event British officials based in Bangkok have been able to operate in Burma without any disadvantage in the past. I have in mind the former Naval and Air Attache as well as officials of the Development Division and others.
4.
Ley is a member of the RHKP. We can mention this when enquiring whether his visit here would be acceptable. He also has the necessary expertise to make the enquiries about narcotics in Burma on which to base the judgement which will be called for about the establishment of the post. I should much prefer it that he rather than I, a non-expert, should evaluate the evidence required by points (a) and (b) in paragraph 1 above. He should also consult those concerned in the US Embassy and in the UN Drug Abuse Control Programme here.
5. In these circumstances I should be grateful if HM Ambassador in Bangkok would be willing to permit Ley to visit here as soon as his other duties permit. If this cannot be done in the autumn or winter months a visit in the spring would be acceptable to me but I should prefer it to be, if possible, before I go on home leave in mid March.
cc. J P Tripp Esq CMQ
BANGKOK
B Smith Esq OBE SEAD, FCO
W E quantrill Esq KH&GD, FCO
C L Booth
CONFIDENTIAL
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