TNAG-0820-FCO40-1027-Narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 354

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C.

Our reference:

Your reference:

Gilbert Kelland Esq

Assistant Commissioner on Crime New Scotland Yard

Broadway

LONDON

SW1

HOME OFFICE

Queen Anne's Gate, LONDON, SWII 9AT

Direct line: 01-XXX 4022 Switchboard: 01-213 3000

10 May 1978

Dear Ginel

Since you wrote to me last November about the formal agreement that Peter Law should act as UK Drugs Liaison Officer in Bangkok it has occurred to me from time to time that this is an arrangement which we ought to keep under review. The forthcoming meeting organised by Interpol to discuss the liaison officer arrangements in Bangkok in general affords an opportunity to raise certain matters.

As you pointed out in your letter the terms of reference agreed were not precisely those which we originally suggested and we were not consulted about the changes. These in themselves, however, appear to be sufficiently minor to warrant accepting what was proposed without challenge. The way in which the matter was handled, however, seemed to leave something to be desired in the absence of full consultation.

Since then there have been one or two matters which have given cause for anxiety.

I enclose copies of some telegrams which reached me last September. As you will see I have declassified these since the subject matter is no longer live and the reasons for classification do not apply in the UK. It seemed to me at the time that there was a somewhat hysterical note in these exchanges, particularly as I could see no reason why I should be brought into the matter at all. I discussed them with Bing Spear at the time and we agreed that there was no need to trouble you with them. however, a little concerned that Peter Law should be apparently showing such lack of discrimination in the material he sends and the designated recipient of it. It has occurred to me to wonder, therefore, whether he is showing better judgment in the material he is sending you.

I am,

I also enclose a translation of an article which appeared in a Danish newspaper in December 1977. This was spotted by Interpol and handed to me in Geneva. I took the opportunity of checking with a member of the Danish delegation there and he confirmed that, apart from one or two minor inaccuracies, the translation is a reliable one. I did not feel particularly happy that, in an attributable article of this kind, Peter Law should have expressed opinions, some of which could be internationally embarrassing, and not all of which could he be in a position to substantiate personally. I raised this with Peter Lee, the Commissioner for Narcotics from Hong Kong, who was a member of the UK delegation at the time and I have to say that he did not share my reservations. At the same time, I think you should be apprised of the matter.

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