TNAG-2237-FCO40-3216-Future-of-Hong-Kong-defence-and-public-order-1991 — Page 72

11.

SECRET UK EYES A

In the course of the last 2 years both Peru and Bolivia democratically elected their presidents for the third successive time, in the case of the former bringing to an end the 5 disastrous years of President Garcia whose corrupt government had brought Peru economically to its knees. The position of Peru in the drugs arena has grown in importance over the period, especially in relation to Europe and the UK to whom it is now generally considered Peru exports more cocaine than to the USA. In Ecuador, controls over drug movement within the country are lax and given low priority, and this country, too, is now considered to be a major player in the export of cocaine brought in from Peru and Colombia. The story in Venezuela is the same, and whilst the President recently "declared war" on drugs and made revelations of top level Venezuelans having links with Colombian cartels, little CN work is apparent.

Figures available suggest that as much as 20% of Colombian drugs now pass through Venezuela which brings a clear impetus for cross- border cooperation on CN interdiction.

In Colombia, the government continues to face the problems of terrorism narco-terrorism with a commendable stoicism, and despite depressing statistics there have been some encouraging successes on this front. The surrender of Escobar may cause international interest but it is unlikely to result in any long term decrease in the drug trade or cocaine refining capacity within Colombia. Finally, we have continued to warm relationships with Guyana, and [provided their long heralded elections at the turn of this year prove to be fairly conducted], there is every chance that this association can be thickened to mutual advantage.

MILITARY ASSISTANCE

-

and

12.

With the exception of our continuing programme of training and assistance in Colombia, our commitments in South America remain sparse. With few exceptions, our DAs in this region and the Caribbean emphasise the

the same point that the ever-burgeoning drug tapestry is now beyond the powers of these countries alone to make all but a partial impression. Outside assistance of the kind we have been giving to Colombia for the past 2 years is the best kind of contribution we can make to a Scourge which shows every sign of becoming increasingly prominent in UK. It is possible that the FCO will be able to allocate a small sum for limited further training of Colombian CN agencies by the SF when the current phase completes at the

end of FY 91.

C:\MP50\00AREP\GENERAL.91 E:\ROW \DOAREP. GEN

0.5

SECRET UK EYES A