Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969–1972

184. Telegram 47398 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Burma¹ ²

Washington, March 19, 1971, 0434Z.

Subject:

• Narcotics Traffic

Refs:

• A. State 38049
• B. Rangoon 686
• C. Rangoon 3949 (Nov. 21, 1969)
• D. Rangoon A-110, May 26, 1970

1. Appreciate your useful discussion of opium production and trafficking in Burma in your response to Ref A.

2. We agree that it is doubtful representations from us could cause GUB to take more effective action against production and traffic of opium in Northern Burma given complex links between those activities and the problems of security discussed Ref B. At same time, however, we feel that there is value in discussing drug problems with GUB from time to time to underline our continuing interest in increasing cooperative efforts to reduce international flow of drugs. To this end, we suggest that you raise question of international traffic of drugs with Foreign Minister at time and in manner you feel appropriate. Following points could be made:

A. You may wish to refer to your previous discussion with Maung Lwin (Ref C) and point out continuing high level USG interest in cooperating with other countries in attempts to stem illicit drug production and trafficking. Express our hope that there can be continuing and frank dialogue between our to governments on this subject and recall useful exchange of information between Mr. Dick of BNDD and GUB officials in May 1970 (Ref D).

B. Convey our comprehension that problem of opiates trafficking in Southeast Asia is regional problem effecting several countries and that USG has already and will continue to discuss this problem also with the RTG and the RLG. Point out that the U.S. now has BNDD and Customs officers in Thailand working closely with Thai officials on matters relating to international illicit drug trafficking and that it is likely our cooperation with the RTG will increase in this and related fields.

C. Indicate that from time to time our officials in Thailand through their activities there obtain information about illicit drug trafficking operations in neighboring countries including Burma. Suggest that this kind of information on Burma could passed to the GUB and by way of example you might outline the reports on the opium caravan and the laboratory near Tachilek mentioned Ref B indicating information obtained in Thailand. Point out further that we would like to receive any information the GUB obtains on illicit international trafficking of drugs. If Hla Han give an encouragement to this approach, you might suggest a channel for exchange of information between Embassy Rangoon and the appropriate officials in the GUB be established.

D. Express the USG’s interest in providing full support to increasing UN role in international drug control. USG took initiative in proposing voluntary UN Special Fund for Drug Abuse control which SYG is establishing this month and so informing all UN member governments. FYI V. Kusevic, Director of the UN Division of Narcotics Drugs, who recently visited Washington indicated that he had discussed the possibility of pilot projects (unspecified) in Burma with GUB officials during a visit in late 1970 to Rangoon. He said that it is possible that the GUB will accept a planning mission in the “not-too-distant” future.

E. Express USG satisfaction that Burma participated in recently concluded UN Conference for Adoption of Protocol on Psychotropic Substances at Vienna, GUB came to conference as observer but then became full participant and signed Final Act.

Attending for Burma were U Sein Hla Oo, Commissioner of Excise, as Representative and U Kan Nyunt, First Secretary, Prague, as Alternate.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, INCO-DRUGS BURMA. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by William F. Beachner (EA/TB); cleared in EA, in substance with BNDD, S/NM, and Defense; and approved by Wilson. Repeated to Bangkok, Phnom Phen, Saigon, Vientiane, Hong Kong, and CINCPAC.
2. The Department instructed the Embassy to underline the U.S. commitment to containing international narcotics trafficking through periodic conversations with the Burmese Government.