215. Memorandum From John H. Holdridge of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)1 2
SUBJECT:
- Exploiting Ne Win’s Interest in Cooperating on Narcotics Control
Attached at Tab A is a memorandum to you from Bud Krogh forwarding Nelson Gross’ report of his meeting with General Ne Win on the narcotics problem in Burma.
Ne Win proved almost shockingly cooperative to Gross’ presentation of the seriousness of the problem and the need for the earliest action. Importantly, Ne Win indicated interest in Gross’ suggestion that the U.S. might assist with the provision of certain military equipment [1 line not declassified].
Krogh endorses Gross’ conviction that the U.S. should respond quickly to Ne Win’s interest in an attempt to commit him to action while he is still in this frame of mind. Krogh met with Under Secretary Johnson, Marshall Green, and Nelson Gross January 27. Johnson agreed that up to $3 million in military equipment should be offered, financed from the AID Contingency Fund. Secretary Laird and. Admiral Moorer subsequently agreed to cooperate in providing equipment at a reasonable cost. [less than 1 line not declassified]
Krogh believes we should also consider sending a letter to Ne Win thanking him for his interest in the narcotics problem.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 358, Subject Files, Subject Files, Narcotics V. Secret. Sent for information. Haig was the original recipient, although he redirected this memorandum to Kissinger. Tab A was attached but not published.↩
- Holdridge reported on the almost “shockingly cooperative” attitude of General Ne Win towards anti-narcotics cooperation with the United States.↩