Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–7, Documents on South Asia, 1969–1972

Kabul, April 15, 1972, 0340Z

1.: When I saw FonMin Shafiq April 12 I again raised narcotics problem stressing need for stricter enforcement which would probably require new police, pharmaceutical and drug laws as well as need for Afghan active participation in CND ad hoc committee. While we agreed discuss subject at greater length on his return from PRC, Shafiq made following interesting observations: (a) he believed present two Cabinet committees too cumbersome and foreign governments need focal person to talk to; (b) he trying centralize problem by harmonizing action and speeding it up: (c) focal point should be in MFA.
2.: Shafiq added he had proposed that Supreme Court take steps to see that uniform drug law is drafted. He said MFA now drafting note asking foreign help this regard. He [Page 2] implied note would go to most Embassies Kabul but was not specific. He said he had also proposed (a) creation of special drug courts and (b) special drug training courses for RGA personnel involved in narcotics effort.
3.: Comment: I believe MFA focal point has definite advantages for us so long as procedure would not further delay initial work of Cabinet committees whose reports now due May. After above mentioned note arrives, I expect see respective chairmen in near future in effort obtain information on direction their work and possible tentative conclusions.

Neumann

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 11–5 AFG. Confidential. Repeated to Ankara, Bonn, Geneva, Islamabad, London, Paris, Rome, and USUN.↩
Ambassador Neumann “again raised narcotics problem” with Foreign Minister Shafiq, stressing the need for stricter enforcement. Shafiq discussed the steps he was taking to deal with the problem.↩