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

218. Letter From President Nixon to Pakistani President Bhutto¹ ²

Washington, February 10, 1972.

Dear Mr. President:

Because the problem of drug addiction is becoming an increasingly serious one for many nations of the world, I have asked the Senior Advisor to our Secretary of State and Coordinator for International Narcotics Matters, Mr. Nelson Gross, to visit Pakistan as well as other countries to explore ways in which we might cooperate to curb the flow of illicit opium. Mr. Gross will be visiting Pakistan shortly, and I hope that he will have an opportunity to exchange views with you.

As you know, drug abuse has spawned a multitude of social ills in the United States, the most serious of which is a dramatic increase in the incidence of drug-related crime. It is such a grave threat that I have initiated a comprehensive program to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into this country, eliminate their sale, and rehabilitate drug users.

The United States is not alone in experiencing acute social disruption because of drug addiction. The epidemic of abuse has spread to young people in many industrialized countries, and there is mounting concern in developing countries as well that if these abuses are not ended, their development may be seriously affected.

Of all the drugs which we are seeking to control in the United States, the most destructive is heroin, a by-product of opium. You are doubtless aware that neither opium nor heroin is produced in the United States, and heroin enters the country illegally. For this reason, we are particularly concerned about the international production and trade in opium and its by-products. I have asked the Secretary of State to take charge of the United States’ efforts to strengthen international narcotics control and to offer our assistance to cooperating countries

I know that you have many pressing matters on your mind at this point and appreciate the opportunity to share these concerns of ours with you. I hope that we can work together in this field.

Sincerely,

Richard Nixon

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 760, Presidential Correspondence File, Pakistan, President Bhutto. No classification marking. Rogers sent the President a draft of this letter under cover of a February 5 memorandum. (Ibid.)
2. At the Department of State’s suggestion, Nixon sent Bhutto a letter asking for cooperation on narcotic problems and introducing Nelson Gross, the Department of State Coordinator for International Narcotic Matters, who was to visit Pakistan and South Asia.