219. Telegram 1366 From the Embassy in Pakistan to the Department of State1 2
Islamabad, February 11, 1972, 1100Z.
Subj:
- Gross Discussion With Pres. Bhutto on Narcotics
Ref:
- State 23446
- 1.
- On Feb 10 evening Gross and Charge met with Pres. Bhutto at Governor’s House in Karachi. Charge introduced Gross and delivered letter (reftel) from Pres. Nixon, which Bhutto read with interest.
- 2.
- Gross expressed appreciation for meeting. He reviewed Pres. Nixon’s concern with international narcotics control, mentioned that the subject had been elevated to a foreign policy level and described the Cabinet Committee chaired by Secretary Rogers. Bhutto expressed full understanding of the problem and stated that what was of concern to the U.S. was also of concern to the GOP.
- 3.
- Gross said that the Embassy had been formulating a possible plan of action for narcotics control whereby our government could help devise a method by which the GOP could interdict illicit narcotics traffic. Gross said the Embassy would discuss their thoughts with the GOP administration and looked forward to constructive dialogue. Bhutto was receptive and [Page 2] positive in his reaction. Gross further said that he had met with GOP FonSec in Washington in November and at that time had mentioned the possibility of advancing the 1979 date for termination of opium production. Gross reported that FonSec indicated he would relay the suggestion to Islamabad, but obviously events had overtaken the subject. Bhutto indicated an interest and asked what Gross had in mind in terms of advancing the date. Gross said that perhaps opium production could be banned in 1973 and that appropriate steps could be taken to make such an action feasible. Bhutto asked that Gross discuss this subject in detail with the Health Minister. He advised that he would ask Health Minister to meet with Gross in Islamabad the following day, along with the Finance Minister, with whom an appointment had already been arranged.
- 4
- Gross brought up the subject of the Single Convention, indicating that the proposed amendments thereto were very important, but that we could anticipate some difficulties, particularly with India. Gross surmised that the GOP could substantially benefit from a public relations viewpoint by advocating the amendments, and at the same time could help the U.S. achieve its objective of building a momentum in favor of greater controls over illicit production and traffic. Bhutto’s response was generally affirmative, he stated that he would very much like to cooperate with the U.S. and asked that Gross describe the specifics to the Foreign Secretary. In conclusion Bhutto asked that Gross relay his desire to be cooperative to Pres. Nixon.
- 5.
- Comment: Believe Bhutto meeting was useful as kick-off to our discussion this subject with senior officials of his new government. Bhutto had agreed to meet Gross at Charge’s personal plea that it was important for presidential blessing to be given in principle to our proposed cooperation with GOP on narcotics control.
Sober