372. Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Sisco) to Secretary of State Rogers1 2
Afghanistan Narcotics Control
In presenting his program to the Parliament prior to receiving its vote of confidence, Prime Minister Shafiq promised “effective measures” to stop the narcotics traffic, and added that the Government of Afghanistan, with foreign assistance, will also develop a program to stop illicit opium cultivation. The next day he repeated his determination to launch a “crusade” against drugs in an interview with an AP correspondent.
Narcotics control thus became one of eleven planks in the platform of the government of the new Prime Minister, for the first time figuring as a priority item in the RGA agenda. This public recognition of the importance of the narcotics problem has undoubtedly resulted largely from the constant efforts of our Embassy in Kabul under the leadership of Ambassador Robert G. Neumann.
Recommendation:
That you approve the attached telegram to Ambassador Neumann commending him on a job well done.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, SOC 11–5 AFG. Limited Official Use. Drafted on December 15 by Flaten (NEA/PAB), cleared by Laingen, Davies, Seymour H. Glazer (NEA/RA), and by Harvey R. Wellman, Special Assistant to the Secretary for Narcotics Matters. Rogers wrote “no” in the margin next to the recommendation. The draft telegram to Neumann was attached but not published.↩
- Sisco noted that Prime Minister Shafiq had promised “effective measures” to stop the illegal drug traffic in Afghanistan, and he credited the Embassy in Kabul with Shafiq’s public recognition of the importance of the narcotics problem.↩