CONVERSATION WITH SENATOR GEORGE MCGOVERN RE DRUG PROBLEM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP74B00415R000400050068-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 15, 2006
• Sequence Number: 68
• Publication Date: April 29, 1971
• Content Type: MFR

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29 April 1971
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Conversation with Senator George McGovern re Drug
,Problem in Southeast Asia
1. This afternoon I met with Senator McGovern and his Staff Assistant,
John Holum in response to the Senator's letter of 13 April 1971 inquiring about
possible Agency knowledge of or involvement in drug traffic in Southeast Asia.
I told the Senator I preferred to answer the questions contained in his letter
orally and privately so that I could be completely forthcoming, which would
not be the case in an unclassified written reply and I then proceeded to make
the following points:
a. The Agency has never in any way participated directly
or indirectly in, or condoned the production, distribution, or
use of opium, heroin or other hard drugs.
'b. Wherever possible we have tried to discourage opium
production and distribution, especially among certain tribes in
Southeast Asia with whom we are in contact.
c. These efforts have had some success. In particular we
have been able to persuade the Meo tribes in northern Laos to
shift some of their efforts from opium production to rice production.
In fact, in the current issue of Foreign Affairs, Roland Paul, who
recently surveyed the area for the Foreign Relations Committee,
writes that "... it may be interesting to note that because of their
long association with the American agency (CIA), the hill tribes
have shifted their agricultural emphasis from opium to rice."
d. Meo opium production has been further curtailed as a
result of the disruption of the war, and we understand is no
longer a significant factor in the, world supply.
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e. Our investigation reveals. no evidence of any significant
opium production at Long Tieng.
f. We understand that some Chinese irregular armies
operating in the "fertile triangle" area including parts of
Burma, northern Thailand, and northern Laos, do profit from
the opium traffic, mainly by charging duty on caravans coming
through their areas. However, CIA has no connection with these
armies.
h. Opium production in Laos has been going on for centuries,
and certainly CIA is in no position to put a stop to this traditional
activity, any more than Federal agents were able to eradicate
corn whiskey in Appalachia during prohibition. But we certainly
have never protected or condoned opium production in any way.
j. We are aware that attempts have been made to smuggle
opium on aircraft in and out of opium-producing areas, including
aircraft under Agency control. Whenever we have had evidence
of these attempts we have taken prompt preventive action, fired
any individuals involved who were in Agency employ, and have
cooperated with the Bureau of Narcotics in developing evidence
for the prosecution of any Americans implicated.
2. Senator McGovern said he was glad to know we were doing what
we could to cope with the problem, and appreciated my frank answers. I
reminded him that the general problem was not within the Agency's competence
or responsibility but he could be sure that we were as concerned about it as
anybody, were trying to do all we could to cope with it, and were actively
cooperating with the Bureau of Narcotics.
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3. Senator McGovern asked if it would be possible to get a letter
formally responding to his written inquiry to the Director. I said that in,
such a :letter we could not go into the points that I had covered, and the
letter really wouldn't say anything except to acknowledge the Senator's
inquiry. I said I couldn't speak for the Director, but would be glad to
convey the Senator's request.
JOHN M. MAURY
Legislative Counsel
Distribution:
Original - Subject
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