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Drug Abuse (8)
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16987777
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Drug Abuse (8)
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James M. Cannon Files (Ford Administration)
James Cannon's Issues Files
subjects
Mexico
U.S. Congress. 1789-
Crime
Legislation
Presidential messages
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1976
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1976-03-16
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1976
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The original documents are located in Box 11, folder "Drug Abuse (8)" of the James M.
Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 11 of the James M. Cannon Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Insury
DEA
Bensinger ADMINISTRATOR
September 3, 1976
To: Mr. Jim Cannon
Jim - for your information.
PP
FORD is LIBRARY CERALD
090808
Chicago Tribune
WORLDS
GREATMET
NEWSPAPER
FOUNDED June 10. 1847
STANTON R. Cook, Chairman and Publisher
ROBERT M. HUNT, President
CLAYTON KIRKPATRICK, Editor
JOHN McCutcHEON, Editorial Page Editor
MAXWELL McCROHON, Managing Editor
WILLIAM H. JONES, Managing Editor, News
8
Section 1
Monday, August 2, 1976
THE NEWSPAPER is an institution developed by modern civilization to
present the news of the day, to foster commerce and industry,
to inform and lead public opinion, and to furnish that check upon
government which no constitution has ever been able to provide.
-THE TRIBUNE CREDO
New tools for drug war
Drug abuse is on the increase again in
study. One-fourth of bail jumpers in
the United States. Successes in the bat-
drug cases are aliens caught smuggling
tle against narcotics in the early 1970s
drugs into the United States; they sim-
have eroded and the number of individu-
ply post bail and leave the country.
al tragedies caused by drugs is growing.
President Ford wants to close this loop-
More than 5,000 persons are dying of
hole by allowing judges to deny bail to
drug overdoses each year in the United
persons arrested on heroin charges if
States. Many thousands more are
they have previously been convicted of a
trapped in ruined lives. And drug abuse
drug felony, are already on parole, are
costs now top $17 billion annually.
nonresident aliens or fugitives, or have
The problem of drug abuse is excruci-
been arrested with a false passport.
atingly complex. But one thing is clear:
Attacking the huge profits being made
The federal government needs several
in drug trafficking, President Ford has
stronger legal weapons to cut down on
asked for legislation to require the for-
the profitability and ease of trafficking
feiting of cash or securities involved in
in heroin and similar dangerous drugs.
narcotics sales when found in the pos-
These necessary and obvious changes in
session of a drug dealer. The proposed
the law have been proposed by Presi-
law would also make it easier to search
dent Ford and introduced in the Senate
for large sums of money being trans-
-and they should be enacted as quickly
ported out of the United States to buy
as possible by Congress.
drugs or as illegal drug profits going
Currently, one in every four persons
into secret bank accounts abroad.
convicted of trafficking in heroin does
not get a prison sentence at all. One in
Still another legal loophole that helps
every three draws a term of less than
illegal drug trade is the 24-hour grace
three years, and those who do go to jail
period given to small, privately owned
are eligible for parole after serving one-
boats before they must report to cus-
third of their sentence. The legislation
toms after arriving in U.S. waters. The
proposed by President Ford requires
time lag gives plenty of opportunity for
mandatory sentences of three years for
unloading illegal drugs before inspec-
persons convicted of manufacturing, im-
tion. President Ford's proposals call for
porting, or trafficking in heroin or simi-
all boats to report immediately to cus-
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
lar dangerous drugs, with no parole eli-
toms.
gibility for the full three years. Second
These proposals by themselves won't
offenses would draw mandatory sen-
completely solve the nation's nasty and
tences of six years.
growing narcotics problems. But all of
The new legislation would also tighten
them will be useful tools in the continu-
up bail restrictions in narcotic cases.
ing fight against those who are pushing
Forty-eight per cent of individuals ar-
dangerous drugs for personal profit.
rested for trafficking in narcotics are
Congress should lose no time in passing
rearrested on drug charges while out on
the legislation necessary to put these
bail, according to a Justice Department
tools to work.
JMC file
Drugo
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1976
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Thank you for your letter of August 20, inviting Mr. Richard
Parsons of my staff and me to appear and give testimony be-
fore the newly created Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse
and Control.
As you know, the President has a keen interest in reducing
the level of drug abuse in the United States and he has made
this one of the priority objectives of his Administration.
As members of his staff, Mr. Parsons and I have served to
communicate the President's interest and policy guidance to
the Administration officials having direct program responsi-
bility in this area and to help to insure coordination of the
total Federal effort.
I am advised by counsel that, as a matter of principle and
precedent, members of the President's immediate staff
customarily do not appear before Congressional committees
to testify with respect to the performance of their duties
on behalf of the President. This limitation, I am further
advised, has been recognized by the Congress and the
Executive as a principle of comity between the respective
Branches. I must, therefore, on behalf of myself and
Mr. Parsons, respectfully decline the invitation to testify
before the Committee in public hearings.
The creation of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse
and Control is a clear sign that the Congress shares the
President's sense of concern about the tragic problem of
- 2 -
drug abuse, and he is eager for those in the Administration
with direct program responsibility to work with the
Committee in carrying out its mission. Further, I would
be pleased to submit to the Committee a written statement
concerning the role of the Domestic Council in coordinating
drug abuse related activities if it would be helpful.
Sincerely,
James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
The Honorable Lester L. Wolff
Chairman
Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse
and Control
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
20515
CC: Dick Parsons
PETER W. RODINO, JR., N.J.
J. HERBERT BURKE, FLA.
PAUL G. ROGERS, FLA.
ToM RAILSBACK, ILL.
KIKA DE LA GARZA, TEX.
LOUIS FREY, JR., FLA.
JAMES R. MANN, S.C.
ROBIN L. BEARD, TENN.
HERMAN BADILLO, N.Y.
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, N.Y.
MORGAN F. MURPHY, ILL.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TENNYSON GUYER, OHIO
CHARLES B. RANGEL, N.Y.
FORTNEY H. (PETE) STARK, CALIF.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON
JAMES H. SCHEUER, N.Y.
GLENN ENGLISH, OKLA.
NARCOTICS ABUSE AND CONTROL
HENRY A. WAXMAN, CALIF.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
LESTER L. WOLFF, N.Y., CHAIRMAN
August 20, 1976
Mr. James M. Cannon
Mr. Richard D. Parsons
The Domestic Council
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Sirs:
The new Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control has been charged with
the responsibility of reviewing in depth all ongoing programs concerned with narcotics
traffic and abuse with an objective of recommending to Congress a comprehensive plan
of attack on this problem.
In accord with this mandate, while the physical procedures of amassing and reviewing
all available material on this subject is underway, the Select Committee will begin a series
of hearings to thoroughly ground its membership on the programs of all agencies and depart-
ments involved in drug-related activities. Included in the jurisdiction of the Select Committee
is the authorization to "review any recommendations made by the President or by any depart-
ment or agency of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting nar-
coties abuse and control."
Since your Council has a responsibility in this area, it would be appreciated if you
would make yourself available to appear before the Committee in public hearings during
the week of September 20-24, 1976. Should it be necessary for part of your testimony to
be taken in executive session, I would appreciate it if you could notify the committee in
advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
These public hearings will begin the Committee's study of the Federal response to
the current drug abuse epidemic. The Select Committee is concered with both the domestic
and international aspects of the drug problem and the task of supply and demand reduction.
I hope that you will contribute to the efforts of the Select Committee by taking this oppor-
tunity to brief the Members of the Select Committee on the scope of your operations and
the approach which your organization takes toward the complex issue of narcoties abuse
and control.
It would be helpful if you could include in your testimony any recommendations which
you feel would improve the effectiveness or the efficiency of the Federal effort to control,
treat or prevent drug abuse. Tom Vogel of our staff will be in touch with your secretary
to discuss your role in the hearings and the necessary arrangements.
Sincerely
&
FORD
Lester L. Wolff
Chairman
GERALD
LIBRARY
file
THE WHITE HOUSE
Drugs
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1976
Dear Madam Ambassador:
I understand that your Mission will host the European
Regional Narcotics Coordinators' Conference next week.
As you know, President Ford has made reducing the tragic
toll of drug abuse one of his Administration's highest
priorities and has invested a great deal of his personal
time and attention to this effort over the past fifteen
months. He is deeply concerned about the ravages of
drug abuse on American society and his commitment to
improving the Federal narcotics program is absolute.
Since most seriously abused drugs have their origins in
other countries, our ability to deal with the problem
depends to`a very considerable degree on the capability
and interest of other governments to deal with drug
trafficking within their borders and to cooperate with us
in law enforcement and exchange of information on the
international level. Thus, the international narcotics
control program is a vital part of the total effort to
reduce drug abuse here in the United States.
On behalf of the President, I would like to ask you to
underline the importance he places on this program during
next week's conference and thank the participants for
their efforts to combat drug abuse. I sincerely hope
that the conference will go well.
Warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
The Honorable Anne L. Armstrong
American Ambassador
London
CLEARANCE SHEET
DATE: 9-16-76
JMC ACTION
ASAP, and before c.o.b.
Required by
9=17=76
STAFF RESPONSIBILITY PARSONS
SUBJECT:
LETTER TO ANNE ARMSTRONG
RECEIVED FROM:
DATE RECEIVED:
STAFF COMMENTS:
Should be Synted toright.
QUERN MOORE RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE
needs 90 be syred
REVIEW & COMMENT
tonights
DISCUSS
AND
CANNON ACTION:
DATE:
Material Has Been:
Signed and forwarded
Changed and signed
Returned per conversation
Noted
JIM CANNON
Comment:
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
SIGNATURE
WASHINGTON
September 16, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Jim Cannon
FROM:
Dick Parsons
D.
SUBJECT:
Letter to Anne Armstrong
Attached is a draft letter from you to Ambassador Armstrong
which is self-explanatory.
I think it would be useful to convey to her a sense of the
importance the President attaches to the drug abuse prevention
program so that she, in turn, can convey it to the conferees.
(I will not be at the conference since I have been "grounded.")
NSC and State concur in the letter. If it meets with your
approval, please sign and return it to me. I will give it
to Ambassador Vance, who will hand-carry it to London.
Attachment
CC: Dick Parsons
PETER W. RODINO, JR., N.J.
J. HERBERT BURKE, FLA.
PAUL G. ROGERS, FLA.
TOM RAILSBACK, ILL.
KIKA DE LA GARZA, TEX.
LOUIS FREY, JR., FLA.
JAMES R. MANN, S.C.
ROBIN L. BEARD, TENN.
HERMAN BADILLO, N.Y.
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, N.Y.
MORGAN F. MURPHY, ILL.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TENNYSON GUYER, OHIO
CHARLES B. RANGEL, N.Y.
FORTNEY H. (PETE) STARK, CALIF.
JAMES H. SCHEUER, N.Y.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON
Drugs
GLENN ENGLISH, OKLA.
NARCOTICS ABUSE AND CONTROL
HENRY A. WAXMAN, CALIF.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
1976
SEP
LESTER L. WOLFF, N.Y. CHAIRMAN
21
PM
12
43
Dish
September 20, 1976
Ms
seyd In
Dear Mr. Cannon:
Thank you for your letter of September 16,
in which you explain why, for reasons of principle
and precedent, you and Mr. Richard Parsons are unable
to participate directly in the hearings about to be
conducted by the Select Committee.
I would like to thank you for your kind offer
to provide the Select Committee with a written state-
ment concerning the role of the Domestic Council in
coordinating drug abuse related activities. This
would be most helpful indeed, and I hope you will
send it to us as soon as possible.
I appreciate your kind words about the
creation of the Select Committee and look forward
to working with you on this important subject in
the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Chairman
Mr. James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs
The White House
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
092106
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM
of
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 23, 1976
976 SEP 23 PiA 2 55
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
FROM:
DICK PARSONS
SUBJECT:
President's Meeting with Jose Lopez-
Portillo
Jim Cannon asked me to give you some talking points concerning
the importance of the Mexican drug eradication and interdiction
programs for the subject meeting. They are attached.
I hope they are helpful.
CC: Jim Cannon
Drith
92 92316
TALKING POINTS
1. As you know, the problem of illicit drug production and
trafficking is one which affects millions of citizens
of both our countries.
2. I am greatly appreciative of the efforts your government
has made to eradicate both opium poppies and marijuana,
and to curtail the trafficking of these drugs to the
United States. I want to compliment your government for
its commitment to this important effort.
3. I would hope most fervantly that you will continue the
high priority the eradication and interdiction programs
have received over the past several years and that the
change-over in governments does not cause any of the
momentum to be lost at this critical time.
4. I want you to know that you will have our continuing support
and cooperation in dealing with this problem we share.
Only by working together can we hope to succeed.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
INFORMATION/DECISION
WASHINGTON
September 24, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Jim Cannon
FROM:
Dick Parsons D.
SUBJECT:
Statement Concerning the Role of the
Domestic Council in Coordinating
Drug Abuse-Related Activities
Attached is a draft statement concerning the role of the
Domestic Council in coordinating the role of the Domestic
Council in coordinating drug abuse-related activities.
If the statement meets with your approval, I will transmit,
on your behalf, 50 copies to Congressman Wolff for inclusion
in the record of the hearings of the House Select Committee
on Narcotics Abuse and Control.
8
Attachment
Dorh As cometes- pa
one. and Thenk In
092106
CC: Parsons
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
076 651 20 LONDON 53
October 12, 1976
Mr. James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Jim:
Many thanks for your letter of September 16th.
It was my privilege to open the European Regional
Narcotics Conference by welcoming the delegates
at the American Embassy. I share the President's
great concern about the evils of drug abuse and
his belief that only through international control
can the problem be reduced in the United States
as well as elsewhere in the world.
With warmest regards,
Sincerely,
Que
Anne Armstrong
Ambassador
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
INFORMATION/
WASHINGTON
SIGNATURE
October 20, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Jim Cannon
FROM:
Dick Parsons
D.
SUBJECT:
Letter of Congratulations to Commandant
of Coast Guard re: Interception of
Panamanian Freighter and Seizure of
Illicit Narcotics
On Friday, October 15, the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Sherman
intercepted a Panamanian freighter, the DON EMELIO, in the
southeastern Bahamas after receiving permission from the
Panamanian Government to board the ship. An incredible
160 tons of marihuana was found aboard the ship and seized.
The 28-man crew has been turned over to Panamanian authorities
for prosecution. The Coast Guard is still searching for a
large quantity of cocaine believed to be aboard the ship.
The size of the seizure is notable in itself (this is the
largest seizure of illicit drugs on record). More
importantly, the seizure resulted from the close cooperation
of the Coast Guard, the U. S. Customs Service, the Drug
Enforcement Admistration, the State Department and the
Panamanian Government. This is the kind of cooperative effort
the President has been urging.
I think a congratulatory letter from you, on behalf of the
President, is in order and I have prepared the attached for
your review.
Attachment
Did
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1976
Dear Admiral Siler:
The President has asked me to express to you his personal
congratulations on the recent Coast Guard seizure of the
Panamanian freighter, the DON EMELIO, and its cargo of
illicit drugs. I understand that the 160 tons of marihuana
seized represents the largest single seizure in the history
of the United States' war against illegal drug trafficking.
As you know, the President is deeply concerned about the
problem of drug abuse and he has made reducing its tragic
toll one of his highest priorities. He has been especially
interested in ensuring that the total resources of the
Federal government are brought to bear on this problem in
a coordinated manner. The close cooperation of the Coast
Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U. S. Customs
Service, the Department of State and the Panamanian Govern-
ment in this case attests to the progress we have made in this
regard.
Please extend my personal congratulations to Captain Deillette
and the crew of the Cutter Sherman. They have made a valuable
contribution to our national program to combat drug abuse.
Sincerely,
Janes M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
Admiral Owen W. Siler, USCG
Commandant
United States Coast Guard
Department of Transportation
Washington, D. C. 20590
CC: The Honorable William T. Coleman
bcc: The Honorable Peter B. Bensinger
The Honorable Vernon D. Acree
The Honorable Sheldon B. Vance
ACTION
DOMESTIC COUNCIL
FROM:
Congressman Charlie Rangel
SUBJECT:
Administration's Drug Abuse control efforts
Date: 11/4/76
COMMENTS:
Expresses particular concern for recent
"atrophy" of IRS' Narcotics Trafficking
Program.
Expresses support of pending $20.1 million
budget supplemental request.
Seeks your reactions.
(Sent to Parsons for draft reply
Dru
porsous is ?
Whateoi what of R. FORD
ACTION:
GERALD
LIBRARY
Date:
CHARLES B. RANGEL
WAYS AND MEANS Drugs
COMMITTEE:
19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
NEW YORK
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT
SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
107 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
Congress of the United States
TELEPHONE: 202-225-4365
DISTRICT OFFICES:
55 WEST 125TH STREET
house of Representatives
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10027
GEORGE A. DALLEY
TELEPHONE: 212-348-1600
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Washington, D.C. 20515
720 COLUMBUS AVENUE
PLEASE RESPOND TO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10025
OFFICE CHECKED:
TELEPHONE: 212-850-1500
WASHINGTON
NEW YORK
November 4, 1976
MS. VIVIAN JONES
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
The Honorable James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President for
Domestic Affairs
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr Carnen:
I have followed closely the President's pronouncements and
actions in the renewed war against drug abuse. My general concern
is that there appears to be a gap between the actions proposed and
the resources committed.
Specifically, I am distressed that the Narcotics Trafficking
Program (NTP) in the Internal Revenue Service has atrophied during
the last two years and that resources previously devoted to it have
been diverted to other priority efforts in the Service. I am also
confused about the Service's position on structuring the NTP into a
viable and identifiable organizational entity where devoted re-
sources -- manpower and dollars -- can be easily counted and results
can be appropriately attributed. I am further concerned that IRS
policy-makers may place too much emphasis on revenue-producing
potential when deciding relative priorities of various programs.
I am aware that the IRS has a pending supplemental budget request
under review in OMB for $20.1 million which purportedly would provide
ample resources for an effective NTP. I would be happy to support a
request for additional resources, if needed, and if the resources were
clearly targeted toward suspected tax evaders involved in narcotics
who otherwise escape the arm of the law.
I would appreciate your reaction to these concerns. I hope that
you and others in the Executive Branch will work together to bring
about an early and effective IRS contribution to a coordinated Federal
attack on narcotics law offenders.
Charlie CHARLES B. RANGEL
Sincerely
Member of Congress
CBR:ekb
cc: James T. Lynn, OMB
Donald C. Alexander, IRS
CC: Dick Parsons
HEALTH.
OF
PRICATION,
MATMENT AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
U.S.A.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
shy
+
1976 NOV 25 PM I 53
NOV 24 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HONORABLE JAMES M. CANNON
SUBJECT: FEDERAL STRATEGY FOR DRUG ABUSE AND
DRUG TRAFFIC PREVENTION 1976
The Department has reviewed the final draft of the Federal Strategy
for Drug Abuse and Drug Traffic Prevention. We concur on the draft
currently being considered.
Robert L. DuPont, M.D.
Executive Director
Cabinet Committee on Drug Abuse
Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation
112601
ROC
208
24 NOV
DEPARTMENT OF
1976
HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF H.E.W.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
HEW-389
U.S.MAIL
11400 ROCKVILLE PIKE
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20852
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300
Honorable James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
For Domestic Affairs
AMERICAN REVOLUTION EXCENTENNAL
White House
Washington, D.C.
1776-1976
82
Justice Drugs.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 16, 1976
Dear Congres Charley sman Rangel:
Thank you for your letter of November 4, concerning the
Narcotics Trafficking Program of the Internal Revenue
Service.
As you know, the President agrees with you concerning
the importance of this program in dealing with high level
drug traffickers. Accordingly, at his direction the IRS
and the Drug Enforcement Administration have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding under which the names of 375
suspected drug violators have already been provided to
the IRS for follow-up audit if appropriate. In short,
the program is now underway.
As for budgetary resources, the pending FY 1977 supplemental
is now being reviewed along with the FY 1978 budget. In
light of the importance of this program, I feel certain
that the President's January budget recommendations will
contain adequate funds to enable the IRS to carry on a
vigorous attack against narcotic traffickers.
On behalf of the President, I want to thank you for your
continued interest in and support of this vital program.
Sincerely,
Jhin James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
ACTION
DOMESTIC COUNCIL
FROM:
Parsons
SUBJECT:
Letter to you from Cong. Rangel re:
war on drugs
Date: 12/15
COMMENTS:
Parsons prepared the attached letter which I
modified as indicated. Do you know what
budget decisions were made on this
(i.e. to make sure your statement re: budget
is correct) ?
A.
LIBRARY
ACTION:
Date:
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
976 DEC 15 AM 11 50
Jim -
Per your request,
a draft response to
Rangel's letter is
attached.
Dick
161505
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1976
Dear Congressman Rangel:
Thank you for your letter of November 4 concerning the
Narcotics Trafficking Program of the Internal Revenue
Service.
As you know, the President agrees with you concerning
the importance of this program in dealing with high level
drug traffickers. Accordingly, at his direction the IRS
and the Drug Enforcement Administration have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding under which the names of 375
suspected drug violators have already been provided to
the IRS for follow-up audit if appropriate. In short,
the program is now underway.
As for budgetary resources, the pending FY 1977 supplemental
is now being reviewed along with the FY 1978 budget. In
light of the importance of this program, I feel certain
that the President's January budget recommendations will
contain adequate funds to enable IRS to more vigorously carry on a
vigorous press the attack against narcotic traffickers.
On behalf of the President, I want the to thank you for your
continued interest in and support of this vital program.
Sincerely,
James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Affairs
The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE: 11/15
TO: Dich P
FROM:
ALLEN MOORE
SUBJECT:
ACTION:
FYI:
for droft reply, or
other action if appropriate.
CHARLES B. RANGEL
COMMITTEE:
19TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
WAYS AND MEANS
NEW YORK
SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT
SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
107 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
Congress of the United States
DISTRICT OFFICES:
TELEPHONE: 202-225-4365
55 WEST 125TH STREET
house of Representatives
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10027
GEORGE A. DALLEY
TELEPHONE: 212-348-1600
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Washington, D.C. 20515
720 COLUMBUS AVENUE
PLEASE RESPOND TO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10025
OFFICE CHECKED:
TELEPHONE: 212-850-1500
WASHINGTON
November 4, 1976
MS. VIVIAN JONES
NEW YORK
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
The Honorable James M. Cannon
Assistant to the President for
Domestic Affairs
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr Cannen:
I have followed closely the President's pronouncements and
actions in the renewed war against drug abuse. My general concern
is that there appears to be a gap between the actions proposed and
the resources committed.
Specifically, I am distressed that the Narcotics Trafficking
Program (NTP) in the Internal Revenue Service has atrophied during
the last two years and that resources previously devoted to it have
been diverted to other priority efforts in the Service. I am also
confused about the Service's position on structuring the NTP into a
viable and identifiable organizational entity where devoted re-
sources -- manpower and dollars -- can be easily counted and results
can be appropriately attributed. I am further concerned that IRS
policy-makers may place too much emphasis on revenue-producing
potential when deciding relative priorities of various programs.
I am aware that the IRS has a pending supplemental budget request
under review in OMB for $20.1 million which purportedly would provide
ample resources for an effective NTP. I would be happy to support a
request for additional resources, if needed, and if the resources were
clearly targeted toward suspected tax evaders involved in narcotics
who otherwise escape the arm of the law.
I would appreciate your reaction to these concerns. I hope that
you and others in the Executive Branch will work together to bring
about an early and effective IRS contribution to a coordinated Federal
attack on narcotics law offenders.
Charlie CHARLES B. RANGEL
Sincerely
Member of Congress
CBR:ekb
cc: James T. Lynn, OMB