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The original documents are located in Box D14, folder "House Speech UN Narcotics
Division, January 11, 1955" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech
File 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. The Council 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D14 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Remarks of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Jr. - Michigan
January 11, 1955
Mr. Speaker:
Secretary General Dag Hammarksjold of the United Nations has before
him a recommendation of the Third Committee at the U. N. to transfer the
United Nations' Narcotics Division fro New York to Geneva. This pro-
posal is clearly not in the best interests of the United States, the
United Nations, or of the effective control of the illicit narcoties
traffic.
The reasons for suggesting the transfer to Geneva are shrouded in
deep political mystery. There are many offices or divisions of the U. N.
which could be taken out of this country. Why was the Narcotics Division
selected? This is all the more strange when one realizes that President
Eisenhower recently appointed a special Inter-departmental committee to
review and coordinate the Federal government's programs to combat narcotic
addiction in this country. In a letter from the White Ho se to Secretary
Humphrey, dated November 27, 1954, the President said," Receipt of the
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page 2
Committee's report on both subjects (to define more clearly the scope of
the problems which we face and to promote effective cooperation among
Federal, State, and local agencies) as promptly as possible will expedite
systematic review and improvement of our narcotics programs--local, national
and internationsl."
It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that it would be most unwise for the
Secretary-General to effect this transfer, and a grave mistake to do it
before the President's committee has an opportunity to report. Our most
effective work in combating this terrible evil may call for an energetic
international office in this country. To eliminate at this time the
New York Division of the U. N. with its specialized laboratory could be
disasterous. The United States for years has been the world leader in
opposition to the illicit dope traffic. Right now the problem is as
serious as ever. "ecognizing this the American Legion, Department of
California, through its Commander, Mr. Malcolm M. Champlin wrote Mr.
Hammarksjold on December 2, 1954 as follows:
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Page 3
I include the first two paragraphs of his letter.
"The American Legion of California has noted a press report a few
days ago of the proposal to transfer the United Nations Narcotic Division
from Nev York to Geneva.
"e wish to protest this move on the grounds that the United States
has a serious narcotic problem which is due entirely to the international
illicit traffic, and that there are many international narcotic treaties
being administered by the United Nations in New York which attempt to
stop the smuggling of narcotics from abroad to the State of California.
We, therefore, consider it vitally important to retain at the United
Nations headquarters in New York its Narcotic Division in order to main-
tain close cooperation with the United States, which is one of the most
important victim countries of this traffic. We feel that the transfer to
Geneva will result in a psychological defeat for your narcotic program,
and we predict that if this transfer goes through it will result in a
decided lessening of international narcotic controls."
FORD & LIBRARY QERALD
Page 4
It is quite evident that the transf r of the Narcotic Division to
Geneva would remove it from the watchful eye of American newspapermen and
that its efforts would receive less news coverage. Likewise, it will
be removed from a country which is vitally interested in the strictest
control of narcotics.
The man probably most interested in this problem, Commissioner of
Narcotics H. J. Anslinger, wrote me on December 30, 1954, to say, "We
are not in favor of this transfer."
The recent Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the
Honorable Alexander iley, has been deeply concerned with this proposed
transfer. On November 9, 1954, he wrote our Ambassador to the United
Nations, Henry Cabot Lodge, saying, "I cannot help but feel that in view
of the fact that the preponderant effect on narcotics research and on
enforcement effort against worldwide illicit traffic is made by the
United States, that the Division should definitely be kept here in this
country."
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Page 5
I certainly hope that the Secretary-General will give considerable
weight to the opinion of these distinguished gentleman. In fighting this
international evil the U. N. needs the complete cooperation and assistance
of the United States and the United States needs the same from the United
Nations This mutual cooperation and assistance will not be increased by
moving the U. N. Narcotics Division to Geneva.
Not only does this proposed transfer come at a time when the Presi-
dent's interdepartmental committee is at work, but it follows shortly on
the return of Clement Attlee from Red China. The France-Turkey-United Kingdom
resolution passed in Committee Three seems to have resulted from some of
the information Mr. Attlee obtained on his visit. We should insist that
nothing be done by the U. N. which would in any way increase the influence
of Red China either in the U. N. or in the world at large. We in the
United States must be alert to any effort by the Chinese Communists to
decrease the effectiveness of international control of the illicit narcotic
traffic. Not only are the lives of our children and young people involved,
but also those of many other enlightened nations of the world.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD s
Page 6
Some will say that this is an economy measure, and that money will
be saved by building a laboratory in Geneva and transfering all narcotic
work to the Switzerland city. This claim cannot stand close scrutiny. It
will take many years to amortize the additional cost, estimated at $25,000
required for moving to Geneva.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would urge that Secretary-General
Hammarksjold exercise his prerogative to keep the Narcotics Division
in New York. We cannot risk weakening an effective weapon against an
international enemy; we don't want to endanger the lives of potential
victims of the vicious dope peddlers by neglecting to protest this move.
I ask my colleagues to urge the Secretary-General to keep this Division
in New York. We want to see nothing done which will weaken the power
of the U. N., or which will cause the people of the United States to be
less enthusiastic in their support of the United Nations.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Extension of Remarks of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Jr. - Michigan
January 11, 1955
Mr. Speaker -
Secretary General Dag Hammarksjold of the United Nations has
before him a recommendation of the Third Committee at the U.N. to trans-
fer the United Nations' Nareotics Division from New York to Geneva. This
proposal is clearly not in the best interests of the United States, the
United Nations, or of the effective control of the illicit narcotics traffic.
The reasons for suggesting the transfer to Geneva are shrouded
in deep political mystery. There are many offices or division of the U.N.
which could be taken out of this country. Why was the Narcotics Division
selected? This is all the more strange when one realizes that President
Eisenhower recently appointed a special Inter-Departmental committee to
review and coordinate the Federal government's programs to combat narcotic
addiction in this country. Ina letter from the White House to Secretary
Humphrey, dated November 27, 1954, the President said, "Receipt of the
Committee's report on both subjects (to define more clearly the scope of
the problems which we face and to promote effective cooperation among
Federal, State and local agencies) as promptly as possible will expedite
systematic review and improvement of our narcotics programs - local,
national and international."
It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that it would be most unwise for the
Secretary-General to effect this transfer, and a grave mistake to do it
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Page 2
before the President's committee has an opportunity to report. Our most
effective work in combating this terrible evil may call for an energatic
international office in this country. To eliminate at this time the New
York Division of the U.N. with its specialized laboratory could be disas-
terous. The United States for years has been the world leader in
opposition to the illicit dope traffic. Right now the problem is as
serious as ever. Recognizing this the American Legion, Department of
California, through its Commander, Mr. Malcolm M. Champlin wrote Mr.
Hammarksjold on December 2, 1954, as follows.
I include the first two paragraphs of his letter.
"The American Legion of California has noted a press report a
few days ago of the proposal to transfer the United Nations Narcotic
Division from New York to Geneva.
"We wish to protest this move on the grounds that the United
States has a serious narcotic problem which is due entirely to the inter-
national illicit traffic, and that there are many international narcotic
treaties being administered by the United Nations in New York which
attempt to stop the smuggling of narcotics from abroad to the State of
California. We, therefore, consider it vitally important to retain at
the United Nations headquarters in New York its Narcotic Division in order
to maintain close cooperation with the United States, which is one of the
most important victim countries of this traffic. We feel that the tras -
fer to Geneva will result in a psychological defeat for your narcotic pro-
gram, and we predict that if this transfer goes through it will result
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
Page 3
in a decided lessening of international narcotic controls."
It is quite evident that the transfer of the Narcotic Division
to Geneva would remove it from the watchful eye of American newspapermen
and that its efforts would receive less news coverage. Likewise, it will
be removed from a country which is vitally interested in the strictest
control of narcotics.
The man probably most interested in this problem, Commissioner of
Narcotics H. J. Anslinger, wrote me on December 30, 1954, to say, "We
are not in favor of this transfer."
The recent Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
the Honorable Alexander Wiley, has been deeply concerned with this proposed
transfer. On November 9, 1954, he wrote our Ambassador to the United
Nations, Henry Cabot Lodge, saying, "I cannot help but feel that in view
of the fact that the preponderant effect on narcotics research and on
enforcement effort againstsworldwide illicit traffic is made by the
United States, that the Division should definitely be kept here in this
country."
I Certainly hope that the Secretary-General will give considerable
weight to the opinion of these distringuished gentlemen. In fighting
this international evil the U.N. needs the complete cooperation and
assistance of the United States and the United States needs the same from
the United Nations. This mutual cooperation and assistance will not be
increased by moving the U.N. Narcotics Division to Geneva.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page 4
Not only does this proposed transfer come at a time when the President's
interdepartmental committee is at work, but it follows shortly on the
return of Clement Attlee from Red China. The France-Turkey-United Kingdom
resolution passed in Committee Three seems to have resulted from some of
the information Mr. Attlee obtained on his visit. We should insist that
nothing be done by the U.N. which would in any way increase the influence
of Red China either in the U.N. or in the world at large. We in the United
States must be alert to any effort by the Chinese Communists to decrease
the effectiveness of international control of the illicit narcotic traffic.
Not only are the lives of our children and young people involved, but
also those of many other enlightened nations of the world.
Some will say that this is an economy measure, and that moneywill
be saved by building a laboratory in Geneva and transfering all narcotic
work to the Switzerland city. This claim cannot stand close scruitny.
It will take many years to amortize the additional cost, estimated at
$25,000 required for moving to Geneva.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would urge that Secretary-General
Hammarksjold exercise his prerogative to keep the Narcotics Division in
New York. We cannot risk weakening an effective weapon against an
international enemy; we don't want to endanger the lives of potential
victims of the vicious dope peddlers by neglecting to protest this movee.
I ask my colleagues to urge the Secretary-General to keep this Division in
New York. We want to see nothing done which will weaken the power of the
U.N., or which will cause the people of the United States to be less
enthusiastic in their support of the United Nations.
FORD j LIBRARY GERALD
Extension of Remarks of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Jr. - Michigan
January 11, 1955
Mr. Speaker -
Secretary General Dag Hammarksjeld of the United Nations has
before him a recommendation of the Third Committee at the U.N. to trans-
for the United Nations' Narcotics Division from New York to Geneva. This
proposal is clearly not in the best interests of the United States, the
United Nations, or of the effective control of the illicit nareotics traffic.
The reasons for suggesting the transfer to Geneva are shrouded
in deep political mystery. There are many offices or division of the U.N.
which could be taken out of this country. Why was the Narcotics Division
selected? This is all the more strange when one realizes that President
Eisenhower recently appointed a special Inter-Departmental committee to
review and coordinate the Federal government's programs to combat narcotic
addiction in this country. Ina letter from the White House to Secretary
Humphrey. dated November 27, 1954. the President said, "Receipt of the
Committee's report on both subjects (to define more elearly the scope of
the problems which we face and to promote effective cooperation among
Federal, State and local sgencies) as promptly as possible will expedite
systematic review and improvement of our narcotics programs - local,
national and international."
It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that it would be most unvise for the
Secretary-General to effect this transfer, and a grave mistake to do it
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Page 2
before the President's committee has an opportunity to report. Our most
effective work in combating this terrible evil may call for an energitic
international office in this country. To eliminate at this time the New
York Division of the U.N. with its specialized laboratory could be disas-
terous. The United States for years has been the world leader in
opposition to the illicit dope traffic. Right now the problem is as
serious as ever. Recognizing this the American Legion. Department of
California, through its Commander, Mr. Malcolm M. Champlin wrote Mr.
Hammarksjold on December 2, 1954, as follows.
I include the first two paragraphs of his letter.
"The American Legion of California has noted $ press report a
few days ago of the proposal to transfer the United Nations Narcotic
Division from New York to Geneva.
"We wish to protest this move on the grounds that the United
States has a serious narcotic problem which is due entirely to the inter-
national illicit traffic, and that there are many international nareotic
treaties being administered by the United Nations in New York which
attempt to stop the smuggling of narcotics from abroad to the State of
California. We, therefore, consider it vitally important to retain at
the United Nations headquarters in New York its Narcotic Division in order
to maintain close cooperation with the United States, which is one of the
most important victim countries of this traffic. We feel that the tras -
for to Geneva will result in a psychological defeat for your narcotic pro-
gram, and we predict that if this transfer goes through it will result
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Page 3
in a decided lessening of international narcotic controls."
It is quite evident that the transfer of the Narcotic Division
to Geneva would remove it from the watchful eye of American newspapermen
and that its efforts would receive less news coverage. Likewise, it will
be removed from a country which is vitally interested in the strictest
control of narcotics.
The man probably most interested in this problem, Commissioner of
Narcotics H. J. Anslinger, wrote me on December 30, 1954. to say, "We
are not in favor of this transfer."
The recent Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
the Honorable Alexander Wiley, has been deeply concern.4d with this proposed
transfer. On November 9. 1954. he wrote our Ambassador to the United
Nations, Henry Cabot Lodge, saying, "I cannot help but feel that in view
of the fact that the preponderant effect on narcotics research and on
enforcement effort againstsworldwide illicit traffic is made by the
United States, that the Division should definitely be kept here in this
country."
I Certainly hope that the Secretary-General will give considerable
weight to the opinion of these distringuished gentlemen. In fighting
this international evil the U.N. needs the complete cooperation and
assistance of the United States and the United States needs the same from
the United Nations. This mutual cooperation and assistance will not be
increased by moving the U.N. Narcotics Division to Geneva.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Page 4
Not only does this proposed transfer come at a time when the President's
interdepartmental committee is at work, but it follows shortly on the
return of Clement Attlee from Red China. The France-Turkey-United Kingdom
resolution passed in Committee Three seems to have resulted from some of
the information Mr. Attlee obtained on his visit. We should insist that
nothing be done by the U.N. which would in any way increase the influence
of Red China either in the U.N. or in the world at large. We in the United
States must be alert to any effort by the Chinese Communists to decrease
the effectiveness of international control of the illicit narcotic traffic.
Not only are the lives of our children and young people involved, but
also those of many other enlightened nations of the wo.ld.
Some will say that this is an economy measure, and that maneywill
be saved by byilding a laboratory in Geneva and transfering all narcotic
work to the Switzerland city. This claim cannot stand close scruitny.
It will take many years to emortize the additional cost, estimated at
$25,000 required for moving to Geneva.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would urge that Secretary-General
Hammarksjold exercise his prerogative to keep the Narcotics Division in
New York. We cannot risk weakening an effective weapon against an
international enemy; we don't want to endanger the lives of potential
victims of the vicious dope peddlers by neglecting to protest this movee.
I ask my colleagues to urge the Secretary-General to keep this Division in
New York. We want to see nothing done which will weeken the power of the
U.N., or which will cause the people of the United States to be less
enthusiastic in their support of the United Nations.
GERALD FORD FIBRARY
Speeches
wofk
Extension of Remarks of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Jr. - Michigan
January 11, 1955
Mr. Speaker -
Secretary General Dag Hammarksjold of the United Nations has
before him a recomendation of the Third Committee at the U.N. to trans-
for the United Nations' Narcotics Division from New York to Geneva. This
proposal is clearly not in the best interests of the United States, the
United Nations, or of the effective control of the illicit narcotics traffic.
The reasons for suggesting the transfer to Geneva are shrouded
in deep political mystery. There are many offices or division of the U.N.
which could be taken out of this country. Why was the Narcotics Division
selected? This is all the more strange when one realizes that President
Eisenhower recently appointed a special Inter-Departmental committee to
review and coordinate the Federal government's programs to combat narcotic
addiction in this country. Ina letter from the White House to Secretary
Humphrey, dated November 27. 1954. the President said, "Receipt of the
Committee's report on both subjects (to define more clearly the scope of
the problems which we face and to promote effective cooperation among
Federal, State and local agencies) as promptly as possible will expedite
systematic review and improvement of our narcotics programs - local,
national and international."
It seems to me, Mr. Speaker, that it would be most unwise for the
Secretary-General to effect this transfer, and a grave mistake to do it
GERALD ? FORD
Page 2
before the President's committee has an opportunity to report. Our most
effective work in combating this terrible evil may call for an energitic
international office in this country. To eliminate at this time the New
York Division of the U.N. with its specialized laboratory could be disas-
terous. The United States for years has been the world leader in
opposition to the illicit dope traffic. Right now the problem is as
serious as ever. Recognizing this the American Legion, Department of
California, through its Commander. Mr. Malcolm M. Champlin wrote Mr.
Hammarksjold on December 2, 1954. as follows.
I include the first two paragraphs of his letter.
"The American Legion of California has noted a press report a
few days ago of the proposal to transfer the United Nations Narcotic
Division from New York to Geneva,
"We wish to protest this move on the grounds that the United
States has a serious narcotic problem which is due entirely to the inter-
national illicit traffic, and that there are many international narcotic
treaties being administered by the United Nations in Net York which
attempt to stop the smuggling of narcotics from abroad to the State of
California. We, therefore, consider it vitally important to retain at
the United Nations headquarters in New York its Narcotic Division in order
to maintain close cooperation with the United States, which is one of the
most important victim countries of this traffic. We feel that the tras -
fer to Geneva will result in a psychological defeat for your narcotic pro-
gram. and we predict that if this transfer goes through it will result
FURD & LYBRARY 076835
Page 3
in a decided lessening of international narcotic controls."
It is quite evident that the transfer of the Narcotic Division
to Geneva would remove it from the watchful eye of American newspapermen
and that its efforts would receive less news coverage. Likewise, it will
be removed from a country which is vitally interested in the strictest
control of narcotics.
The man probably most interested in this problem, Commissioner of
Narcotics H. To Anslinger, wrote me on December 30. 1954. to say, "We
are not in favor of this transfer."
The recent Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
the Honorable Alexander Wiley. has been deeply concerned with this proposed
transfer. On November 9. 1954. he wrote our Ambassador to the United
Nations, Henry Cabot Lodge, saying, "I cannot help but feel that in view
of the fact that the preponderant effect on narcotics research and on
enforcement effort againsteworldwide illicit traffic is made by the
United States, that the Division should definitely be kept here in this
country."
I Certainly hope that the Secretary-General will give considerable
weight to the opinion of these distringuished gentlemen. In fighting
this international evil the U.N. needs the complete cooperation and
assistance of the United States and the United States needs the same from
the United Nations. This mutual cooperation and assistance will not be
increased by moving the U.N. Narcotics Division to Geneva.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD s
Page 4
Not only does this proposed transfer come at a time when the President's
interdepartmental committee is at work, but it follows shortly on the
return of Clement Attlee from Red China. The France-Turkey-United Kingdom
resolution passed in Committee Three seems to have resulted from some of
the information Mr. Attlee obtained on his visit. We should insist that
nothing be done by the U.N. which would in any way increase the influence
of Red China either in the U.N. or in the world at large. We in the United
States must be alert to any effort by the Chinese Communists to decrease
the effectiveness of international control of the illicit narcotic traffic.
Not only are the lives of our children and young people involved, but
also those of many other enlightened nations of the world.
Some will say that this is an economy measure, and that monsywill
be saved by byilding a laboratory in Goneva and transfering all narcotic
work to the Switzerland city. This claim cannot stand close scruitny.
It will take many years to emortize the additional cost, estimated at
$25,000 required for moving to Geneva.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would urge that Secretary-General
Hammarksjold exercise his prerogative to keep the Narcotics Division in
New York. We cannot risk weakening an effective weapon against an
international enemy; we don't want to endanger the lives of potential
victims of the vicious dope peddlers by neglecting to protest this move.
I ask my colleagues to urge the Secretary-General to keep this Division in
New York. We want to see nothing done which will weaken the power of the
U.N., or which will cause the people of the United States to be less
enthusiastic in their support of the United Nations.
GERALD, FORD LIBRANA