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The original documents are located in Box 3, folder "Mexico - President Echeverria" of
the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
Collection 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 3 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
7601626
7600 473 473
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
January 27, 1976
CONF IDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Narcotics: Proposed Response to Letter
from President Echeverria to President
Ford
Memorandum of January 23, 1976, transmitted the
original of a letter from President Luis Echeverria
of Mexico to President Ford proposing the establish-
ment of parallel Mexico and US Commissions to deal
with the narcotics problem. Attached is the Depart-
ment's proposed response for President Ford.
The response welcomes President Echeverria's
initiative as an important proposal. It endorses
the idea of parallel organizations similar to each
other, while allowing President Ford flexibility in
organizational arrangements that might be estab-
lished on our side to collaborate with the Mexican
Commission. It directs attention at the effort
against narcotics currently underway in Mexico as
the primary immediate concern. It informs President
Echeverria of measures being taken to improve effec-
tiveness in the US against narcotics traffic coming
across the border, and against contraband moving into
Mexico. It recognizes the importance of President
Echeverria's proposal to include prevention and re-
habilitation, with law enforcement, in the strategy
against narcotics. Along these lines it promises
concrete proposals for action in response to
President Echeverria's initiative. Finally, it ex-
presses gratitude for the goodwill extended President
Ford's representatives in Mexico.
George S. Springsteen
MICROFILM
DATA
Executive Secretary
Attachment:
DO
FORD
R
Proposed response.
FEB 121976
CONF IDENTIAL
GERALD
GDS
TO
lh 3/6/04
Proposed Response
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter concerning
our mutual efforts to deal with the tragic problem of
drug abuse which affects so many citizens of both our
nations. I welcome your initiative, and view it as
a most important proposal.
I have directed the White House staff to begin
now with the departments of government to consider
ways in which we should organize ourselves to col-
laborate closely with the commission and executive
committee you are establishing in Mexico. Your idea
of parallel organizations, in general similar to each
other, seems appropriate to our mutual desire to
increase the effectiveness of our cooperation.
As you suggest, the initiative should be under-
stood as a development which can enhance the measures
our governments are presently taking, both separately
and together. Our success in reducing the critical
narcotics problem now confronting us will depend in
large part on the vigor with which we pursue efforts
His Excellency
Luis Echeverria Alvarez,
President of the
United Mexican States,
Los Pinos,
Mexico, D.F.,
Mexico.
-2-
already underway; the effect of this new initiative
will be felt over the longer term. Thus, I am
heartened by reports of the intensive activities
currently being carried out by your government, and
look forward to continuing progress.
For our part, I have formed a task force under the
direction of the White House to improve our effec-
tiveness in the United States against the narcotics
traffic coming across the border and against contra-
band moving from this side into Mexico. These matters,
it seems to me, might be subjects of mutual interest
appropriate for the two sides to take under continu-
ing review in the context of your initiative.
I am pleased that your initiative includes the
prevention and rehabilitation aspects of the narcotic
problem, as well as the law enforcement aspect. As
you know, the concept of a federal program which
balances the effort to control the demand for drugs
with an effort to control the supply of drugs is the
cornerstone of our program to reduce drug abuse. You
may be assured that our side, also, will include full
representation of all aspects of the drug program.
Along these lines, I expect to have shortly con-
crete proposals for action on our part to match the
-3-
new effort you have begun. At that point it might be
useful for my representatives to meet with yours to
assure we are both moving ahead in the coordinated
manner contemplated in your letter.
Let me also use this opportunity to express
gratitude for the cordiality and goodwill you and
members of your Government have consistently extended
to my representatives, Ambassador Jova and Ambassador
Vance, and to Attorney General Levi in his recent
meeting with Attorney General Ojeda Paullada. I hope,
too, that we can keep in touch to maintain the spirit
of close collaboration between our two countries.
With all best regards,
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
Department of State
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 6, 1976
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter concerning our mutual
efforts to deal with the tragic problem of drug abuse which
affects so many citizens of both our nations. I welcome
your initiative and view it as a most important proposal.
I have directed my staff to consider on an urgent basis
the most effective way to collaborate closely with the
commission and executive committee you are establishing
in Mexico. Your idea of parallel and similar organizations
seems appropriate to our mutual desire to increase the
effectiveness of our cooperation.
As you suggest, the initiative should be understood as a
development that can enhance the measures our govern-
ments are presently taking, both separately and together.
Our short-term success in reducing the critical narcotics
problem now confronting us depends in large part on the
vigor with which we pursue efforts already underway.
This new initiative will strengthen our cooperation over
the longer term. I am heartened by reports of the intensive
activities currently being carried out by your government
and look forward to continuing progress.
For our part, I have formed a task force under the direction
of the White House to improve our own effectiveness in
dealing with the narcotics traffic coming into the United
States from Mexico and the contraband moving from the
United States into Mexico. These matters, it seems to
me, might be subjects of mutual interest appropriate for
our governments to take under continuing review in the
context of your initiative.
- 2 -
I am pleased that your initiative includes the prevention
and rehabilitation, as well as law enforcement, aspects
of the narcotics problem. The concept of a federal program
that balances the effort to control the demand for drugs
with an effort to control the supply of drugs is the basis
of our program to reduce drug abuse. You may be assured
that our side, also, will deal fully with all aspects of the
drug program.
In the near future I expect to have concrete proposals for
action to match the new effort you have begun. At that
point it might be useful for my representatives to meet
with yours to ensure we are both moving ahead in the
coordinated manner contemplated in your letter.
Let me also use this opportunity to express gratitude for
the cordiality and good will you and members of your
government have consistently extended my representatives,
Ambassador Jova and Ambassador Vance, and to Attorney
General Levi in his recent meeting with Attorney General
Ojeda Paullada. I hope, too, that we can keep in touch to
maintain a close collaboration between our two countries
on this problem.
Sincerely,
Herel R. 3nd
His Excellency Luis Echeverria Alvarez
President of Mexico
Palacio Nacional
Mexico D. F.
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
REFERRAL
Date: Feb. 7, 1976
NSC log # 7600473
MEMORANDUM FOR:
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Department of State
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
To: Luis Echeverria Alvarez, President of Mexico
From: President Ford
Date: Feb. 6, 1976
Subject: Pres letter to Pres of Mexico for dispatch
ACTION REQUESTED:
Draft reply for:
President's Signature
White House Staff
Other
Direct reply
Furnish info copy
XXXX Dispatch
Translation
Recommendations / Comments
Appropriate Handling
Other
Information
DUE DATE:
COMMENTS:
Re: S/S #7601384
for
Staff Secretary
CLASSIFICATION:
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
2c
MEMORANDUM
473
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
February 3, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Brent Scowcroft
B
SUBJECT:
Narcotics: Response to Letter
from Mexican President Echeverria
President Echeverria has written you expressing concern over
the illegal traffic in dangerous narcotics and proposing establish-
ment of parallel Mexican and U.S. commissions to deal with the
broad problem of narcotics use and traffic (Tab B). President
Echeverria's letter followed a recent discussion on narcotics
with Ambassador Jova and Congressmen Lester L. Wolff (D., N. Y.)
and Benjamin A. Gilman (R., N. .Y.).
President Echeverria proposes the establishment of twin national
commissions that could undertake parallel studies of all aspects
of the drug abuse problem, propose new lines of action and expand
coordination between our two countries. He believes each national
commission could be composed of officials of the executive and
legislative branches as well as representatives of the mass com-
munications media and the public. He further states that he is
proceeding to establish a Mexican commission along these lines.
In conjunction with the concerned federal agencies, the Domestic
Council, OMB and NSC have begun a study of the Mexican proposal
to determine how we can best take advantage of Echeverria's
initiatives and assure, to the greatest degree possible, Mexican
cooperation in the struggle against illicit narcotics. We will soon
forward to you our recommendations on how we can best use existing
drug commissions to parallel the one being organized by Echeverria.
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
Bh 3/6/04
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
2
In the interim I recommend that you respond in a warm fashion
to Echeverria's letter. The suggested response at Tab A indicates
that you have established a task force to consider ways in which
we should organize ourselves to collaborate closely with the
commission he is establishing. The proposed response also under-
scores the importance you attach to measures our governments
already taking, both separately and together.
The Domestic Council and OMB concur in this memorandum. Bob
Orben's office has cleared the text of the letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter to President Echeverria at Tab A.
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
Tablet fud Ti 1230
MA
213
20
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
473
world
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
ACTION
Tab A
January 27, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BRENT SCOWCROFT
utyped petyped
FROM:
Hal Horan
Ho
SUBJECT:
Presidential Correspondence: Proposed
Reply to Letter from Mexican President
Echeverria on Narcotics
President Echeverria has written President Ford, subsequent to a
meeting in Mexico City with Congressmen Wolff and Gilman, proposing
increased cooperation between our two governments in the narcotics
field and the establishment of parallel national commissions that would
be charged with coming up with new initiatives to combat drug abuse
(Tab B). Echeverria indicates he is proceeding now with the estab-
lishment of his own commission.
Representatives of the Domestic Council, OMB, NSC and the State
Department agree that the President should respond in a warm fashion
to President Echeverria's proposal and inform him we have under
review how best we might establish a form of commission parallel
to that being established by Echeverria. At the same time, however,
we should avoid creating yet another "drug commission", to add to the
existing Strategy Council on Drug Abuse, Advisory Council on Drug
Abuse (HEW), Cabinet Committee on International Narcotics Control,
and soon-to-be-created Cabinet Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention.
Current thinking is that responsibility for the tasks suggested by
Echeverria would be given to the Strategy Council on Drug Abuse, which
the White Paper on Drug Abuse recommended be revitalized, adding
the Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs as a member and
as chairman. (Membership presently includes State, Defense, Justice,
HEW, and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Under the terms
of the Executive Order now being prepared for the President's consi-
deration, the Adviser for National Security Affairs and the Secretary
of the Treasury would also be added to the Strategy Council.)
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
lab 3/6/04
GONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
-2-
Pending a definitive reply, it is recommended that the President
acknowledge Echeverria's letter in positive, but general, terms, and
I have attached a suggested text (Tab A). The Domestic Council
(Dick Parsons), OMB (Ed Johnson), and Steve Low concur in this
memo. Bob Orben's office has cleared the text of the letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to the President the memorandum at Tab I.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES
(TRANSLATION)
LS NO. -53852
DT/BP
Spanish
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Mexico 00629
January 16, 1976
Fm Amembassy Mexico
To Secstate Wash DC
Subject: Letter to President Ford from President Echeverría on narcotics
cooperation
1. Following is text of letter from President Echeverría for
President Ford on Narcotics Cooperation.
2. Quote. Mr. President: Messrs. Lester L. Wolff and Benjamin
A. Gilman, distinguished members of the House of Representatives of the
United States of America, accompanied by His Excellency Joseph John Jova,
your country's Ambassador to Mexico, paid me a visit last Wednesday,
January 7, at which time we took up, among other subjects, the matter of
the increase in drug abuse in the United States and in the illegal traffic
in narcotics and psychotropic substances between our two countries.
3. In view of the importance and seriousness of the problem, I asked
Messrs. Wolff and Gilman to meet with me again, which we did last Saturday,
January 10, with the Attorney General of the Republic, the Secretaries of
Foreign Affairs, Public Education, and Health and Welfare, as well as the
Director of the Mexican Center of Drug Addiction Studies, who has charge of
coordinating preventive, curative, and rehabilitation activities in that field.
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
-2-
4. As a result of those talks, it was possible to confirm the evident
interaction that exists between supply and demand and the complexity of the
problem and of its solution which takes in widely varying sociological aspects,
involving educational factors--including those relating to mass communications
media--health factors, and of course action directed toward the prosecution
of crimes against health.
5. It was recognized also that in recent years, with strict respect
for the sovereignty of each State, there has been effective cooperation between
the two Governments which has made it possible to obtain excellent results in
the struggle against the drug traffic and the use and abuse of illicit drugs.
Nonetheless, it is necessary to increase our joint action in order to obtain
still better results.
6. I put forward to the U.S. legislators the idea of creating twin
national commissions, one in each of our countries, which would undertake a
study of all aspects of this question and propose solutions that would enable
our two Governments to embark on new lines of action and expand the coordination
of their efforts.
7. In my opinion each national commission might be composed of officials
of the Executive Branch responsible for the prosecution of crimes against
health, the elimination of the illicit use of narcotics and other dangerous
drugs, and the cure and rehabilitation of the victims of drug addiction.
Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the respective
Congresses, as well as representatives of family heads and of the mass communi-
cations media would also be invited to participate in the commissions.
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
-3-
8. Each national commission would study the problem and recommend
actions, which would be discussed at meetings of the two commissions.
The commissions should establish machinery that would ensure the efficacy
and celerity of their work, possibly through executive committees. The
frequency of their meetings would be agreed upon according to their work
requirements.
9. For my part, I am proceeding to establish the Mexican Commission
pursuant to the terms stated above, in the understanding that my Government will
continue to act intensively in the fight against the traffic in narcotics and
other aspects of this problem, maintaining, as it has done hitherto, the
close coordination existing between the competent agencies and organs of our
two Governments.
10. In view of the foregoing, I take pleasure in proposing that you
consider the desirability of establishing a United States Commission for
the purposes stated above, which would be in contact with the Mexican
Commission on a standing basis.
11. Feeling certain, as I do, that this proposal on a matter of
such extreme importance to mankind will merit your sympathetic response,
I take this occasion to renew to you the assurance of my highest consideration
and personal esteem. End quote.
Jova
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Presidente de México
Palacio Nacional, a 12 de enero de 1976.
Señor Presidente:
Los señores Lester L. Wolff y Benjamin H. Gilman,
distinguidos miembros de la Cámara de Representantes de los
Estados Unidos de América, acompañados por el Excelentísimo
señor Joseph John Jova, Embajador de su país en México, me
hicieron una visita el pasado miércoles 7 en la que, entre
otros temas, abordamos el relativo al aumento en el abuso de
las drogas en la Unión Americana y en el tráfico ilícito de estu-
pefacientes y substancias psicotrópicas entre nuestros dos
países.
En virtud de la importancia y gravedad del problema,
les pedí a los señores Wolff y Gilman que nos volviéramos a
reunir, lo que hicimos el pasado sábado 10, en esta ocasión con
el Procurador General de la República y los señores Secretarios
de Relaciones Exteriores, de Educación Pública, y de Salubridad
y Asistencia, así como con el Director del Centro Mexicano de
Estudios en Farmacodependencia, que tiene a su cargo coordinar
las actividades preventivas, curativas y de rehabilitación en esa
materia.
Como consecuencia de estas pláticas se pudo con-
firmar la interacción evidente que existe entre la oferta y la
demanda y la
Al Excelentísimo Señor Gerald R. Ford,
Presidente de los Estados Unidos de América,
Washington, D. C.
Presidente de México
-
2
-
demanda y la complejidad del problema y de su solución que
abarca aspectos sociológicos muy variados; los que involu-
cran factores educativos -incluyendo los relacionados con
los medios de comunicación masiva- sanitarios y, por su-
puesto las acciones tendientes a la persecución de los deli-
tos contra la salud.
Se reconoció asimismo que en los últimos años,
con estricto respeto a la soberanía de cada Estado, ha exis-
tido una efectiva cooperación entre los dos Gobiernos que ha
permitido obtener resultados relevantes en la lucha contra el
narcotráfico y el uso y abuso de drogas ilícitas. No obstante,
es necesario incrementar nuestra acción conjunta a fin de
obtener mayores logros.
Expuse a los señores legisladores estadouniden-
ses la idea de crear comisiones nacionales gemelas en cada
uno de nuestros países, las cuales deberán abocarse al estu-
dio de todos y cada uno de los aspectos de esta cuestión y
proponer soluciones que permitan a nuestros dos Gobiernos
tomar nuevas acciones y ampliar la coordinación de esfuerzos.
En mi opinión cada comisión nacional podría que-
dar constituída por los funcionarios del Poder Ejecutivo res-
ponsables de la persecución de los delitos contra la salud,
la prevención del uso ilícito de estupefacientes y otras drogas
peligrosas, así como la curación y rehabilitación de las
víctimas de la farmacodependencia. Se invitaría a participar
en ellas a representantes de las cámaras de diputados y de
senadores de los Congresos respectivos, así como a represen-
tantes de los padres de familia y de los medios de comunicación
masiva.
Cada comisión nacional estudiaría la problemática
y recomendaría acciones que serían discutidas en reuniones de
ambas comisiones las que deberían establecer un mecanismo
que asegure
Presidente de México
-
3
-
que asegure la eficacia y agilidad de sus trabajos, posible-
mente a través de comisiones ejecutivas. La periodicidad
en sus reuniones sería acordada conforme a las necesidades
de los trabajos.
Por mi parte ya procedo a integrar la comisión
mexicana en los términos arriba enunciados, en la inteligen
cia de que el Gobierno a mi cargo continuará realizando en
forma intensiva todas las acciones de combate al narcotráfico
y las demás relativas a este problema, manteniendo como
hasta ahora la estrecha coordinación existente entre las de-
pendencias y organismos competentes de nuestros dos Go-
biernos.
Con vista a lo anterior me es grato proponerle
considerar la conveniencia de establecer una comisión esta-
dounidense con las finalidades antes enunciadas que estaría
en contacto permanente con la comisión mexicana.
Al manifestar a Vuestra Excelencia que estoy se-
guro de que esta propuesta sobre materia de tanta trascenden-
cia para la humanidad merecerá su simpatía, aprovecho esta
ocasión para reiterarle el testimonio de mi más alta considera-
ción y personal estima.
GERACO
7601384
473
department OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
January 23, 1976
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Narcotics: Letter from Mexican
President Echeverria to
President Ford
Attached is the original of a letter from
President Luis Echeverria of Mexico to President
Ford in which the Mexican President expresses
his concern over the problem of the illegal
traffic in dangerous narcotics and proposes the
establishment of parallel Mexican and US Commis-
sions to deal with the broad problem of narcotics
use and traffic. A translation of Echeverria's
letter is also attached.
President Echeverria prepared the letter
following a recent discussion on narcotics with
Ambassador Jova, who was accompanied on his visit
to the Mexican President by Congressmen Lester
Wolff and Benjamin Gilman. This approach was the
latest of a number of high level discussions we
have had with Mexican officials on narcotics prob-
lems, including Attorney General Levi's meeting
with the Mexican Attorney General in December,
Assistant Secretary Rogers' talks with high level
Mexican officials in early December, and various
meetings with the Mexicans by Ambassador Jova and
Ambassador Vance.
The Department, in conjunction with other
interested agencies, is studying the Mexican
President's proposal to determine how we can best
&
CONF IDENTIAL
GDS
lab 3/6/04
GERALD
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
take advantage of Echeverria's initiative and
assure the greatest degree possible of Mexican
cooperation in the struggle against illicit
narcotics. The Department will forward its
comments and a proposed substantive response to
Echeverria's initiative shortly.
Hear
George S.
Executive Secretary
Attachment
Letter to President Ford from
President Echeverria, dated 1/12/76,
with translation.
CONF IDENTIAL
DRAFT 1/22/76
R.O
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter concerning our mutual
efforts to deal with the tragic problem of drug abuse which
ffects so many citizens of both our nations. I welcome your
initiative and view it as a most important proposal
I have directed the White House staff to begin now with
the departments of government to consider ways in which we
should organize ourselves to collaborate closely with the
commission and executive committee you are establishing in
Mexico. Your idea of parallel organizations, in general
similar to each other, seems appropriate to our mutual desire
to increase the effectiveness of our cooperation.
As you suggest, the initiative should be understood as a
that
development which can enhance the measures our governments
are presently taking, both separately and together. Our short term
success in reducing the critical narcotics problem now
confronting us will dependsin large part on the vigor with
which we pursue efforts already underway the effect of this
new initiative will be felt over the longer term. Thus, I am
A
heartened by reports of the intensive activities currently
being carried out by your government, and look forward to
continuing progress.
For our part, I have formed a task force under the direction
OWN
of the White House to improve our effectiveness in the United
in dealing with
United states from Marica
States against the narcotics traffic coming across the border
the
bropping the
and against contraband moving from
into Mexico.
These matters, it seems to me, might be subjects of mutual
our government 5
interest appropriate for the two sides to take under continuing
review in the context of your initiative.
I am pleased that your initiative includes the prevention
as will as law enforcement,
and rehabilitation aspects of the narcotic problem, z as well as
the law enforcement aspect. As you know, the concept of a
that
Federal program which balances the effort to control the demand
for drugs with an effort to control the supply of drugs is
the cornerstone of our program to reduce drug abuse. You may
be assured that our side, also, will include full representation
of all aspects of the drug program.
IN THE NEAR FUTURE
Along these lines, I expect to have shortly concrete
proposals for action on our part to match the new effort you
have begun. At that point it might be useful for my represen-
ENSURE
tatives to meet with yours to assure we are both moving ahead
in the coordinated manner contemplated in your letter.
Let me also use this opportunity to express gratitude for
the cordiality and good will you and members of your Government
have consistently extended my representatives, Ambassador Jova
and Ambassador Vance, and to Attorney General Levi in his
recent meeting with Attorney General Ojeda Paullada. I hope,
A
too, that we can keep in touch to maintain the spirit of close
on this problem.
collaboration between our two countries you have initiated
With all best regards, ets.
Sincerely,
Gerald Ford
JI
REWRITE 743
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter concerning our mutual
efforts to deal with the tragic problem of drug abuse which
affects so many citizens of both our nations. I welcome
your initiative and view it as a most important proposal.
I have directed my staff to consider on an urgent basis
the most effective way to collaborate closely with the
commission and executive committee you are establishing
in Mexico. Your idea of parallel and similar organizations
seems appropriate to our mutual desire to increase the
effectiveness of our cooperation.
As you suggest, the initiative should be understood as a
development that can enhance the measures our govern-
ments are presently taking, both separately and together.
Our short-term success in reducing the critical narcotics
problem now confronting us depends in large part on the
vigor with which we pursue efforts already underway.
This new initiative will strengthen our cooperation over
the longer term. I am heartened by reports of the intensive
activities currently being carried out by your government
and look forward to continuing progress.
For our part, I have formed a task force under the direction
of the White House to improve our own effectiveness in
dealing with the narcotics traffic coming into the United
States from Mexico and the contraband moving from the
United States into Mexico. These matters, it seems to
me, might be subjects of mutual interest appropriate for
our governments to take under continuing review in the
context of your initiative.
Rewrtn:GenS:ms:2/2/76
GERALD R FORD
- 2 -
I am pleased that your initiative includes the prevention
and rehabilitation, as well as law enforcement, aspects
of the narcotics problem. The concept of a federal program
that balances the effort to control the demand for drugs
with an effort to control the supply of drugs is the basis
of our program to reduce drug abuse. You may be assured
that our side, also, will deal fully with all aspects of the
drug program.
In the near future I expect to have concrete proposals for
action to match the new effort you have begun. At that
point it might be useful for my representatives to meet
with yours to ensure we are both moving ahead in the
coordinated manner contemplated in your letter.
Let me also use this opportunity to express gratitude for
the cordiality and good will you and members of your
government have consistently extended my representatives,
Ambassador Jova and Ambassador Vance, and to Attorney
General Levi in his recent meeting with Attorney General
Ojeda Paullada. I hope, too, that we can keep in touch to
maintain a close collaboration between our two countries
on this problem.
Sincerely,
His Excellency Luis Echeverria Alvarez
President of Mexico
Palacio Nacional
Mexico D.F.
BERALD A FORD
473
25
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter concerning our mutual
efforts to deal with the tragic problem of drug abuse which
affects so many citizens of both our nations. I welcome
your initiative and view it as a most important proposal.
I have directed my staff to consider on an urgent basis
the effective means to collaborate closely with the com-
mission and executive committee you are establishing in
Mexico. Your idea of parallel and similar organizations
seems appropriate to our mutual desire to increase the
effectiveness of our cooperation.
As you suggest, the initiative should be understood as a
development that can enhance the measures our governments
are presently taking, both separately and together. Our
short-term success in reducing the critical narcotics
problem now confronting us depends in large part on the
vigor with which we pursue efforts already underway.
This new initiative will strengthen our cooperation over
the longer term. I am heartened by reports of the inten-
sive activities currently being carried out by your govern-
ment and look forward to continuing progress.
For our part, I have formed a task force under the direction
of the White House to improve our own effectiveness in
dealing with the narcotics traffic coming into the United
States from Mexico and the contraband moving from the
United States into Mexico. These matters, it seems to me,
might be subjects of mutual interest appropriate for our
governments to take under continuing review in the context
of your initiative.
GERALD R FORD
- 2 -
I am pleased that your initiative includes the prevention
and rehabilitation, as well as law enforcement, aspects
of the narcotics problem. The concept of a federal program
that balances the effort to control the demand for drugs with
an effort to control the supply of drugs is the basis of our
program to reduce drug abuse. You may be assured that
our side, also, will deal fully with all aspects of the drug
program.
In the near future I expect to have concrete proposals for
action to match the new effort your have begun. At that
point it might be useful for my representatives to meet
with yours to ensure we are both moving ahead in the
coordinated manner contemplated in your letter.
Let me also use this opportunity to express gratitude for
the cordiality and good will you and members of your
government have consistently extended my representatives,
Ambassador Jova and Ambassador Vance, and to Attorney
General Levi in his recent meeting with Attorney General
Ojeda Paullada. I hope, too, that we can keep in touch to
maintain a close collaboration between our two countries on
this problem.
Sincerely,
His Excellency Luis Echeverria Alvarez
President of Mexico
Palacio Nacional
Mexico D.F.
FORD LIBRARY &
Revised:BS:nm:2/2/76
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter concerning our
curt
mutual efforts to deal with the tragic problem of drug
chasis thereffective means
abuse which affects so many citizens of both our nations.
I welcome your initiative and view it as a most important
proposal.
way stoff to insiden are urgent
I have directed the White House staff, in cooperation
with other departments of government, to begin consi-
dering ways to collaborate closely with the commission
and executive committee you are establishing in Mexico.
Your idea of parallel organizations in general similar
to each other, seems appropriate to our mutual desire
to increase the effectiveness of our cooperation.
and similar
As you suggest, the initiative should be understood as
a development that can enhance the measures our govern-
ments are presently taking, both separately and together.
Our short-term success in reducing the critical narcotics
problem now confronting us depends in large part on
the vigor with which we pursue efforts already underway.
The effect of this new initiative will be felt over the
longer term. Thus, I am heartened by reports of the
intensive activities currently being carried out by your
government and look forward to continuing progress.
For our part, I have formed a task force under the
direction of the White House to improve our own effec-
tiveness in dealing with the narcotics traffic coming
into the United States from Mexico and the contraband
moving from the United States into Mexico. These
matters, it seems to me, might be subjects of mutual
interest appropriate for our governments to take under
continuing review in the context of your initiative.
strengthen my corperation
-2-
I am pleased that your initiative includes the prevention
and rehabilitation, as well as law enforcement, aspects
of the narcotics problem. As you know, the concept of
a federal program that balances the effort to control
the demand for drugs with an effort to control the supply
of drugs is the cornorstone basis of our program to reduce
drug abuse. You may be assured that our side, also,
will include full representation of all aspects of the
drug program.
leal with
In the near future I expect to have concrete proposals
for action on our part to match the new effort you have
begun. At that point it might be useful for my repre-
sentatives to meet with yours to ensure we are both
moving ahead in the coordinated manner contemplated
in your letter.
Let me also use this opportunity to express gratitude
for the cordiality and good will you and members of
your government have consistently extended my repre-
sentatives, Ambassador Jova and Ambassador Vance,
and to Attorney General Levi in his recent meeting
with Attorney General Ojeda Paullada. I hope, too,
that we can keep in touch to maintain a close colla-
boration between our two countries on this problem.
Sincerely,
His Excellency
Luis Echeverria Alvarez
President of Mexico
Palacio Nacional
Mexico D.F.
2L
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
473
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Brent Scowcroft
SUBJECT:
Narcotics: Letter from Mexican President
Echeverria
President Echeverria has written you expressing his concern over the
problem of the illegal traffic in dangerous narcotics and proposing
establishment of parallel Mexican and U.S. commissions to deal with
the broad problem of narcotics use and traffic (Tab B). President
Echeverria's letter followed a recent discussion on narcotics with
Ambassador Jova and Congressmen Lester L. Wolff (D., N.Y.) and
Benjamin A. Gilman (R., N.Y.).
President Echeverria proposes twin national commissions that could
undertake parallel studies of all aspects of the drug abuse problem
with a view to proposing new lines of action and expanding coordination
between our two countries. He expresses the opinion that each national
commission might be composed of officials of the executive branches
as well as members of the legislative branches and representatives
of the mass communications media and the public. He states in his
letter that he is proceeding to establish a Mexican commission pursuant
to these terms.
In conjunction with the concerned federal agencies, the Domestic
Council, OMB and NSC have begun a study of the Mexican proposal
to determine how best we can take advantage of Echeverria's initiatives
and assure the greatest degree possible of Mexican copperation in the
struggle against illicit narcotics. We will be forwarding to you shortly
for your consideration recommendations on the way we can use existing
drug commissions to parallel that being organized by Echeverria.
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
lah 3/6/04
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
-2-
In the meantime, it is recommended that you respond in a warm fashion
to Echeverria's letter and proposal and indicate that you have directed
the White House staff in conjunction with the appropriate departments
of government to consider ways in which we should organize ourselves
to collaborate closely with the commission he is establishing. The
response should also underscore the importance you attach to measures
our governments are already taking, both separately and together.
A suggested letter, along these lines, is attached at Tab A.
The Domestic Council and OMB concur in this memorandum. Bob
Orben's office has cleared the text of the letter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you forward to President Echeverria the letter at Tab A.
CONFIDENTIAL (GDS)
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SUBJECT: LTR to her for Pres Echevenia of
Mexico re establishment of farallel US of
mexican Commis to combat narcotics
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
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CONCURRENCE.
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PROGRAM ANALYSIS
NSC PLANNING
DUE DATE: 2/02
COMMENTS: (INCLUDING SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
CONGRESSIONAL
OCEANS POLICY
INTELLIGENCE
Leonard, M
DATE
FROM
TO
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SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED (OR TAKEN):
CY TO
to Heran Saraction Se
1/24
Doran
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Harm
Sent
Jrans fm Low / memofor Presl
2/02)
SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS
1/21
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Pres
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Agultrlto Echeverria
PMD for signature (2/2)
2/6
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Review pair to disputch
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STATE
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For DISPATCH
? THE FORD
2-7-76
outside receipt MJT
DISPATCH
CY RQMTS: SEE ABOVE PLUS:
MICROFILM & FILE-ROMTS:
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NOTIFY
& DATE
BY
M/F'D
10
BY
SPECIAL DISPOSITION:
1976
CRT ID:
SF
CROSS REF W/
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HP
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SUSPENSE CY ATTACHED: X
FOLDER:
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NSC 75-22
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