January 5, 1951
S/S
After Cabinet today Mr. Acheson said that Secretary Sawyer had discussed with him some problem concerning Isbrandtsen ships which were partially unloaded in India. He said the cargo was made up largely of drugs from the United States. Some of these drugs were believed to be the sort which are used to make people confess crimes, etc. Secretary Acheson said that he was told there was some evidence to the contrary, particularly from the Office of the Naval Surgeon, which did not consider the drugs of any importance.
The United States ordered the cargo unloaded and apparently British ships are reloading the cargo for delivery to Communist China. The Secretary spoke to Mr. Merchant, Mr. Bonbright, Mr. Barnet and Mr. Wright and asked them to look into the matter right away. He promised Secretary Sawyer that he would have something for him on Monday.
L.D.B.
S:LDBattle:dhm