Brussels, 22 September 1997

Dear Mr Dupuis,

The debate on the harmonisation of drugs policy last week in our Committee was animated. Too bad that there wasn't time enough to discuss all the topics that were raised that monday evening.

Some questions from your side might not have been completely answered. Therefore I'd like to give you a reply in writing.

During the debate you mentioned you were disilliusioned by my draft recommendation. One of the reasons for this disappointment, you argued, was that my resolution only focused on the consumption, and not on the trade in drugs.

I would like to meet this argument. Just one example: the possibility for authorities to develop a system within which the sale of cannabis can be regulated, would have a strong impact on the supply side of drugs.

Besides you mentioned that decriminalisation is nothing new, because it is already de facto policy of many Member States. That is true, but the problem we face, is that authorities hardly ever dare to admit openly that they maintain a pragmatic drugs policy in practice. This gap between polical speech and polical reality is a serious block to solve the problems around drugs. It is therefore that I ask in my recommendation to bring national laws on drugs in line with the way in which those laws are applied in practice.

Furthermore I would like to point out that my recommendation isn't a statement on drugs policy in general. I have deliberately chosen for a short and concrete resolution. A lot of suggestions in my resolution are in line with the recommendation you signed in november last year. Therefore I was a bit surprised that you were desillusioned by my text.

On the whole: I think that we can only make progress with the drugs issue if we don't fall back in a harsh debate between legalizers on the one side and prohibitionist on the other.

I have hopes that our Committee will persist in a pragmatic approach of the drugs issue. One of the unequivocal messages to emerge from the debate last monday in Strassbourg is the need for consensus. I shall be glad to further discuss with you any suggestions or details.

With kind regards

Hedy d'Ancona