US CHIEF OF DRUG EFFORT TRIES TO EASE DUTCH ANGER

VIENNA - The US antidrug coordinator, Barry R. McCaffrey, tried yesterday to
ease Dutch anger at his criticism of the Netherlands' drug laws, saying he
has ''high respect'' for the country despite differences over narcotics
policy.

McCaffrey, a retired general, visited the headquarters of the UN Drug
Control Program in Vienna as part of an eight-day tour to examine European
drug treatment and prevention programs. The visit has been overshadowed by
McCaffrey's strong criticism of the Dutch policy of allowing citizens to use
marijuana and other drugs for therapeutic and recreational purposes.

Last week, McCaffrey told CNN the Dutch policy was an ''unmitigated
disaster'' that had contributed to crime in the Netherlands - comments that
prompted a sharp response from the Netherlands' ambassador to the United
States, Joris M. Vos.

''I find the timing of your remarks, six days before your planned visit to
the Netherlands with a view to gaining firsthand knowledge'' of Dutch drug
policies ''rather astonishing,'' Vos wrote McCaffrey.

McCaffrey's spokesman, Robert Housman, yesterday issued a statement that
expressed concern the Dutch government was being ''pulled into an internal
political debate'' in the United States by those who support decriminalizing
drugs.

''These legalizers put American children at risk,'' the statement said.
''The Dutch government should be renouncing them, not siding with them. ...
Every nation is free to set their own policies domestically. However, other
nations must respect the sovereignty of others and be keenly aware of the
impacts of their policies on the global community.''

Hours later, Housman phoned news agencies to say the statement ''no longer
stands'' because it did not reflect McCaffrey's views.

He gave no further explanation.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett