MCCAFFREY'S VISIT A MORALE BOOSTER

Contrary to Richard Estrada's claim ("Visit with Colombian leader was
misguided," Viewpoints, Oct. 24), Barry McCaffrey, director of the
Office of National Drug Control Policy, did not go to Colombia to
support President Ernesto Samper. Rather, Mr. McCaffrey sought: (1) to
support the brave men and women in Colombian democratic institutions who
are working against drug traffickers and corruption, often at great
personal risk; and (2) to carry a strong message that the fight against
the traffickers must continue at all levels. The United States cannot
hope to be successful against the narcotraffickers without cooperation
from Colombia, the world's largest source of cocaine and an increasing
source of heroin entering the United States. The United States can best
counter narcotraffickers in cooperation with honest Colombians.

U.S. policy has not changed: Meetings of highlevel U.S. officials with
Mr. Samper will continue to be the exception, not the rule. There are no
simple answers to the narcotrafficking problem. For too many years,
counterdrug successes achieved at the tactical level by Colombian
police, armed forces and prosecutors have been undermined at the
strategic level by individuals in the executive and legislative branches
working on behalf of drug traffickers.

I was with Director McCaffrey on his visit to Colombia and believe that
one reason he was so wellreceived is the absolute hunger among people
on the front lines to know that somebody appreciates their efforts. That
is not a message they get very clearly from their own government; they
need such encouragement if they are to continue this often thankless
task. Saying the right words in Washington is easy. That the director
traveled to Colombia and shared the danger and the pain the Colombians
face every day meant much more to them.

Narcoinsurgents killed two Colombian National Police officials on a
cocaine lab raid the day Mr. McCaffrey arrived in Colombia. Two days
later, Mr. McCaffrey flew into that dangerous area to meet with
survivors. The people in enduring democratic institutions who put their
lives on the line in Colombia will continue to fight long after Mr.
Samper has left office 10 months from now. They shouldn't have to wait
until then to know we support them.

ALLISON J. MAJOR, Policy analyst, Office of National Drug Control
Policy, Washington, D.C.