CONFIDENTIAL
IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE FROM CHINA INTO HONG KONG
1. The BBC broadcast a radio programme on 6 December 1973
about the import of wildlife from China into Hong Kong.
The programme dealt with allegations of cruelty to animals
in Hong Kong, the conditions in which they are kept, the
way in which they are slaughtered and the threat of
extinction to certain species which this trade involves.
Since the broadcast we have received a large number of
letters from MFS and members of the public.
He
2. We have consulted the Governor of Hong Kong about
measures that could be taken to improve the situation.
is well aware of the problems which arise from the wildlife
trade and hopes that recent legislation and measures which
have been taken to impose a stricter control over the trade
will improve matters. We have also instructed
HM Ambassador Peking to discuss this problem with the
Chinese authorities. The Ambassador has raised the matter
with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs who have
promised to look into it. We await the considered Chinese
reaction to this approach.
3. Sir Albert Rodrigues is unlikely to raise the question.
CONFIDENTIAL