4.
This will inevitably bring the Chinese into the picture
There would also
as soon as we become parties to the Convention.
be presentational advantage in bringing them in in advance. The
Governor suggests that any approach to the Chinese would be a
charade, since it is the Chinese Government that is doing the
exporting. There is truth in this, and it suggests that we need
not make the approach at a particularly high level. But if we can
say to MPs that the import of Appendix I species into Hong Kong is
already totally banned, and that the Chinese authorities have given
us assurances on the Appendix II species on the lines that would be
required under the Convention, then our conservation flank would be
covered. It might also be easier to approach the Chinese now rather
than after the Convention enters into force, since it would avoid
the implications of whether transit to Hong Kong was technically an
export (though it would not avoid the problem for all time, and we
will have to watch the implications in deciding whether to extend
the Convention to Hong Kong).
5.
This proposed approach would not have any physical effect
on the trade, and therefore should present no substantial difficulties
for Hong Kong. But the second part of the problem, controlling the
import into Hong Kong from China of birds and animals which have
been badly treated, obviously has substantial practical difficulties.
Nevertheless I think public opinion in this country will expect
evidence that the Hong Kong Government are actually doing something
about it. Since any action could bring trouble with the Communist
Chinese exporters and on the border, it might again be prudent to
talk to the Chinese Government first.
CONFIDENTIAL
16.