CONFIDENTIAL
6.
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208
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The Governor commented (Hong Kong telegram no. 208) that
on (i) above, Hong Kong have dealt with part of the problem by
banning outright the import of all species in Appendix I of
the International Convention. For other animals and birds, he
rightly pointed out that the onus under the Convention would be
on the Chinese authorities to decide whether the species they
export are endangered.
7.
In the light of this comment we instructed the Embassy
at Peking to discuss the problem with the Chinese Government and
to offer Hong Kong's cooperation in banning the importation of
threatened species. The Ambassador accordingly raised this with
the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A record of his
meeting is attached.
Although the Chinese listened
sympathetically and undertook to look into the matter, the
Embassy doubt whether they will come back with much detailed
information.
8.
On (ii) the Governor's reply is that they cannot inspect
the animals and birds on arrival as they tend to arrive by
various small junks at any hour. However, he has recently
instituted daily inspections of the main traders to ensure that
the physical state of the imported animals is satisfactory, and
that the conditions in which they are kept is up to standard.
9. On (iii) the question of cruelty to animals is a matter
of public education and enforcement. However, the Governor's
latest telegram indicates that this is improving (paras. 12
of Hong Kong telegram no. 208).
Kat
14
/10.
CONFIDEN.IAL