2.
Netherlands, we discover that there are no import controls in either country which, in view of the interest of both Prince Philip and Prince Bernard in wildlife conservation, seems unfortunate to say the least. Whether or not you wish to take follow-up action on this of course remains for your decision but perhaps it would not be out of place to gently point out to Mrs. Turmer that the old adage about glass houses is not far amiss. Here in Hong Kong we are at least trying to do something about the issue.
I have today also seen a copy of your letter to Alan Donald, dated 27th August 1974, and hope to speak to him further on the question of preventing the import of two metric tons of Giant Salamanders into Hong Kong. I share your concern and would like us to maintain a consistent line on this matter. I appreciate, however, that from the evidence which is coming to light, it is more than likely that the Giant Salamanders should not be on Appendix I if they are being artificially bred and raised. There is however a certain amount of confliction in the information coming forward and I personally would be reluctant for us to change our attitude until either the evidence clearly indicates a wrong placement of this species or, and preferably, the Convention itself is suitably amended.
For your records and as a matter of courtesy, I am sending you photostat copies of the exchange of correspondence between Mrs. Turmer and Ronald Boxall, our Principal Information Office in the Hong Kong Government Office, London.
Once again my sincere apologies for the delay in replying to your letter.
Siscaly,
(E. H. Nichols)
Director of Agriculture and Fisheries
cc A.E. Donald, Esq. (w/o encls.)