they fail to meet these basic conditions.
We believe, therefore, that against the background of the general conservation measures which Hong Kong has taken to preserve the marshes, it would be possible for us to resist any pressures for designation which might arise in the UK.
As the Governor implied in paragraph 5 of his letter of 17 June to O'Keeffe, the conservation measures you are taking will enable you to meet pressures arising in Hong Kong. If, however, you agree to the inclusion of Hong Kong in the UK ratification of the Convention, we wonder if it might be helpful to forestall any comment from your "conservationists" on the non-designation of the Mai Po Marshes by an official statement of the conservation measures that are in force. This would, of course, be entirely for you to decide, but it could be of use to us in dealing at this end with any criticism from the groups to which we gather your local con- servationists are in the habit of copying their correspondence with you on this subject.
5. The United Kingdom is planning to ratify the Wetlands Convention at the end of the year, since it is about to enter into force, and in anticipation of the Council of Europe's designation of 1976 as "Wetlands Year". We consider that on balance it would be prefer- able if Hong Kong (despite the limitations mentioned by the Governor of your practical ability to develop more than the very general provisions of the Convention) were to be included in our ratification. This would indicate your government's support to the general aim of the Convention and serve to underline your responsible attitude to conservation matters. There is an option under this Convention to "add" territories at a later date, but in our opinion the balance of advantage lies with the inclusion from the start of Hong Kong in the list of territories covered by our ratification. Its omission would not go unnoticed and would inevitably lead to
Comment and pressures to agree to inclusion and to subsequenɩ of the Mai Po Marshes: if Hong Kong were added at a later date, the conservationist lobby would probably interpret this as a change of heart, under pressure, and expect Mai Po to be designated. Lither result would be unfortunate.
bion
6. I hope that, on the basis of the above, you will be able to confirm, by telegram if possible, and at the latest by 18 December, the readiness of Hong Kong to be among the territories included in our instrument of ratification, when this is first deposited.
D F MILTON
Hong Kong and Indian Ocean
Department