CONFIDENTIAL
E H Nichols Esq OBE JP
2
15 March 1977
4. All this is very pessimistic. I hope I am wrong, but I think it realistic as well. I wish I could suggest practical ways in which you could preempt the criticism I predict but, as an amateur insofar as your problems are concerned and from this distance, I cannot. Looking through your letter, however, I have a couple of ideas which might be of use to you:
(a) In the first paragraph of page 2 of your letter you say that "There is no specific authority responsible for the enforcement of this Ordinance" (The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance). I am sure that there is good reason for this but, stated like this, it sounds a little like a failing. fact that there is no specific authoritymmight tell to your disad- vantage. Would you consider establishing one, if not now then if/when criticism builds up?
The
(b) If I am right in my prediction of this criticism, then the Hong Kong Government Officer here in London might perhaps be briefed now with any material you think they might need to present
I am not at all sure how your case in the best possible way.
active they are at present in this field.
5. I have one query on your letter: in the first complete paragraph of its final page you mention the legitimate nature of the bulk of live shipments/loads coming into Hong Kong from China. I am uncertain, however, as to what instructions the Hong Kong customs authorities have for verifying export documentation from China on imports of endangered species. As you know, all the species that appear on Appendix 2 of the Washington Convention require appropriate export documentation as set out in the Convention before they can be legally imported by a state party to the Convention. Commercial trade in Appendix 1 species is, of course, prohibited except in very special circumstances: an import as well as an export licence is of course required. I would be glad to know how the mechanism for controlling Appendix 1 species functions in Hong Kong. Appendix 2 species are not so important but it would also be useful if I could have an idea of how controls of these species work as well.
6.
Please do not apologize for the length of your reply. said, I am most grateful for it.
As I
T J David
Hong Kong Department
copies: N K Courtney Esq
ESB, HK
B E Wiggham Esq
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CONFIDENTIAL