FROM D OF E DRA 2 TG
6.16.1989
MURT.& FISH. DEPT.
鬱灣政府漁戆滤
九龍廚東道三九三晚 渡案逍政府合署十三樓
OUR REF: AF CON 07/22 VI
HWMUK YOUR REF:
MIRA TEL NO.
RN Cable Address: AGFISH HONG KONG
Faxline No. 3-3113731
URGENT BY FAX
Dear Sir,
11146
852 7-311 3731 P.01
AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES DEPARTMENT
Canton Road Government Offices 393 Canton Road
12th floor Kowloon, Hong Kong
16th June 1989
P.
2
Ivory Trade in Hong Kong
I understand that there in to be an EC CITES meeting on 22 June 1989, during which the subject of the ivory trade will be discussed. 1 would like to take this opportunity to advise you of the position of Hong Kong as regards this trade and to seek your support, as signatory to the Convention on behalf of Hong Kong, in bringing our unique position to the attention of the meeting.
2.
As you know, Hong Kong Government is committed to the conservation of endangered species of fauna and flora. Our obligations under the convention are fully backed by legislation which is rigorously enforced.
3.
In view of the concern expressed in the international community regarding the decline of African elephant population, Hong Kong Government supports the proposed upgrading of this species from CITES Appendix II to Appendix I. We have made this decision on the understanding that trade in existing, legal stocks would continue to be permitted and that the trade ban would be restricted to new ivory only,
THEANG
(Note: We have just been advised by the CITES Secretariat that their interpretation is that the upgrading of the species to Appendix I will not permit the trading of the existing legal stock. If this is so, H.K. may need to review its position.)
4.
We
Our special concern, in Hong Kong is that it should be recognised that Hong Kong is in a unique position with regard to the ivory trade. are one of the major centres for the ivory trade. Virtually all of the ivory imported is re-exported after carving. We have considerable stocks of ivory obtained legally from CITES approved sources and held legally in Hong Kong. As such our position is that trade in these existing #tocks must continue to be allowed because
All replies must be addressed to Director of Agriculture & Fisheries