FROM D OF E DRA 2 TG
6.13.1989 16:13
P. 2
PSO/ /89
בן
I fully understand and share your constituent's concern about the conservation of the African elephant. As you are no doubt aware, Malcolm Caithness announced on Tuesday 23 May the Government's view that there was now a case for the transfer of the African elephant from Appendix II to Appendix I of the
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This view was shared by our European Colleagues at the Environment Council Meeting on 8-9 June.
Furthermore, Malcolm was successful in securing at the same meeting, support for the UK's proposal for an immediate ban on the import into the Community of raw and worked ivory. This ban will take effect in the UK immediately.
The aim of the ban is to minimise the threat to the elephant while a long term strategy for its future survival is worked out. This will be a matter for the meeting of the conference of the Parties to CITES to consider, and the UK will play a part in these discussions.
A We are Вестил
MAL.
We are aware of concern about the control of the ivory trade in Hong Kong. In most matters the Hong Kong Government exercise a high degree of autonomy. This includes trade in endangered species and they apply CITES controls through their own specific legislation. We hav een in touch with the Hong Kong authorities about the Goventment's decision to ban trade in ivory and the reasons for it. The Hong Kong rnment share our concern and have announced that they will supportsli the upgrading of the African elephant to Appendix of CITES.
et tale
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Hong Kong strictly adheres to all of the co servation and enforcement measures called for by CITES and recently strengthened its controls on the import of worked ivory. The only ivory which may legally be imported into Hong Kong at present is that which comes from a CITES approved source and is subject to the issue of a
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already allocated about
a £320,000 to programme Food for Nature which offers assistance to those
the protection of their elephants. CV ported wildlife conservation through our aid we fund three expatriate staff (one wildlife have provided equipment, such as lorries, to We have told the Kenyan authorities that we are We have also informed the
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A it com ho The European Commission have implemented by the World Wide African countries seeking to ourselves have for a long time programme. For example, in Ken; adviser and t ame wardens) a assist in anti-, aching efforts. prepared to provide sparee, VHF radios, and Landrovers. World Bank that we are ready
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Mr Hobowy
Commercial s
shipments?
or personal shipments as win?
Need to check this with Hkg, by tel, tonight pl.
AXINKS
* UKs mb
Sub; tetto
Cehr Caminst pl. cher his wh 7-1374-8591
13
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