CONFIDENTIAL
HKC.151
HKCISI/1
(274
Mr Paul, 1
a 18110
From:
PS/Mr Maude
Date:
16 October 1989
MrSztre манагий
HKD
W/17/10
Cc:
PS
PS/Mr Waldegrave
Mr Gillmore
Mr Bayne
Mr McLaren
Mr Beetham, MAED
Mr Burns, News Dept
CITES CONFERENCE:
HONG KONG
1. Mr Trippier made a second telephone call to Mr Maude at 1930 this evening.
2.
Mr Trippier said that he had spoken further the Mr Patten. There was no provision in the Convention for international compensation. For the UK to argue for compensation for Hong Kong would make us a laughing stock. There was simply no international money available. He added that our current position was untenable. Hong Kong's case was lost anyway, and their stocks would have to be burnt. The upshot would simply be damaging criticism in the press.
3. Mr Maude set out the difficulties a change of position would cause Hong Kong. He was not prepared to change a line that had been agreed inter-ministerially some time ago. Mr Patten wished to reopen our line, he would have to speak
to the Secretary of State in Kuala Lumpur.
4. Mr Trippier apologised for putting Mr Maude in such a difficult position. He confirmed that Mr Patten would probably want to contact the Secretary of State direct tomorrow morning.
If
Tom byn Grat
Mark Lyall Grant Private Secretary to Francis Maude