Mr Paul Is Mr Shane 1244
H.
Mr Him 12/12 PA
17/12
CONFIDENTIAL
HKCISI
FCS/89/216
07 DEC 1980
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Hong Kong and the Ivory Trade
HKD-
JC PS 339) PS(339)
PS/Mr Maude PS/Mv Waldegrave PS/PUS
Mv Bayne
Mr Weston Mr Mclaren or. Mr Beetham, MAED My Bums - News Mr Edwards-Legal
Advisers
Mr Liduigton
1. As you know Hong Kong faces serious difficulties following the decision taken at the CITES Conference last month to ban all international trade in ivory. Hong Kong has long been the centre of the world's ivory trade and has by far the largest stockpile. This amounts to over 600 tonnes and had a value before the Conference of about £83 million. Some 3000 people are directly engaged in the trading and carving of ivory. Despite these difficulties, and the hardship which will inevitably be inflicted on those whose livelihoods depend on the trade, the Hong Kong Government have resolved to implement the ban and to introduce the necessary legislation. This should have a significant impact on the international effort to save the African elephant.
2.
The Hong Kong Government are, however, understandably under strong pressure to alleviate the immediate difficulties of those affected by the ban. The Governor has formally asked us to help in either of the following
ways:
SAKO
7/12
CONFIDENTIAL
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