Mir Paul
Mr Shone
Mr Stolny) RM 20/11
A
Mr McLaren
HKCISI
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG AND THE IVORY TRADE
FROM:
R C BEETHAM, MAED
325
DATE:
20 November 1989
CC:
PS/Mr Waldegrave
PS/PUS
Mr Bayne
Mr Gillmore
Mr Slater
Mr Paul, HKD
Mr Burns, News Dept
Mr Edwards, Legal
Advisers
I have only this morning seen Mr Paul's submission of 17
November. I am concerned that it was not cleared with MAED.
would have wished it to make clear that MAED dissents from the
recommendation.
H
2.
In particular, the first sentence of paragraph 13 does not adequately reflect the advice we gave Hong Kong Department about the DOE's reaction. Mr Trippier in particular has told me personally of his resentment at the FCO's insistence on our abstention in
Lausanne, which brought on him a good deal of personal criticism. The draft letter therefore does not adequately anticipate
Mr Patten's likely reaction.
3. I also think it is unwise to quote the Prime Minister out of context: it is by no means self-evident that her support for our
abstention in the vote in Lausanne would translate itself into
support for a réservation, with the serious public criticism which
would ensue.
4.
I am not seeking to advise against a letter being sent, but I think the present draft is politically naive.
ROLANH
CONFIDENTIAL
RC Beetham
Maritime, Aviation and
Environment Department