M (89) 41
CONFIDENTIAL
585
in full, the likely international reaction
would be extremely unfavourable and given
Hong
Kong's
current need to garner
international support on other issues (e.g.
repatriation of VBPS and nationality), it was
not worth the risk of attracting unfavourable
media attention.
In addition, there was
likely to be political opposition from HMG in
entering a reservation on HKG's behalf.
.
(b) Whilst there was sympathy for employees
engaged in the trade, there was little for
employers who should have clearly seen the
international trend to control and eventually
ban
the trade in ivory.
However, some
Members felt that since existing stocks had
been legally acquired, an extension of the 90
day grace-period should be considered so as
to allow the industry to mitigate its losses.
(c) Legally, the HKG was not liable to pay
the trade as a result of
compensation
to
decisions taken at the CITES 1989 Conference.
(d) Efforts should be directed to correcting the
erroneous impression that HKG had not looked
after Hong Kong people's
issue.
interests in this
CONFIDENTIAL