Mr McLaren
PS/Mr Maude
PS/Mr Waldegrave
Private Secretary
HONG KONG AND THE IVORY TRADE
Problem
CONFIDENTIAL
FROM: A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
DATE: 13 November 1989
CC:
PS/PUS
Mr Bayne
Mr Gillmore
Mr Carrick
Mr Beetham, MAED
Mr Burns, News Department
Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers
A B 1. The Governor of Hong Kong and his Executive Council have now
formally asked HMG
-o pursue the establishment of an international buy-out fund to compensate Hong Kong's ivory traders for their losses as the result of the recent ban on international trade in ivory;
b) failing that, to enter a reservation allowing Hong Kong to delay implementation of the ban for a further six months in order to allow sufficient time for traders to dispose of their existing stocks.
Recommendation
2.
IS A
NON STARTER
FOR THE REASONS GIEN IN
PARAGRAPH
BELOW
The idea of an international buy-out fund But I recommend that the Secretary of State should ask Mr Patten to enter a six month reservation on Hong Kong's behalf. I submit a draft minute from the
PJMARV
CONFIDENTIAL
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