CONFIDENTIAL
4. I agree the public handling will not be easy but we have a perfectly good case to make, Namely that Hong Kong, the world's largest market for ivory, has accepted the ban, and that this represents a major advance. Because several thousand people make their living from
carving, they need a few months in which to adapt. It is
better to allow a few months adaptation and then have the whole-hearted support of the people in Hong Kong in implementing the ban than to be unable to get the ban
implemented at all.
I
In the light of the answers I have had about the Hong
Kong legislation and the strictness of the controls,
5.
propose to enter a reservation on 18 January.
6. I am copying this minute to the Prime Minister and to
Sir Robin Butler.
R+? Som
for
(DOUGLAS HURD)
(approved by the Foreign
Secretary in Hong Kong)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
15 January 1990
CONFIDENTIAL
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