TEXT OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE
BY FAX
Dear Julian
CONTROL ON EXPORT OF IVORY PERSONAL EFFECTS FROM HONG KONG
I refer to our recent conversation regarding a letter to us from the Secretary for Economic Services, Hong Kong dated 30 June 1990, ref. ECON 3/2151/88, a copy of which has been passed to you already. The letter clearly indicates that Hong Kong intends to exempt from licence requirements export of worked ivory by tourists following the withdrawal of the reservation, provided that it weighs not more than 5 kg in aggregate, and that it is not for the purpose of trade or business. The proposed exemption would appear to be in contravention of the provisions of Article 7 of CITES, in which case it is likely to result in great embarrassment to both the UK and Hong Kong Governments.
I am unsure whether Hong Kong can arrange for the necessary controls through administrative procedures, or whether it may be necessary to amend the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 187. If the latter is necessary, there may be insufficient time to make the changes before the proposed date for withdrawing the Reservation, in which case it might be necessary to delay the withdrawal to ensure that Hong Kong does not find itself in an irregular position.
Yours sincerely
David Melville
BRIAAM