DECISION EXTREMELY UNPOPULAR IN UK
Cannot deny that many people did not agree with the decision to
enter a Reservation. We have received 4000 letters from the public
and more than 350 Members of Parliament have also written on
behalf of their constituents.
HONG KONG CUSTOMS CONTROLS NOT ADEQUATE ONLY 1% OF
TRAVELLERS CHECKED
This is misleading. Like all Customs authorities worldwide
Hong Kong Customs work on a mix of random and targeted checks.
PROPOSAL BY WWF THAT IVORY BE KEPT FROM NOW ON IN BONDED WAREHOUSE
We are aware that WWF are working on a proposal that all ivory
be stored in a bonded warehouse and that dealers will have to
explain all sales from the stocks kept within. We have not
however received any firm proposal from WWF. We shall of course
look at it carefully.
SMUGGLING OF IVORY FROM HONG KONG TO JAPAN
This is obviously a matter of concern. Pleased that Japanese Customs stopped this consignment. Hong Kong Customs will
be working hard to ensure there is no repeat of this unfortunate
incident.
WILL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IVORY NOW BE HANDED BACK TO DOE?
Responsiblity for CITES never left DOE. FCO led on Hong Kong
ivory because we are responsible for seeing that our
Dependent Territories comply with international conventions to
which they, through the UK, are parties.