TNAG-0634-FCO40-782-Violation-of-legislation-for-protection-of-endangered-specie-1977 — Page 53

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therefore almost certain that they would not be accepted back over the frontier. Quite understandably the Preventive Service also accords higher priority to drug smuggling and similar offences.

Unfortunately the nature of the trade in China wildlife imports is such that the local dealer is rarely aware of what has been sent by the exporter until the shipment actually arrives. The latter may come by sea although mostly by road or rail. The bulk of such shipments are of course quite legitimate, in that they do not involve endangered species and are exported in line with China's declared policy of exploiting indigenous wildlife when this may be done without endangering the species.

In an endeavour to contain the situation, and ultimately to dry up the supply of endangered species, the approach which this department is adopting is to inspect premises as regularly as possible and to persuade importers to surrender any endangered species received by them. Failing this animals are seized. All animals are held either until suitable documentation is received from China to permit of legal handling, onward transmission, etc., or, and more usually, disposed of at our discretion. If we can obtain voluntary surrender then we can dispose of them relatively quickly and satisfactorily to a recognised zoological garden or similar institution. If the animals have to be seized then of course we cannot

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dis

ispose of them until we have the authority of the court behind us. either event, provided the importer can provide documentary evidence that the animals were taken from him he can claim against the exporter who thereby loses out financially. This we hope will effectively discourage further imports of such species. It is also interesting to note that we have at last been successful in obtaining suitable documentation, in line with that section of the Convention relating to non-signatory nations, to permit us to allow the issue of a possession permit pending the onward transfer of endangered species (of cranes) to an acceptable destination. We are also in the process of contacting the U.K. Committee on International Conservation to obtain their advice on suitable institutions, etc. to which surrendered and seized animals may be donated.

I apologise for the somewhat lengthy reply to your brief query. However, I feel that it is as well that you are as fully informed as possible on the subject area so that you have sufficient material to effectively ward off anticipated as well as current attacks implying inertia on the part of HKG in general and my own department in particular. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jaros

cc Sec. for Env. w/o encl.

(E. H. Nichols)

Director of Agriculture and Fisheries