TNAG-1953-FCO40-2782-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 95

We have hitherto taken the view that a ban on trade would not be the

best or only way to protect the elephant. If trade were made

illegal, the scarcity value of ivory would cause prices to rise

thereby providing more incentives to poachers. Also the revenue

from legal trade is often used by African countries to improve

measures to conserve their elephants. Without this revenue they

would not be able to do this as effectively. If a proposal to

upgrade the elephant is put to the Conference, we shall need to consider it carefully.

Hong Kong has been criticised widely as a centre for illegal trade

in ivory. They are a party to CITES and are required to implement

its controls. In order to do this more effectively and to remove an

existing loophole, the Hong Kong Government has recently introduced

controls on the import of all forms of worked ivory.

PP

E. Sittugle

JP R Jeffrey

Maritime, Aviation and Environment

Department

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