TNAG-1954-FCO40-2783-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 23

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5.

(a)

these stocks have been acquired in strict compliance with CITES Ivory Control Procedures. A substantial proportion has been imported from E.C. countries. (Belgium along exported 79.2 tonnes of raw ivory to Hong Kong in 1987 and 1988). A ban on reimports would, even though Hong Kong has played things very strictly by the book, cause considerable financial 1088 to both individuals end companies.

(b) there is a significant number of people (over 3,000 people and their dependents) employed in the trade, most of whom would have difficulties in finding alternative employment because of their age and restricted skills, and

(c)

we have a very strict enforcement system. Conscious of our obligations this sytem has recently been strengthened by the formation of a special Task Force within the Customs and Excise service to investigate and suppress any illegal trade. At the same time we have introduced a thorough registration and marking system through

through the extension of the system to cover stocks lupurted before 1986. (All stocks acquired after January 1986 have already been registered.)

Notwithstanding paragraph 3 above, Hong Kong considers that total banning of the ivory trade may not necessarily be the only option nor the best solution to slop the decline of the African olophant population. WA have seen the views of CITES Secretariat as stated in its letter of 8 June 1989 to all party countries and supports its call for party countries to consider and discuss the various options during the meetings of CITES African Elephant Working Group and CITES Conference to be held in July and October 1989 before making a final decision on the option to be taken. It is hoped that a sensible and practical solution could be found after the above meetings.

6.

As I have said, Hong Kong would object to the ban in trade in existing ivory stocks held in Hong Kong. We consider that the proper disposal of the existing ivory stocks is an important issue which will have to be resolved at CITES in conjunction with the proposal for upgrading the African elephant to CITES Appendix I.

7.

Nonetheless we understand the need for a moratorium on ivory imports such as have recently been imposed by some E.C. countries and the U.$.A. These should be considered as temporary measures, to prevent stock piling.. prior to the October meeting. In the spirit of the moratorium, Hong Kong has suspended the issue of new import licences in respect of raw ivory pending the outcome of the CITES conference.

8.

We hope that the E.C., U.B.A. and other CITES party countries will continue to permit the import of Hong Kong's existing legal ivory stocke in consideration of our commitment to the

commitment to the conservation of the elephant, the legality of the stocks currently held in Hong Kong, the strict enforcement measures taken, and the co-operation of local ivory traders in the suspension of raw ivory imports.