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10. The CITES secretariat have now produced a draft resolution which would allow trade in existing stocks in any country to continue. We should support this, and speak at the Conference in favour of Hong Kong's case (Hong Kong will be represented on delegation, as will MAED). The NGOS are strongly opposed to this resolution and their arguments may well win the day, particularly if, as already threatened, they can produce evidence of illegal trade in ivory within Hong Kong. The Community, which refused to allow exceptions for Hong Kong from the EC ban on ivory introduced on 17 August, may well be swayed by these arguments and wish to vote against.
11. The issue falls within Community competence but despite the possibility referred to by Mr Trippier of voting separately on behalf of an overseas territory whose interests are shown to be distinct and significant, he is right to say that politically we
Such could not isolate ourselves by voting against the Community.
an action would be seen as
as a reversal of our previous support for Appendix I listing and would lead to a surge of criticism from NGOS and the public in the UK. Given the feeling of uncertainty within Hong Kong, created by the Peking massacre and the refusal of the UK to give way on the nationality question, about the degree of support which exists in the UK for the colony, voting with the EC and against Hong Kong would equally be politically unacceptable. Officals therefore agree with the suggestion that we abstain if
necessary.
by Hong Kong.
This course of action would, we believe, be understood
نے مکہ سے ہے
R C Beetham
Maritime, Aviation
and Environment Department
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