TNAG-1956-FCO40-2785-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 51

CONFIDENTIAL

HKC.151

HKCISI/1

(274

Mr Paul, 1

a 18110

From:

PS/Mr Maude

Date:

16 October 1989

MrSztre манагий

HKD

W/17/10

Cc:

PS

PS/Mr Waldegrave

Mr Gillmore

Mr Bayne

Mr McLaren

Mr Beetham, MAED

Mr Burns, News Dept

CITES CONFERENCE:

HONG KONG

1. Mr Trippier made a second telephone call to Mr Maude at 1930 this evening.

2.

Mr Trippier said that he had spoken further the Mr Patten. There was no provision in the Convention for international compensation. For the UK to argue for compensation for Hong Kong would make us a laughing stock. There was simply no international money available. He added that our current position was untenable. Hong Kong's case was lost anyway, and their stocks would have to be burnt. The upshot would simply be damaging criticism in the press.

3. Mr Maude set out the difficulties a change of position would cause Hong Kong. He was not prepared to change a line that had been agreed inter-ministerially some time ago. Mr Patten wished to reopen our line, he would have to speak

to the Secretary of State in Kuala Lumpur.

4. Mr Trippier apologised for putting Mr Maude in such a difficult position. He confirmed that Mr Patten would probably want to contact the Secretary of State direct tomorrow morning.

If

Tom byn Grat

Mark Lyall Grant Private Secretary to Francis Maude