TNAG-1956-FCO40-2785-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 73

FROM DRA LONDON.

10.12.1989 14:36

P.

5

CONSERVATION OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

statement by Environment Minister, David Trippier

"I have been disturbed to see the misleading reports in some of this morning's papers about the line the British Government is adopting at the CITES Conference.

record straight.

It may help if I put the

There should be no doubt about our commitment to conserving

the elephant. We introduced a complete ban on the import of ivory in June and took the lead within the EC to encourage our European partners to do the same. We are firmly in favour of Appendix I listing because we believe that that represents the best way of securing the long term future of the species. We recognise however that there are others, including other

conservation bodies, who do not share that view. But we shall not budge from Appendix I unless we are convinced that there is another approach which offers a better future for the elephant.

·

So far as Hong Kong is concerned, it is up to the Hong Kong

Government to make their case. It is not for us to make it for

them. If they are to be allowed to continue to trade their existing stocks they will have to persuade the Conference including us that they can prevent it creating a loophole for

poachers.

On both issues, the UK delegation will listen to the arguments and seek Ministers' approval before voting."