TNAG-1956-FCO40-2785-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 74

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PS/Mr Trippier

Copied to

APS/Secretary of State

PS/Mrs Bottomley

Mr Burr

Miss Caines

Mr Bunce

Mr Folland

•

by fax

Mr Stephens, Press Office

Mr M Doulton, FCO - by fax

CITES CONFERENCE

IVORY

HKCISI/1

X

The

1. Following the misleading reports in this morning's Independent and Daily Mail, the delegation in Lausanne have been under heavy pressure all day to clarify the UK's position. standard line that the UK is firmly in favour of Appendix I listing but is prepared to listen to the arguments of those who claim that this is not the best way to protect the elephant is being consistently challenged on the basis that the delegation must have Ministerial instructions on how to vote at the end of the day. On Hong Kong too there is confusion since the formal position of the Hong Kong representatives as part of the British delegation is seen as implying British support for their case.

2. We feel that a Ministerial Statement from Blackpool would help to clarify the position. Press Office advise that, rather than issue a formal press notice, the most appropriate medium might be for the Mr Trippier to give something to Chris Moncrieff of PA which would then receive wide circulation. Alternatively we could hand something to PA in London.

3. If Ministers agree, I attach a draft of what we have in mind.

An

R J GREEN DRA

11 October 1989

"NOⱭNOT 880 104