TNAG-1956-FCO40-2785-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 75

CONSERVATION OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

1. I have been disturbed to see the misleading reports in som® of this morning's papers about the line the British Government is adopting at the CITES Conference. It may help if I put the record straight.

2. 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 encouraged 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. We are therefore prepared to listen to the arguments before taking a final 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.

klogares from

3. 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

ncluding us that they can prevent it creating a loophole for poachers.

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

Mr. Hughes

Kl

Mr. Evans Folit ano

Jestoday.

ની

of this

17/10

Page 75Page 76