TNAG-1956-FCO40-2785-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 80

CODE 18-77

Mr Boon

News Dept

AFRICAN IVORY

258

1. UKMis Geneva telno 617 proposed a line to take in response to press enquiries about the UK position at the CITES Conference in Lausanne. We have agreed the following line with the DOE who are the lead department:

"UK firmly supports Appendix I listing for the African

elephant.

UK's concern for future of species demonstrated by introduction of import ban on 9 June, and encouragement of EC partners to do the same, which they did on 17 August.

UK recognise that there are those who wish to make cases for exemptions from Appendix I listings. We shall listen to all such proposals and will respond in a manner which seems to us to best ensure future security of African elephant.

Nonsense to suggest that UK delegation are operating in any way independently of Ministers in London. In daily touch and will not vote on important proposals without consulting Ministers first."

11 October 1989

CC:

J Ivins

Maritime, Aviation and Environment Department WH MZ 13

270 3844

Mr Holroyd, HKD Mr McGinty, SAED

HKCISI/I

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