TNAG-1957-FCO40-2786-Hong-Kong-Animals-and-Plants-(Protection-of-Endangered-Speci-1989 — Page 120

Mr McLaren

PS/Mr Maude

PS/Mr Waldegrave

Private Secretary

HONG KONG AND THE IVORY TRADE

Problem

CONFIDENTIAL

FROM: A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 13 November 1989

CC:

PS/PUS

Mr Bayne

Mr Gillmore

Mr Carrick

Mr Beetham, MAED

Mr Burns, News Department

Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers

A B 1. The Governor of Hong Kong and his Executive Council have now

formally asked HMG

-o pursue the establishment of an international buy-out fund to compensate Hong Kong's ivory traders for their losses as the result of the recent ban on international trade in ivory;

b) failing that, to enter a reservation allowing Hong Kong to delay implementation of the ban for a further six months in order to allow sufficient time for traders to dispose of their existing stocks.

Recommendation

2.

IS A

NON STARTER

FOR THE REASONS GIEN IN

PARAGRAPH

BELOW

The idea of an international buy-out fund But I recommend that the Secretary of State should ask Mr Patten to enter a six month reservation on Hong Kong's behalf. I submit a draft minute from the

PJMARV

CONFIDENTIAL

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