CONFIDENTIAL
B
outcome of the CITES Conference.
But their aim at the Conference
The Hong
was to win the right to dispose of their legal stocks. Kong members of the British delegation to the Conference were given the opportunity to present their case for continued trading in legal stocks and the British Government abstained in the vote on the
subsequent Resolution on this issue.
4. The Hong Kong Government are now examining what might be done to alleviate the difficulties facing those employed in the ivory trade. They have asked HMG to enter a reservation against the CITES resolution in order to allow a limited period for HK traders to dispose of their legal stocks. They have also asked whether HMG would support the establishment of an international compensation fund to reimburse those whose livelihood is adversely affected by the ban. We have agreed to consult Ministers on both requests but have warned Hong Kong that it is unlikely that we will be able to agree to either. It is however unlikely that HMG will insist on Hong Kong implementing the ban on trade immediately in accordance with the UK resolution. This was a recommendation only and is not binding on partners. This means that Hong Kong will have at least the 90 day period of grace to dispose of some of their stocks before
the ban becomes total.
Hary Kay Apartment
Наз
7 November 1905
CONFIDENTIAL
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