DS 11 (Revised Sept 85)
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HONG KONG AND THE IVORY TRADE
In Confidence
CAVEAT
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As you know, Hong Kong faces serious difficulties
following the decision taken at the CITES Conference last
month to ban all international trade in ivory. Hong
Kong has long been the centre of the world's ivory trade
and has by far the largest stockpile. This amounts to
over 600 tonnes and had a value before the Conference of
about £83 million. Some 3000 people are directly engaged
in the trading and carving of ivory. Despite these
difficulties, and the hardship which will inevitably be
inflicted on those whose livelihoods depend on the
trade, the Hong Kong Government have resolved to
implement the ban and to introduce the necessary
legislation. This should have a very significant impact
on the international effort to save the African elephant.
The Hong Kong Government are, however,
understandably under strong pressure to alleviate the
difficulties of those affected by the ban. The Governor
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Private notes are available after approval.