CODE 18-77
CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
Reference
entered a reservation. Add before first sentence 'Our abstention on behalf of Hong Kong was almost universally condemned by the press' and before 'conservationist' add 'press and the'
para 11
There is no way that the Department of the Environment will agree to the entering of a reservation, given their attempts to persuade us to vote against Hong Kong in Lausanne. Amend para 11 to read 'The idea of establishing an international buy-out fund is clearly unrealistic. In MAED's view it will be impossible to persuade the Department of the Environment to agree to enter a reservation on Hong Kong's behalf. (Mr Trippier, for example, remains sore over the FCO's role in Lausanne). However, I see no alternative but to pursue this option in view of our duty to look after Hong Kong's interestss, the serious political consequences in Hong Kong if we refuse to do so and the possible financial implications for HMG'.
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Draft Letter
Apart from amending in the light of our comments above, there are one or two factual inaccuracies:
para 4a
The reference in the last sentence to trade with CITES parties before January 1990 is misleading. Trade can continue with them up to January 1990 (since we are not pushing Hong Kong to follow our own resolution removing the 90-day grace period) irrespective of whether or not we enter a reservation.
para 4c
Needs some acknowledgement of the change in environmental perceptions and the situation of the African elephant since
1977.
para 7
Needs some explanation as to why we would have to pay compensation in the light of our own legal advice.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.