TNAG-2040-FCO40-2904-Overseas-visits-by-Sir-David-Wilson--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 38

Mr Bayne

PS/Mr Waldegrave

Private Secretary

RESTRICTED

HONG KONG IVORY: STANDARD REPLY

Problem

From: E J Hughes, MAED

Date: 6 March 1990

cc: PS/Mr Maude

Mr G(more

Mr Slater

Mr McLaren

Mr Paul HKD

Mr Edis EAD

News Dept

Mr Lidington

Mr Fraser

A

1. Should we change our standard reply to letters about the Hong Kong ivory stocks in light of allegations made by Dr Richard Leakey of the Kenya Wildlife Department that the Reservation has led directly to increased poaching?

2. This submission also addresses related points raised in the Private Secretary's minute of 23 February (which crossed with my

B earlier submission of the same date). We had intended providing a

submission covering all points but Mr Paul has dealt already with

C

the question of progress on introducing legislation in Hong Kong in response to Private Secretary minutes of 20 February and 23

February.

Recommendation

3. I recommend that we do not change our standard reply. HKD and the Department of the Environment concur.

C42AEE/SLK