CONFIDENTIAL
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SPEAKING NOTE FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S USE WITH MR PATTEN
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سملها
Prime Minister sympathises with Hong Kong's need for six months breathing space (Charles Powell's letter of 19 December). Believes
that Hong Kong's problems are genuine and cannot be ignored.
Case for doing something for Hong Kong:
(a) This would be reasonable compromise to enable Hong Kong to adapt to the CITES ban. Not a major concession.
(b) Key point is that Hong Kong is prepared to ban all trade in ivory despite the importance of the industry in the territory. This is a significant and substantial step forward. Believe we should present the position in this light, not as a concession to Hong Kong.
(c) Hong Kong traders' ivory stocks (£80 million) were acquired legally and in good faith. Giving them a reasonable time to dispose of these stocks in an orderly fashion is equitable.
(d) Prime Minister attaches importance to stringent controls and monitoring of ivory trade during six month grace period. As you acknowledge, Hong Kong Government have gone to considerable lengths to ensure this.
Recognise reasons for your concern about domestic political difficulties. But fear that there are only two options:
(a) to enter a six month reservation on Hong Kong's behalf.
reservation bud
(b) not to enter such a reservation but to texHong Kong that they have six months after which they must implement the ban.
Decision must be taken urgently since deadline for entering
reservation is 18 January.
Hong Kong next week
Also likely to arise during my visit to
ARTABL
CONFIDENTIAL
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