TNAG-2129-FCO40-3044-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 19

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These thorough and comprehensive measures are clear and reassuring evidence of the Hong Kong Government's firm intention to adhere fully to CITES.

Allowing Hong Kong to continue to trade its legally- acquired ivory for a limited period does not create a threat to living elephants, because imports are already banned. It would make no sense to import ivory illegally into Hong Kong where there is already a large stock of legal ivory, a small domestic market, and a small number of export outlets.

Both the British Government and Hong Kong are fully committed to the conservation of endangered species and to CITES itself. We would not have entered a Reservation if we believed that by doing so we were putting at risk the future of the African elephant.

Mr John Grandy

CHARLES POWELL