Entur $22
HKCISL
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
BRIEFING FOR PRIME MINISTER'S.
[NISTER 7 JAN 1990
DESK OFFIC.
ON TIME: 16 JANUARY REGISTRY
SIX-MONTH EXEMPTION FOR HONG KONG FROMAN ON TRADE IN IVORY
LINE TO TAKE
UK will tomorrow enter a six-month reservation on behalf of Hong Kong only with respect to the amendment to CITES providing for a ban on commercial trade in ivory from the African elephant
We will withdraw the Reservation after six months
UK and Hong Kong both committed to conservation of the African elephant and to CITES; purpose of reservation is to allow Hong Kong to dispose of its legally-acquired stocks of ivory in an orderly fashion, and to introduce a re-training scheme for its ivory workers.
Hong Kong authorities have assured us that there will be no loophole for the entry of illegal ivory onto the market
Hong Kong will not issue export licences for exports to countries which have agreed to the CITES ban
If Raised
Ivory held in Hong Kong has been imported legally under CITES procedures
Decision not inconsistent with UK voting at CITES conference; we voted in favour of Appendix I listing but abstained on behalf of Hong Kong in vote on trade in existing stocks
16 January
(Dofted with MAED)
1990
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