TNAG-2129-FCO40-3044-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 90

CONFIDENTIAL

4. I agree the public handling will not be easy but we have a perfectly good case to make, Namely that Hong Kong, the world's largest market for ivory, has accepted the ban, and that this represents a major advance. Because several thousand people make their living from

carving, they need a few months in which to adapt. It is

better to allow a few months adaptation and then have the whole-hearted support of the people in Hong Kong in implementing the ban than to be unable to get the ban

implemented at all.

I

In the light of the answers I have had about the Hong

Kong legislation and the strictness of the controls,

5.

propose to enter a reservation on 18 January.

6. I am copying this minute to the Prime Minister and to

Sir Robin Butler.

R+? Som

for

(DOUGLAS HURD)

(approved by the Foreign

Secretary in Hong Kong)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

15 January 1990

CONFIDENTIAL

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