TNAG-2130-FCO40-3045-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 38

CODE 18-77

RE

Hki isill

нис

-8 MAR 1990

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Reference..

136

From:

MAED

Julian Evans Date: 21 February 1990

The Borova Tel 401 (file)

Mr Hølroyd

HKD

112

HONG KONG IVORY: ALLEGATIONS BY DR LEAKEY OF CONTINUED POACHING

1.

We spoke. I attach a copy of the transcript of Dr Leakey's interview on the 'Today' programme this morning. He will also be speaking on the 'PM' programme tonight. News Department have turned down, on MAED's advice, a request from PM' for an FCO Minister to make a statement and are sticking to the agreed Press line.

T

2. I should be grateful if you could urgently ask Hong Kong for their comments on Leakey's allegations. I shall contact Nairobi and Dar es Salaam to see whether they have anything to contribute.

3.

It is for Hong Kong and Hong Kong Department to decide whether HMG should ask Leakey for evidence that the ivory was destined for Hong Kong and we shall go along with whatever you decide. But we will still have to answer the main allegation that by entering the Reservation HMG is responsible for the continuation of poaching in Africa because poachers are unaware that imports are banned. I would welcome your views on how we tackle this in time for inclusion in a minute for Mr Waldegrave's box tonight.

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Julian Evans

Maritime, Aviation and Environment Department