TNAG-2131-FCO40-3046-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 123

Mr Fraser

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Hong Kong Ivory

The Secretary of State has seen your minute of 21 February. He has commented that the crucial thing is that the Hong Kong legislation should go through on

as I have time. He would like a report on this, indicated to the Department in week.

a minute earlier this

The Secretary of State has also commented that if Hong Kong's import ban does not work that would be bad

a reservation. news for elephants whether or not there was If it does work (and he thinks it is probably largely effective) then it has to be made credible so that dealers

We need advice on are not tempted to try their luck. this quickly from the Hong Kong Government.

The Secretary of State wonders whether there is supporting evidence for Dr Leakey's claim that shipments of ivory were still leaving East Africa for Hong Kong,

and that some of them had been intercepted.

I should be grateful if HKD, EAD and MAED could pursue these points and submit.

23 February 1990

(R N Peirce)

CC:

PS/All Ministers

Mr Edis, EAD

Mr Beetham, MAED

Mr Burns, News Dept

Mr Lidington

Private Secretary

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