TNAG-2132-FCO40-3047-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 32

BACKGROUND

References A. CITES exemptions and other special

provisions relating to trade.

B. UK Press cuttings

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8 July.

1.

Two Sunday newspapers, the 'Independent on Sunday' and the 'Mail on Sunday', yesterday published reports that Hong Kong is preparing to breach CITES regulations on trade in ivory when the Reservation is withdrawn on 18 July. The reports claim that Hong Kong will use a loophole in the Convention relating to exemptions for personal possessions

to allow tourists to take ivory out of Hong Kong.

2. WWF Hong Kong have written to us about a letter they have received from the Secretary for Economic Services of Hong Kong explaining that the exemption for personal effects would apply 'irrespective of the nationality, race or residency status of the person concerned'. Their view is that this is clearly in breach of CITES Article VII.

3.

The Department of the Environment, who are the UK's CITES Management Authority, have also concluded that Hong Kong would indeed be in breach of CITES if it allowed

tourists to export ivory, since Article VII of the

Convention only exempts personal effects if they belong to a

resident of that country.

4. We have asked Hong Kong for an urgent explanation. A response is awaited. In the meantime News Department are taking the line that enquiries are being made of Hong Kong, although there is no question of Hong Kong not complying

with CITES Appendix I regulations after 18 July.

CC5ABJ/2