TNAG-2133-FCO40-3048-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 158

CONFIDENTIAL

4. The Governor has agreed to amend the Hong Kong

legislation in order to close a loophole which would have

allowed tourists to export ivory up to 5 kilos in weight as souvenirs. The Hong Kong Government will be briefing

representatives of the UK press about the amendment,

stressing that Hong Kong legislation is fully in line with

the CITES Convention and pointing out that in one respect it is even more stringent that the CITES Rules. Hong Kong legislation requires both possession and export licenses in

respect of items of ivory of 5 kg or more in weight, although under the Convention there is no weight limit set

for ivory imported or exported as personal effects. Since this is a very detailed point, however, I doubt whether it is worth drawing attention to it in the inspired PQ.

5.

An Early Day Motion (for answer on 18 July) should help

us to set the record straight. In view of the timing of the

Early Day Motion, there would be advantage in also tabling

the inspired PQ for answer tomorrow.

MADAGV/2

Rondina Mand

R M Marsden

CONFIDENTIAL