Wildlife Trading

Re “Japan Seeks to Open Trade in Rare Wildlife,” June 8: How sad that a country such as Japan, with its fine cultural attributes, has this fetish for ivory and whales.

Negotiating with the Japanese on this problem won’t be any more successful than trying to open up their commercial markets. In 30 years, how much has really been accomplished?

The only thing that gets Japan’s attention is economics. Perhaps if Americans stopped buying some of their products we would see their attitude change.

BERNARD SHANKMAN

Woodland Hills