[Archport] U.S. - China Protocol regarding the illicit export of artifacts and cultural heritage

["Maia M. Langley" <iberianaia@gmail.com>]

Dear Archport,

I am writing to bring this to the forefront of everyone's attention: 
http://www.culturalheritage.state.gov/whatsnew.html

The U.S. Government and the People's Republic of China have signed a 
Memorandum of Understanding which is a first step in the efforts to 
prevent the exportation of artifacts from China as well as placing 
pressure on China to educate their people regarding the importance of 
cultural heritage.

Sometime this week, a post was made to Archport that brought to light 
artifacts from Portugal being sold on the internet.  As we all know, 
this is not uncommon ...but it should be.  I, unfortunately, know that 
many tourists, of many nationalities, (some of who should know better) 
purchase coins, /lucernae /and jewelry from dealers in Lisbon and export 
them with little resistance.  There are many reasons for this - one of 
which is ignorance of the law.  The reality is, however, that once 
people leave Portugal, there are no laws that can prosecute them in 
their own countries quite often.  This is the problem  in the USA.

There have been efforts to move forward with this kind of agreement 
between the US and Portugal but it is slow moving.  Given the political 
climate over the last 8 years, or more, in the world, sometimes American 
efforts to reduce this type of illicit trade is deemed as hypocritical 
or suspicious.  I can assure you that these efforts from the government 
are indeed legitimate and truly meant to lower the entrance of illicitly 
gained artifacts into the USA.  It is also focused on educating citizens 
about the dangers and realities of buying and importing artifacts 
illegally.  A trade that has been linked to other major criminal 
activities.  This kind of legislation is a step in the right direction 
but of course, this problem will not disappear tomorrow. 

A bilateral agreement between Cyprus and the US was signed not so very 
long ago that even protected the illegal trade of coins.  This, as many 
may know, is one of the most lucrative and common markets for the 
illicit trade of artifacts.  Although the US is certainly not the only 
country whose citizens engage in this type of activity, it is a start in 
giving countries the power to legislate punishments for crimes committed 
outside of their territories and against other countries.

We should all encourage the Portuguese government, and those entities 
that have been created to protect Portugal's amazing heritage, to work 
together on a similar resolution.  Educating the Portuguese public about 
this, as well, is a way to move in the right direction.  I have been 
working on many ways to implement literature in the airports and on the 
Embassy websites, for all countries, to warn people against the 
realities and dangers of purchasing artifacts and exporting them from 
the country.  Each country has different laws and many people do not 
even know if these laws exist.  Making the legislation more readable and 
visible is a step as well.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this.  If you are interested 
in working with the local AIA society on ways to work, as citizens of 
Portugal, to lower the illicit trade of artifacts from this country, 
please do not hesitate to email me.  I think it is a good time to move 
forward on this front. Collaborations amongst organizations, as well, is 
a powerful way to create a strong front. 

Best to you all
Maia Langley