Mr Unwin, PPD
SECRET
iler
35
Ner Bailey
Peas ple
Supadion papers.
Biru
A
+ B
C
GIBRALTAR
1.
In his minute of 4 March the PUS stated that he wished to consider the timing of the break-up of Gibraltar and General Department in the light of Sir Joshua Hassan's reaction and then make recommendations to Ministers accordingly.
2. The Governor was asked by telegram to sound out Sir Joshua Hassan regarding the Inspector's proposal that Gibraltar work should be consolidated in SED and that responsibility for the administration for Aid should pass to ODM with continuing political guidance from SED.
3.
Sir John Grandy reported that he had spoken to Sir Joshua, who was not adverse but cautious; and in a subsequent letter Sir Joshua expressed the view that the proposed consolidation was a matter of great political importance, and mentioned a number of points which he considered should be stressed in any press release to allay criticism and suspicion in Gibraltar. I discussed the matter further with the Governor during his visit here this week and we consider that an announcement should be made from the Convent (a suggested draft is attached) which would include almost all the points mentioned by Sir Joshua.
4.
A number of developments affecting opinion in Gibraltar are pending:-
i:
ii.
iii.
iv.
proposals for revision of the Nationality Law (which are likely to cause concern in Gibraltar) are expected to be made public at Easter;
Mrs Hart is anxious for the Aid work for Gibraltar to be transferred immediately to the ODM (Mr Williams' letter of 8 March is relevant);
DOPC decided at its meeting on 3 March to defer further discussion on the Dockyard until the autumn, but the Governor expects to be authorised shortly to inform the Chief Minister at least that its future is under consideration;
ار
the CPSA dispute could, well reach a critical stage following discussion at the CPSA National Executive's AGM on 14/15 April.
Only (ii) above has any prospect of being welcomed in Gibraltar.
SECRET
15. The