(vi) an operational Royal Air Force airfield with supporting
services, which also provides for civil aviation and
maritime search and rescue.
European Communities
15. Gibraltar is a part of the European Communities under Article 227(4) of the Treaty of Rome, although it is not part of the Customs Territory, and does not participate in the Common Agricultural
Policy, nor the Turnover Tax regime. Gibraltarians are European Community nationals. Gibraltar is not officially represented in the European Parliament; but there is a recognised, if unofficial,
'Gibraltar in Europe Representation Group' of MEPS.
Impact of Spanish Accession to EC
16. The British Government supports Spain's intended accession to
the European Community (EC), which is a matter of great importance
to all Europe, as well as to Spain. The British Government has made
no formal link with the lifting of restrictions on Gibraltar, since
these should be removed and the border reopened long before Spain
joins the Community. However, it is inconceivable that a closed
frontier could exist between two parts of the EC.
Possible Spanish Accession to NATO
17. Although the Spanish Government has publicly declared that it
not favours joining NATO, it has/so far decided in favour of membership.
A Spanish application to join NATO would have the support of the
British Government since the strength and coherence of the Alliance,
particularly in the strategically important Southern Flank and the
Atlantic approaches, would be enhanced by Spanish membership. There
is no British link between Gibraltar and Spanish accession to NATO,
since the latter would not affect the British Government's commitment
to the people of Gibraltar. But it has been made clear to the
Spanish Government that joint use of the military facilities at Gibraltar, which are already extensively used by other members of
the Alliance, would be welcomed.
18. Detailed information is set out in the fact sheet enclosed
at Annex B.