TNAG-0378-FCO40-424-UK-policy-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-after-1997-1973 — Page 27

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in the absence of the first) beeruse of the conati-

tutional constraints under which JMG must operate and

which reflect the facts of British political life.

Gibraltarians are unlikely to place greater confidence in

the value of safeguards etc while their isolation fron

Spain continues and while Spanish restrictions against

Gibraltar romain in force. The Spanich proposals lack

completely any suggestions for improving Spanish-

Gibraltarian relations.

3. A further omission from the Spanish proposals as they

stand at present is a privision for a contiming British

military presence in the arca. Gibraltar continues to

have an important place in British defence policy,

although national defence interests are largely subsumed

in those of the NATO alliance, for thom Gibraltar

occupies a vital strategic position. It also ensures a

valuable contribution to defence interests in the

Atlantic and Western Mediterranem, which Britain and

Spain must have in common. British defence establish-

ments, in particular the naval dockyards, renke an

important contribution to the local economy and the

retention of the British military presence would be

additionally welcome to Gibraltarians as a guarantee of

continued British intorest.

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MONA