TNAG-0596-FCO40-743-Policy-of-HM-Government-towards-remaining-Dependent-Territor-1977 — Page 17

GIBRALTAR

(i) The new Spanish Government's statement on 11 July

The Spanish statement is welcome to the extent that it speaks

of "facilitating connections between Gibraltar and the surrounding

area". But in linking this to "the progress of negotiations"

it overlooks the vital point that Britain cannot enter into any negotiations on the future of Gibraltar while the Spanish restric-

tions remain in force. The statement does not therefore bring

any change in the situation.

(ii) Prospects for Anglo-Spanish talks on Gibraltar

In most recent years talks between senior British and Spanish officials have been held in Madrid in the context of UN resolutions and consensuses calling for "negotiations". British representatives have explained that in Britain's view the time is not ripe for negotiations, but that we stand ready by means of discussion to seek the elements of a negotiable solution acceptable to all concerned, without prejudice to British views on sovereignty or to our pledges to the people

of Gibraltar. Further talks in this series may be held later

this year under the same ground rules.