TNAG-0597-FCO40-744-Future-of-Dependent-Territories-territorial-studies-1977 — Page 98

CODE 18 - 77

CONFIDENTIAL

(W23)

Reference.....

See (27)

Mr Jasper HKGD

REVISION OF NOTES ON CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION OF DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

1.

р.а.

17

Your minute of 4 July. The only revision required of the information on the "Present Constitution and Prospects for Independence" is to paragraph 2, lines 4 and 5 to read "the Spanish border remains closed but the Spanish Government.

2. The Section on Considerations affecting Aid Policy should be amended to read:

"HMG remains committed to support and sustain the people of Gibraltar in the face of difficulties created by the closure of the land frontier with Spain in 1969. The provision of aid serves as a visable demonstration of this commitment. The aid programme (1975-8) agreed in 1974 a an estimated cost of £7.6m is behind schedule due to shortages of labour and materials, siting difficulties and cost escalation of major projects. Economic activity

is heavily dependent on UK inputs particularly MOD. Additional aid (including possible budgetting aid) may become necessary. Aid talks between HMG and Gibraltar Government on the next programme may be held in London in late 1977."

3. I see Mr Beattie is amending figures on Area Population and Income but you may like to know that according to the Gibraltar abstract of Statistics the civilian, population on 31 December 1976 was estimated at 30,117. Also most reference bons et

ghie the

area

مه

ss 2114 or 2112 Square holes

heline thardu.

26 July 1977

Mrs M Marden

Southern European Department

CONFIDENTIAL