TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 217

through practical measures, to increase cooperation. In September 1979 the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and the Spanish Foreign

Minister, Sr Oreja, met in New York and agreed that it was in both

countries' interests to seek ways of resolving differences over

Gibraltar.

5.

When the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary met the Spanish Foreign Minister again in Lisbon on 10 April 1980, they reached agreement on the re-establishment of direct communications between

Gibraltar and Spain, and on the opening of negotiations aimed at overcoming all the differences between them on Gibraltar. The

text of the Anglo-Spanish statement is at Annex A. Technical

discussions were held in Madrid on 5 and 23 May, and in the week

beginning 23 June about the practical arrangement for restoring

direct communications. There was further informal discussion.

during a visit to London by senior Spanish officials on 17-18 July.

6. The Chief Minister of Gibraltar and the Leader of the

Opposition, who maintain a bipartisan policy on the Gibraltar question, were kept closely informed throughout the exchanges with the Spanish Government. Gibraltar officials took part in the technical talks in Madrid in May/June.

7. Although all the preparations for the re-establishment of direct communications were completed on 1 June on the British side, as envisaged in the Lisbon agreement, it has not so far proved possible to secure the Spanish Government's agreement to a firm date for its implementation, by the simultaneous lifting of

the restrictions and the opening of negotiations. When he met

the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary in New York on 25 September, however, the new Spanish Foreign Minister, Sr Perez Llorca, re- affirmed his Government's commitment to the early implementation

of the Lisbon agreement.

Constitution

8.

Under the Constitution introduced in 1969 the Governor is

responsible for defence, external affairs, internal security and the maintenance of financial and economic stability. In these matters he normally acts on the advice of the Gibraltar Council, a body composed of expatriate officials and Gibraltarian Ministers.

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