TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 86

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GIBRALTAR

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Status

1.

The Town and Castle of Gibraltar, together with "the port and fortifications thereunto belonging" were ceded to Britain in perpetuity in 1713 by Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht (Britain's claim to the land on the Isthmus rests largely on

prescription). But the Treaty also provides for Spain to be given first refusal if Britain ever relinquishes the territory. In 1967, at a referendum to determine the wishes of the people of Gibraltar, a 96% turnout of voters showed 12,138 in favour of retaining the British link and only 44 pro-Spanish votes.

Spanish Aspirations

2.

It has long been Spanish policy to recover sovereignty over Gibraltar and to re-integrate it into the territory of Spain. The present phase of the dispute began after The Queen's visit to the Rock in 1954. During the 1960s Spain pursued her case at the United Nations and began to impose restrictions (suspension of the Gibraltar/Algeciras ferry, withdrawal of Spanish labour, severing of telephone communications) culminating in the complete closure of the border in 1969.

The Lisbon Agreement

3.

Implementation of the 10 April 1980 Lisbon Agreement was postponed sine die in June 1982 at Spain's request. When the Secretary of State met the new Spanish Foreign Minister, Sr Moran, in Brussels on 10 December 1982, they reaffirmed their commitment to the Lisbon agreement and agreed that officials should meet to consider details with a view to implementation in the Spring. But when Sr Moran came to London for further discussions in mid-March he asked for further unacceptable "clarifications" particularly over the rights of Spaniards in Gibraltar. Early implementation now therefore seems unlikely, although it remains the stated aim of both Governments.

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