HC Deb 23 May 1966 vol 729 cc2-4
1. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decisions have been reached in the talks with the Spanish Foreign Minister.

2. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the recent talks between the British Government and the Spanish Government about Gibraltar.

16. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Anglo-Spanish talks on Gibraltar.

24. Mr. George Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the talks with the Spanish Government representatives on Gibraltar.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)

At the talks on 18th May, the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs stated the Spanish Government's case and made proposals for an Anglo-Spanish Convention concerning Gibraltar. I replied with the statement of Her Majesty's Government's position. Copies of Senor Castiella's statement and verbatim extracts from my reply were placed in the Library on 19th May.

It was agreed that the talks should be continued between officials of the two Governments and an initial meeting took place on 20th May.

Mr. Farr

In view of the Spanish Foreign Minister's statement in Madrid on Friday, can the Foreign Secretary tell the House how firmly he put to the Spanish delegation that the future of Gibraltar must remain firmly wedded to this country? Can he not, furthermore, agree that it would have been better if these talks had never been begun and if instead we concentrated on having the Spanish frontier restrictions ended?

Mr. Stewart

The hon. Member will be able to see from the extracts from my statement that I put the position very clearly indeed. I cannot agree with the hon. Member that it would have been better if the talks had never been begun. The reasons for beginning them were explained to the House some time ago and I emphasised, of course, that talks were much more likely to be fruitful if the restrictions were removed and our firm belief that there is no justification for the restrictions.

Mr. Jeger

While congratulating my right hon. Friend on his stand in defence of Gibraltar against the Spanish demands, may I ask whether he would not agree that, in view of the fact that the talks are continuing and their delicate nature, it would be advisable for the Spanish lobby of hon. Members of this House not to visit Spain during the Whitsun holidays as guests of the Spanish Government?

Mr. Stewart

I think that it would be desirable to refrain from anything that might prevent the talks from resulting in a removal of the restrictions on Gibraltar.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Will the Foreign Secretary take the opportunity of saying on the Floor of the House that there is no intention in his mind of making any bargain over the sovereignty of Gibraltar?

Mr. Stewart

I have stated our position concerning the sovereignty very clearly indeed, and I stated it also to Senor Castiella.

Mr. Thorpe

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the firm statement which he made in reply to the Spanish Foreign Secretary has been well received in Gibraltar and that, in particular, his regard for the feelings of people on the Rock has been widely appreciated? I should like to ask two questions. First, is there any indication that the blockade will be lifted? Secondly, does not the suggestion that Article 10 of the Treaty of Utrecht be cancelled indicate by implication that the Spaniards have accepted the legality of our continued existence in Gibraltar?

Mr. Stewart

I am obliged to the hon. Member for the first part of his question. I believe that it has had that effect in Gibraltar.

I am hopeful—I ought not to say more at present—that one result of these talks will be the establishment of a civilised relationship between Gibraltar and Spain. It is true that in the view of the Spanish Government, which has requested the cancellation of Article 10—I want to state the position quite fairly—the Treaty of Utrecht establishes British sovereignty to the Rock and Fortress. The Spanish Government made a number of comments about what, they claimed, were violations on our part of the Treaty of Utrecht with which I could not agree.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that the Gibraltar authorities have been kept fully in the picture during all these discussions?

Mr. Stewart

Yes. The House knows what the position is. Gibraltar is not, and does not want to be, an independent member of the Commonwealth. It wants its position to be substantially as it is now. Consequently, the talks are conducted between the British and Spanish Governments. We do keep in touch with, and are well informed of, Gibraltarian opinions.