§ Dr. Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on his latest official talks with the Spanish Government in respect of Gibraltar.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeMy talks with the Spanish Foreign Minister264W marked a further stage in our exploratory discussions about the question of Gibraltar on which we have agreed to work together. The talks were, of course, confidential. I will, with permission, circulate the text of the joint communiqué in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the joint communiqué:
On 27th and 28th November, the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Alec Douglas-Home met the Spanish Foreign Minister, Don Gregorio Lopez Bravo, in Madrid, in the framework of the conversations which the two Ministers have held from time to time. Sir Alec Douglas-Home's visit was made in response to the invitation which Sr Lopez Bravo extended during his official visit to London last July.On the morning of 28th November, Sir Alec Douglas-Home was received in audience by the Head of the Spanish State, by the Prince of Spain and by Vice-President of the Government, Admiral Carrero Blanco.The two Ministers carried out a wide-ranging discussion and in particular they concentrated on a broad examination of the question of Gibraltar in a constructive spirit and decided to continue working at the same level on this question, which has not yet reached the stage at which formal negotiations might begin.The two Ministers will hold their next working meeting in London in April.