Jan 03 - Archives Reveal Spanish King 'Didn't Want Gibraltar'
Details released by the UK’s National Archives today have revealed that in 1983 Spanish Monarch, King Juan Carlos told former British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Richard Parsons, that he ‘did not want Gibraltar back’ as it could lead to Morocco activating their claim to Spanish enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla.
Much like recent months, the Daily Express claims that during the early 80s relations between Britain and Spain were rocky, with Britain threatening to block Madrid’s bid to join the European Economic Community if they did not loosen their grip on border restrictions.
During talks held between Foreign Ministers Geoffrey Howe and Sr. Fernando Moran, Moran insisted that ultimately, Spain’s goal was the recovery of Gibraltar. He claimed that negotiations would be made via peaceful means and good relations with Britain. A note from Ambassador Parsons adds that, ‘he understood Britain's position and her commitment to the Gibraltarians.’
