Spanish Outraged Over Royal Visit To Gilbraltar (300 Year Conquest Anniversary)

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 12-17-2003 | Isambard Wilkinson

[blam]

Spanish outraged over royal visit to Gibraltar

By Isambard Wilkinson in Madrid
(Filed: 17/12/2003)

Britain enraged Spain yesterday by announcing that the Princess Royal will travel to Gibraltar next year to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the colony's conquest.

The announcement that the Princess will visit the Rock added to Madrid's anger after the failure earlier this year to strike a deal on Anglo-Spanish co-sovereignty over Gibraltar.

"Although this is of symbolic rather than political importance it is clearly not going to be something that helps to resolve the dispute," said a Spanish government spokesman. "In fact it is far from helpful."

The talks were abandoned after the Gibraltarians overwhelmingly rejected the proposal in a referendum.

Until now London has sought to play down the importance of the tercentenary so as not to irritate further the government of Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish prime minister.

Sections of the Spanish public appeared to be no less angered by the move. "This is really an anachronism in the year 2003 to have a country celebrating the capture of a colony, and moreover one in Europe, with such a high-profile figure," said Antonio Torres, 28, a Madrid management consultant.

"It really shows that the British don't give a damn for their European partners. It is a deep shame," said Eugenio Matamoros, 74, a retired butcher.

The visit has revived memories of the diplomatic row that surrounded the visit of the Prince of Wales on his honeymoon in 1981.

"Ever since 1981 it seems that when someone from the Royal Family visits Gibraltar it is someone more junior. That at least shows some form of tact on the part of the British. They are beginning to learn it is not worth provoking a row," said Ramon Perez-Maura, an editor of the conservative newspaper ABC.

Denis MacShane, the Foreign Office Minister, yesterday told the House of Commons that the Princess would visit Gibraltar next year "to represent all of us. It is a very important anniversary of the occupation by a combined Dutch and British fleet during the Spanish War of Succession, during a time when France was trying to dictate its will to Spain and we stoutly resisted."

Britain captured Gibraltar from Spain in 1704 and was then formally ceded the territory in the Treaty of Utrecht nine years later. A clause in the treaty gives Spain first preference should Gibraltar's status change, and Madrid has never given up its claim to the Rock.

The celebrations will have a prominently military tone. The Royal Engineers will Beat Retreat on the 75th anniversary of the opening of their base there, while the Royal Navy will be granted the freedom of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar's chief minister, Peter Caruana, said: "We are extremely happy that the Royal Family, for whom there is an enormous store of affection in Gibraltar, will join us in celebrating our 300-year sovereignty links with Britain."

[GladesGuru]

"Britain captured Gibraltar from Spain in 1704 and was then formally ceded the territory in the Treaty of Utrecht nine years later. A clause in the treaty gives Spain first preference should Gibraltar's status change, and Madrid has never given up its claim to the Rock."

The operative statement is "should Gibralter's status change". If the Spanish are smart, they will remember the sheer, mindless, stupidity of the Argies. Those numb-nuts were in negotiations for the Falklands, and were successful in getting England's agreement that they would be returned to Argentine.

The details of when, and under what conditions were under discussion when the Argies committed what the poultry industry calls "a major cluck-up".

Moral: When asking for something from someone stronger, be polite, not agressive. Remember what your Mommie told you about your manners.

[Eala]

The talks were abandoned after the Gibraltarians overwhelmingly rejected the proposal in a referendum.

Our minister is from Gibraltar. From what we hear from him "overwhelming rejected" could be the major understatement of the year.

[Flashman_at_the_charge]

Land belongs to the strong, always will do.

[BushMeister]

Poorly written article. Several concepts are not clear.