Book remembers closure of Gibraltar border by Spain

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia launches the new book Credit: HM Government of Gibraltar

THE Government of Gibraltar has produced 8,000 copies of a new commemorative book to mark 50 years of the closure of the land frontier with Spain by General Franco in 1969 which will be distributed to schoolchildren on the Rock.

The book tells the story of the troubles with Spain at the United Nations which resulted in the closure of the border and then describes the intensification of restrictions against Gibraltar by the Franco regime with restrictions on travel by land, air and sea.

The story is told through a chronology of events using photographs taken at the time, press cuttings and testimonies from people who lived through the whole experience.

This is the third commemorative book in a series produced by the government, the first commemorated the 75th anniversary of the evacuation of the civilian population of Gibraltar during the Second World War.

The second marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which rejected any direct relationship with Spain and confirmed an overwhelming wish by the people of Gibraltar to continue to be closely associated with the United Kingdom.

As time passes, so fewer people remember the problems that arose following the border closure and it is for this reason that the government intends to help educate the young on what their parents and grandparents had to ensure.

Written by

John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments