| Britain, France and Morocco are gaining greater influence of the area of the Strait of Gibraltar, at Spain's expense, and this is happening with the backing of the United States, it is claimed in Spain. The Spanish Government has decided to restructure Spain's artillery operations in the Strait area, with the removal of fixed artillery positions and their replacement by mobile units. The move appears to be to cut down military expenditure, reducing military personnel as the mobile units will require fewer personnel to operate. Barracks at Tarifa will be closed down. It is said all this is causing disquiet in the Spanish military, which is being augmented by reports that suggest that Britain is to instal modern missiles at Gibraltar, says the Madrid daily ABC. The plan has the support of NATO which has always considered Gibraltar as a key point for its Mediterranean defence strategy. The report asks questions about the diminishing Spanish influence in the Strait, such as if it is linked to the difficult relations Spanish prime minister Zapatero had with President Bush. Sources consulted by the paper indicate that something is brewing, pointing at the Americans having decided that the control of the southern coast of the Strait should be in the hands of the Moroccans and the northern control should be retained by Britain from Gibraltar. The paper suggests that Morocco, with the support of France, may be playing a fundamental role, taking advantage of the state of relations of Spain with the USA. The permanence of Robert Gates as secretary for defence in the Obama government could favour Rabat's interest in positioning itself 'as the friendly power in the Strait.' There are three vital points: Tangier, Tanger-Med port and the Ksar-Kebir naval base - all opposite Gibraltar, plus the Alhucemas base which is being modernised and the port of Nador to displace Melilla. There are also suggestions that the American African command could be installed in Morocco rather than in Rota. French president Sarkozy is seen as playing a fundamental part in extending the influence of Morocco over territory that was once Spanish Morocco, military sources said. In exchange for French support, the Moroccans could view the French in a favourable position to gain contracts, and the selling to Rabat of helicopters and frigates. |