EXPEDITED CLOSURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM HIGH COMMISSION IN

UNCLAS MASERU 000255 SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UK LT SUBJECT: EXPEDITED CLOSURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM HIGH COMMISSION IN LESOTHO ¶1. The British High Commission has officially advised the Government of Lesotho of its intent to close the High Commission for business on May 31. Final closure is expected by August, 5 months in advance of the previously announced December date. We had been advised unofficially by the United Kingdom's High Commissioner that this would be the case, however, a public announcement to this affect was only made on May 19. ¶2. Comment: We understand that the British Mission here had been protesting the closure for nearly a year. However, the final decision made by FCO was based, according to sources, on budgetary constraints. The United Kingdom has had the longest standing mission in Lesotho and headed the pre-independence protectorate. The Government of Lesotho considers this closure "shocking", according to a senior Cabinet official. End Comment. PERRY