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