US embassy cable - 05MASERU255

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EXPEDITED CLOSURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM HIGH COMMISSION IN LESOTHO

Identifier: 05MASERU255
Wikileaks: View 05MASERU255 at Wikileaks.org
Origin: Embassy Maseru
Created: 2005-05-19 14:52:00
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Tags: PREL UK LT
Redacted: This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

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 

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