New British Consul Michael Banham in Palma

The new British Consul, Michael Banham is on the island and, today he will meet some members of the expatriate community at a reception at a Palma restaurant. Mr. Banham replaces Mr. Alan Smith, who is retiring from the Foreign Office after 43 years. Interestingly enough Smith's first posting was the British Embassy in Cairo while Banham's last posting was the same embassy. A Spanish speaker, who has served in South America, the new Consul will officially take-over towards the end of this week. Alan Smith is returning to London. One of his last acts as Consul was to oversee the increased security measures introduced as a result of the attacks in the U.S.