British "loan" the Manx people their own historical manuscript - 09-05-97

 In securing its "loan" from the British Library, the Manx Museum have ensured no embarrassing demonstration mars the opening. Nationalists however will continue to campaign for the circumstances surrounding its "theft" by the English to be resolved.

 The medieval Latin text is of singular importance to the record of Manx history, being the oldest written record of the Norse-Gaelic period.

 The news of its loan to the Isle of Mans Manx Museum and National Trust by the British Library for the opening of the new multi-million pound Heritage Centre in July indicates astute political manoeuvring by the Manx Museum and its Director Stephen Harrison.

 Two thorny issues surrounded the official inauguration of the new Centre. One was the choice of VIP to perform the ceremony. The other was the unresolved issue of the Chronicles. The Manx Museum have shown great imagination in resolving both issues.

 The loan by the British Library is however just that - a loan. No time limit has been indicated and one can only hope that the loan will be of extended or indefinite duration. It will however at some stage end, and then the issue of the Chronicles and their ownership will again surface.

 This is no "Elgin Marbles" issue. The Chronicles are, in terms of the British Library collection, insignificant. However they are of key importance in the Manx historical context. The Isle of Man and the United Kingdom enjoy good relations, have a shared head of State, and unless independence manifests itself this will remain unchanged. In these circumstances it should not have been beyond the wit of politicians and our cultural guardians to reach an settlement with the British Government and British Library.

 The loan of the Chronicles is good news in the short term. It provides a breathing space in which the Manx government should iniate serious discussions to resolve matters. In the long term if the issue remains in contention all Manx interest groups should work to ensure their permanent return.

 J. B. Moffatt pp. Celtic League Manx Branch 9/5/97