CONFIDENTIAL
COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS' REACTIONS TO FALKLANDS CRISIS
COUNTRY
*Antigua and Barbuda
*Australia
Robust statement by PM copied to Commonwealth SG. Full support to UN initiative. Support in OAS/UN. Remain ''strongly pro-British' after recapture of S. Georgia. Voted against Latin American resolution on 4 November; spoke in UK favour at UN before and at debate.
Recalled Ambassador. He returned 28 April, delivering strongly worded message to Galtieri. Ban on imports; ban on credit. Robust statements/messages of support before and after recapture of S. Georgia. Statement at Security Council. PM wrote to President Reagan/lobbied with VP Bush. But quoted as saying that unlikely to be drawn into
'hostilities'': ''outside our sphere of influence and our region'' Private message of
congratulations to PM and congratulatory public statement following Argentine surrender. Government contribution of A$250,000 to
national appeal to assist families of British servicemen and Falkland Islanders. Diplomatic effort in BA to ensure fast return of Argentine prisoners. Offer to reconsider purchase of Invincible. Spoke robustly in Committee of 24. Abstained in Latin American resolution on 4 November.
Bahamas
Robust reply to PM's letter, to be referred to in Government statement. Note to Argentine Government urging compliance with SCR 502. Robust statement. PM and Foreign Minister refused to see Argentine lobbying delegation travelling in Caribbean; seen by senior official. Abstained in Latin American resolution on 4 November.
Bangladesh
Statement condemning use of force in settling disputes! Robust statement privately to High Commissioner from Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs. Helpful in NAM.
''Sympathetic'' but abstained on Latin American resolution on 4 November.
*+Barbados
''Full and complete support to any Commonwealth protest and initiative. Prime Minister delivered statement during televised budget debate ensuring maximum coverage. Support in OAS. Although sympathetic to UK position, PM said Barbados would be unlikely to vote against Argentine resolution (28 September). Abstained on Latin American resolution on 4 November.
CONFIDENTIAL
/Belize
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