CONFIDENTIAL
COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS' REACTIONS TO FALKLANDS CRISIS
Country
*Antigua and Barbuda
*Australia
*
+ Bahamas
Bangladesh
*+Barbados
*+Belize
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.
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. Governmental 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.
Robust reply to PM's letter, to be referred to in Government statement. Note to Argentine Government urging compliance with SCR 502. Robust statement.
Statement condemning "use of force in settling disputes". Robust statement privately to High Commissioner from Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs.
Helpful in NAM.
"Full and complete support to any Commonwealth protest and initiative". Prime Minister delivered statement during televised budget debate ensuring maximum coverage. Support in
OAS.
Reply to PM. Telegram to UNSG. Robust statement. Message to Caricom ministers urging support for SCR 502. Continued support after recapture of S. Georgia and further hostilities. Sustained pro-British attitudes throughout the hostilities, in the press, at home and abroad (eg meeting in Costa Rica in May).
CONFIDENTIAL
/*Botswana