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aggression.
definitive Argentina has not even declared a formal cessation
of hostilities, let alone renounced the future use of force.
10.
Britain is accepted by the United Nations as the sole
administering authority of the Falkland Islands and as such we
are determined to fulfill our responsibilities under the UN
Charter (Article 73). We have made it clear that we shall not
allow any constitutional arrangements to be forced on the
Islands against their wishes. Their right to self-determination
must be respected.
11.
The background is complex and there are a number of reasons why, even if a Trusteeship agreement were feasible in practical terms, it would be very unsatisfactory from our point
of view. But the essential point is that Argentina would
undoubtedly want to play a significant role in the various
aspects of any UN Trusteeship arrangement for the Falklands and it therefore seems highly unlikely that such a solution would
commend itself to the Islanders.
FIG/Constitution
12.
The structure of the Falkland Islands Government has
evolved over a number of years. Universal adult suffrage was
introduced in 1949, in 1964 the size of the Legislative Council
was reduced, and in 1977 the Islands Councils were given their present form. Last year we made provision for the interim administration of the Islands by the establishment of a Civil
Commissioner and a Military Commissioner.
13. It is right that in the aftermath of the conflict, and
with a major effort of rehabilitation now in train, the
Islanders should consider what form of administration is most
appropriate in these new circumstances. The Councils set up a
Select Committee, and in October they circulated an extensive
questionnaire. A deadline of the end of January was set for the return of these questionnaires. The majority of those who
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