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132.
GOVERNOR FALKLAND ISLANDS: JOB DESCRIPTION
1. THE TERRITORY
(A) Background
G
Constitutional and Political Position
1. Under the Constitution of 21 September 1977 the Falkland Islands (population 1,800) and their Dependencies of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (uninhabited) are administered by the Governor with the assistance of an Executive Council of 6 members (two ex-officio, two unofficial members appointed by the Governor and two elected by LEGCO) and a Legislative Council of 8 members (two ex-officio and six elected members). Both Councils are dominated largely by the sheep farm owners and managers and there is some conflict of interest between the sheep farmers and the small urban population of Port Stanley. There are no political parties.
2.
The territory is claimed by Argentina. Negotiations to find a solution to the sovereignty dispute have been underway since 1977. Although the Councils agreed to the negotiations, the Islanders remain deeply suspicious and wish to remain British. There is no demand for independence.
(B)
Resources controlled by the Territory
3.
The Falkland Islands are relatively poor in resources. There are no known mineral deposits. The seas are rich in marine life but mainly beyond the present 3 mile territorial limit. The economy is based on wool, the yield having changed little in the past decade. Large quantities of kelp (giant seaweed) suitable for alginates production exist but remain unexploited. The declaration of a 200-mile fishing zone and/or the discovery of oil (particularly the latter) would radically alter the position.
(C) Security
4.
There is no internal security threat. The Argentine claim poses a potential external threat. There are 42 Royal Marines garrisoned in the Islands who, in an emergency, would act on instructions from the Governor. The Royal Navy ice patrol vessel HMS Endurance patrols the waters for part of the year.
(D) British Antarctic Territory
5.
The Governor is also High Commissioner for BAT. The territory has no permanent population other than scientists and base support staff from six nations. British sovereignty in the area is disputed but this dispute is rendered inactive by the terms of the Antarctic Treaty. The High Commissioner is formally responsible for making legislation and carrying out administrative acts in support of the British territorial claim. The British presence is provided by the British Antarctic Survey.
MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE
12.
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