TNAG-0926-FCO40-1144-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 76

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CONFIDENTIAL

BACKGROUND NOTE

FALKLAND ISLANDS: THE DISPUTE

1.

"

The Falkland Islands have been settled by the British since

1833. We have no doubt of our sovereignty over them. They are

also claimed by Argentina.

2. We reject this claim. The Islanders wish to remain British

and retain their British way of life. But we have to accept the

economic and physical implications of the geographical realities.

The Islands are over 7,000 miles from the UK but less than 400

from Argentina. It would be difficult to develop them satisfactorily

in the absence of some form of agreement with Argentina.

can in

3. The dispute is not only about land but also about maritime

zones. As long as no political solution is reached, we

practice neither control, nor raise revenue from, third country

fishing in Falklands waters, nor can we establish a rea aime for the

ex, loitation of the resources (if any) of the continental shelf

We have refrained from declaring a 200 mile fishery zone to avoid

antagonising the Argentines.

4.

Successive British Governments have held talks with the

Argentines to try to resolve the dispute and obtain for the Islanders

the conditions for a secure and prosperous future, But the Argentines have insisted on nothing less than complete transfer of sovereignty and progress has been difficult. We have stated publicly that no agreement will be accepted by HMG unless it is also acceptable to the Islanders. Ministers are committed to keeping Parliament and the

CONFIDENTIAL