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06
Falkland Islands
2 DECEMBER 1980
Mr. Ridley: The answer to all the right hon. Gentleman's questions is Yes". There are about 1,800 islanders. I make it clear, as I did in my statement, that we shall do nothing which was not "endorsed" by the islanders. I used that word as well as the word "wishes". I agree that that is the predominant con- sideraton in this matter. I am sure that equally the right hon. Gentleman will agree that nothing that he might feel, think or do should be allowed to inter- fere with what the islanders themselves decide. I confirm that our long-standing commitment to their security and econo- mic well-being remains, and I said that in the islands.
Sir Bernard Braine (Essex. South- East): Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the option of yielding on sovereignty and leasing back undermines a perfectly valid title in international law?
Secondly, does not he realise that the precedent of Hong Kong, which was taken from China by force, is an insult to Falkland islanders whose ancestors went there more than a century ago and settled peaceably in an uninhabited land?
Thirdly, did my hon. Friend discuss with representatives of the Falkland Is- lands alternative means of communica- tions, which are perfectly feasible, in order to reduce the islands' total depend- ence upon the Argentine? Lastly, in view of the fresh anxieties that these talks have caused about the future of the is- landers, and bearing in mind that the is- landers are wholly British in blood and sentiment, will he give an assurance that the Government will include the Falkland islanders as an exception in the forth- coming British nationality law?
Mr. Ridley: I agree with my hon. Friend that we have a perfectly valid title. There is no question about that in our mind. The question is whether the islanders would prefer to have the dead hand of disrepute removed so that they can not only continue their British way of life but have reasonable prospects of economic expansion. I suggest that that is something upon which they have every right to give their views before we all give ours.
I consulted the islanders on the ques- tion of communications, but, of course, in
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Falkland Islands
the event of a dispute between o and Argentina becoming more te hon. Friend should realise that i likely that communications could b blished with neighbouring count- South America. The question of nationality is a matter for my rig Friend the Home Secretary.
Mr. Russell Johnston (uverne The Minister aware that his the Falkland Islands left the is views in no doubt, although it left siderable doubt about his good tions? Is he further aware tha is no support at all in the F Islands or in this House for the sha schemes for getting rid of these which have been festering in the F Office for years? Will he tak opportunity to end speculation on for all by declaring quite clearly disowns these schemes and that work to improve the economic an tical links between the United Ki and the Falkland Islands? Suri is the way to end the emigration which he talked earlier.
ofj
Mr. Ridley: Perhaps I am more of the reception that I received islands than the hon. Gentleman is that even those who did not like had to say were at least agreed up good intentions. I can assure th Gentleman that a large number felt that it was right that som should be done to settle the dispute of them liked some of the idea some did not. The islanders m allowed to make up their own. The hon. Gentleman is rushing it in trying to anticipate what they eventually decide.
Mr. Peter Tapseli (Horncastle): my hon. Friend bear in mind tha of us who have interested oursel the future of the Falkland Island the years have considerable doubts the tactical wisdom of placing the point on the negotiating table? therfore particularly welcome tha of his statement which said that no ment would be pursued which d
of have the support
the F Islanders.
Mr. Ridley: No offer has been to the Agentine Government to ne on anything. This was a visit to the islanders about what they woul
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