TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 79

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR

.....YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No.. 2761)...

'The United Kingdom does not accept the assertion of Argentina that the [open quote] illegality of the occupation of the Falkland, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands by the United Kingdom has been recognised by the United Nations [close quote]. UN Resolutions have simply called for the settlement of the dispute by negotiation between

the two Governments'.

A

Background

Although we reject the Argentine claim, the dispute prevents the proper development of the Islands' economy!

5.

Successive British Governments have therefore held

talks with the Argentines in order to seek a solution to the dispute. However, Argentina's refusal to negotiate on any basis other than

a transfer of sovereignty has meant that no effective progress has

been made.

6.

>

It is HMG's view that the Islanders have the right in

accordance with the UN Charter, the determine their own future: for us, their wishes are paramount. They wish to retain their

British way of life; they do not want independence. The Islanders have been consulted at every stage of our dialogue with the

Argentines and Island Councillors attended both rounds of

Ministerial talks held during the lifetime of this Government (April

1980 and February 1981).

We can

7. The last UN General Assembly Resolution on the Falklands in

1976 was pro-Argentine and was passed by 102 votes to 1 (the UK)

with 32 abstentions (including the USA and EC countries.

expect little support at international meetings from other

countries. The UK could not vote for any resolution at a UN

meeting which questioned British sovereignty over the Falkland

Islands.

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