TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 151

INVOLVE THIRD PARTIES?

49. If a problem cannot be solved bilaterally, this does not mean that it can be solved by someone else.

MULTILATERAL SOLUTIONS

50.

It would be unrealistic to think in terms of setting up a multilateral system which excluded Argentine participation. Under present circumstances, it is difficult to imagine the Falkland Islanders agreeing to this, or indeed the Argentine Government accepting anything short of a full transfer of sovereignty.

The Islanders will naturally look in the first place for reassurance against further Argentine aggression. Argentina has not even declared a formal cessation of hostilities. Proposals for international solutions are not practical without a fundamental change of heart by Argentina.

UNITED NATIONS INVOLVEMENT

51.

While not wishing to be dismissive of the United Nations, see no role for it in the administration or protection of the Falkland Islands. If the Islanders expressed a wish to come under United Nations tutelage, the Government would consider it.

UNITED NATIONS TRUSTEESHIP

52.

The United Nations accepts that Britain is the sole administering authority for the Falklands. As such, and in fulfilment of our responsibilities under Article 73 of the charter, we have made it clear that we shall not allow any constitutional arrangements to be imposed on the Islanders against their wishes.

The Soviet Union has a seat on the UN Trusteeship Council, and Argentina would undoubtedly have to play a significant role in the various aspects of any Trusteeship arrangement. It is therefore highly unlikely that such a solution would commend itself to the Islanders.

VISIT BY A UNITED NATIONS MISSION COMMITTEE OF 24?

53. If this were what the Islanders wanted, we would be prepared to consider the possibility.

EXTENSION OF ANTARCTIC TREATY AREA

54. Whatever the superficial attraction of a solution that would freeze sovereignty claims, it must be borne in mind that the extension of the Treaty Area to include the Falklands and the Dependencies would require the unanimous consent of all 14 consultative parties. This would give not only Argentina but also the Soviet Union and Poland the right to establish scientific stations on sites of their choosing and to man them with military (though unarmed) personnel if they wished.