TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 212

RESTRICTED

BRIEF NO 15

FALKLAND ISLANDS: ANGLO-ARGENTINE TALKS (NEW YORK, 23/24 FEBRUARY 1981

FALKLAND ISLANDS AND DEPENDENCIES (COUNTRY BRIEF)

Essential Facts

Governor: Mr R M Hunt CMG (since February 1980)

Population: 1,820 (1980 census) has declined steadily over the last 30 years.

Geography: Total area about 4,700 square miles. Under 400 miles from Argentina

mainland; 7,500 miles from UK. Dependencies are South Georgia, South Sandwich

Islands, 800 miles S.E. of Falklands and 470 miles S.E. of South Georgia

respectively. Falklands continuously settled by UK since 1833. Dependencies

uninhabited except for British Antarctic Survey HQ on South Georgia.

Communications:

11

External: twice weekly air service to and from Argentina provided

by Argentine Air Force under the 1971 Communications Agreement. Falkland Islands Company charter ship (transporting Islands' wool

and hide exports) calls four or five times a year.

Internal: MV Monsunen (carries freight and sea mail and collects wool from outlying farms), 2 Beaver float planes and one Islander

aircraft.

Telecommunications: Telex links (independent of Argentine mainland)

with UK. Radio telephone links with outlying farms. Telephone and telegraphic services to Argentina (under the 1971 Communications

Agreement).

Roads: 8 and a half miles in the around Port Stanley, the main town. Road under construction between Stanley and Darwin; only about 5

miles completed so far.

Political: Government administered by Governor aided by a six-man

Executive Council and an 8 man Legislative Council. Last elections:

November 1977, next in 1981. The Falkland Islands Government is empowered to legislate for the Dependencies as well.

عرفی بیمه

Economic/Trade: Economic prospects limited. Economy based almost entirely on sheep farming. Wool is only significant export. (83% exports to UK). The Falkland Islands Company dominates the economy, owns 43% of the land. Development of offshore resources (fishing and oil, if proven) only possible with Argentine

agreement.

More details are provided in attached Annex.

!