TNAG-1325-FCO40-1737-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 15

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requires us to maintain a military presence which is

sufficient to defend the Islands against any further

act of aggression by Argentina. The garrison is of the

minimum size necessary for this purpose.

The first

runway at Mount Pleasant airfield should become

operational by spring 1985, with completion of both

runways by spring 1986. That will permit a rapid

reinforcement, and should enable us to reduce the

forces permanently stationed on the Islands. The

airfield will also contribute significantly to the

future economic development of the Falklands, in line

with the recommendations of the Noble Lord, Lord

Shackleton. We hope that its military role will be

temporary, and in time superseded by this civil

function.

14. In pursuit of our second aim we have worked hard to

improve our bilateral relations with Argentina, on the

understanding that the question of sovereignty was

excluded. The Argentine Government's attitude at the

Berne talks in July was intransigent, and President

Alfonsin's subsequent remarks have not helped.

still wish to make progress towards the restoration of

normal relations.

But we

15. At the UN General Assembly last week, we reaffirmed

our two aims. We voted against the Argentine

Resolution which yet again failed to take any account

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