III ARGENTINE PROPOSALS
REPORTS OF TALKS/CONTACTS WITH ARGENTINA?
No talks or direct contacts with Argentina. Have
received some informal ideas via the Americans.
The Secretary of State's statement in the House of
Commons on 29 October noted HMG's preference for multilateral fisheries conservation arrangement.
Pending that, invited Argentina to consider with Britain how both countries could cooperate to support fisheries conservation on a regional basis.
Argentine ideas, evidently a response to this. We
have replied.
NATURE OF THESE IDEAS?
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Focus exclusively on fisheries.
Aim is coordination of fisheries management in
interests of conservation and avoidance of incidents.
Understanding of benefit politically, economically
and ecologically. Would also help rebuild confidence.
Details confidential. Exchanges hopeful sign.
Past experience (eg Berne) underlines need for
step-by-step approach to ensure basis for understanding.
[If raised]
No change in UK policy. Howe repeatedly offered
to discuss practical issues as step to restoring more
normal relations.
No discussion of sovereignty.
MEDIATION?
No mediation by Americans or any one else.
Americans chosen by Argentines. We have replied
through the same channel.
FALKLAND ISLANDERS ?
The Falkland Islanders have been kept in the
picture.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.