The Falklands

[robp135]

Hot topic once again due to the Football.

Do the Argentineans have a legitimate claim to the Falkland Islands? Or should they remain British.

They appear to be taught something completely different to the rest of the world on what happened in 1982 as well.

 

[MartyFunkhouser]

I think they did and I think they have a right to think they do, but its more complex because its inhabited by people who were effectively implanted by the British, which makes it hugely problematic to resolve.

I think their claim historically post Spanish revolution in Argentina is stronger than ours TBH. But again I revert to my earlier comment, its complex because of those that reside there

Interestingly a large number of international bodies recognise Argentina's claim but in the interests of relations have said anything needs to be agreed by both parties, so basically the perfect cop out

 

[Lost Mango]

Not really. Beyond geographical.

There was never a permanent Argentinian presence there and no GHod promised them it in a mate fuelled prophecy/fever dream in the Atacama desert 3000 years ago.

They wanted it for resources (fossil fuels, fisheries) rather than any sense of national identity, which is fair enough but not a legit reason.

 

[glasgowspur]

This will be interesting.

 

[MartyFunkhouser]

Not really. Beyond geographical.

There was never a permanent Argentinian presence there and no GHod promised them it in a mate fuelled prophecy/fever dream in the Atacama desert 3000 years ago.

They wanted it for resources (fossil fuels, fisheries) rather than any sense of national identity, which is fair enough but not a legit reason.

Our claim is significantly weaker than theirs though in history. Discovery then leaving to then come back isn't strong enough for me, especially when the geography is beyond ridiculous.

I would feel far more comfortable with us not having the claim to the Falklands, Argentina or no Argentina claim. In the same (for different reasons and I know the history is different) I am for us being out of India, HK and feel more comfortable giving the Chagos back.

 

[robp135]

Our claim is significantly weaker than theirs though in history. Discovery then leaving to then come back isn't strong enough for me, especially when the geography is beyond ridiculous.

I would feel far more comfortable with us now having the claim to the Falklands, Argentina or no Argentina claim. In the same (for different reasons and I know the history is different) I am for us being out of India, HK and feel more comfortable giving the Chagos back.

What then happens to the people who live on the Falklands that want to remain part of Britain? Which was 98% in a 2013 referendum.

 

[Gutter Boy]

I think you have to follow national self-determination. And, like Gibraltar, the population unanimously want to retain the status quo. Otherwise, what is the alternative - ethnic cleansing?

I'm generally pro decolonisation - was pro the return of Hong Kong, would give Chagos back, and support a border poll soon in Northern Ireland. But Falklands and Gibraltar are different, as the populations there go back hundreds of years and are all of the same opinion.

Remember too Argentines are implanted Spanish and Italians, if you want to frame it like that.

 

[robp135]

I think you have to follow national self-determination. And, like Gibraltar, the population unanimously want to retain the status quo. Otherwise, what is the alternative - ethnic cleansing?

I'm generally pro decolonisation - was pro the return of Hong Kong and support a border poll soon in Northern Ireland. But Falklands and Gibraltar are different, as the populations there go back hundreds of years and are all of the same opinion.

Remember too Argentines are implanted Spanish and Italians, if you want to frame it like that.

I was seeing all sorts of social media posts the past week where Argentines believe they were on the Island the the Brits invaded in 1982.

 

[MartyFunkhouser]

What then happens to the people who live on the Falklands that want to remain part of Britain? Which was 98% in a 2013 referendum.

I reference that in my initial post, I think thats what now makes the subject more complex.

My point is purely in ideal world which of course this isn't

They def have a claim though and its internationally recognised.

 

[Gutter Boy]

I actually know someone that lives there. Apparently its a brick hole. Just a strange spattering of squaddies on punishment details (good behaviour = go to Cyprus, bad behaviour = go to Falklands) and birdwatchers.