MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

British Prime Minister boost for the Falkland Islands

“Absolutely” no negotiations on sovereignty without Islanders’ consent, pledged Cameron (Photo: P.Pepper)

On the thirtieth anniversary of its liberation from Argentine occupation (June 14), the Falkland Islands was given its biggest boost by any British Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher.

In a rare privilege the Falkland Islands flag was flown above the Prime Minister’s famous official residence, 10 Downing Street, to mark the anniversary, and the Prime Minister, himself, David Cameron, took time off from a very busy day to attend the annual gathering of Falkland Islands supporters celebrating the anniversary in the heart of London.

His speech reinforced his previous determined declarations emphatically rejecting Argentina’s sovereignty claim and assuring the Islanders of Britain’s unwavering support. It was always ready to come to its aid. PM Cameron was loudly cheered when forcefully banging the lectern in front of him he declared there would “absolutely” be no negotiations on sovereignty without Islanders’ consent.

Mr. Cameron recalled that he was only sixteen years old when the invasion took place and he rushed home every day to listen to the radio reporting the campaign. The anniversary, he said, was a time for reflection on the past and on the future.

He praised Margaret Thatcher for rejecting the advice of doubters urging caution and recommending diplomatic compromise. “But she knew what was needed for the Falkland Islanders and for Britain. She had the courage to despatch the Task Force”. He also praised the head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Henry Leach, for deploying every ship he could. Above all Mr Cameron acknowledged the sacrifice of the 255 British servicemen and three Islanders who died and the professionalism and bravery of the Task Force.

Listening to him were some of the outstanding commanders of the campaign, Major General Julian Thompson, whose Commando Brigade of Royal Marines and paratroopers won so many of the victories, beginning with Goose Green, and the courageous para-troop officer, Major Chris Keeble, who took command when Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones was killed in the early stages, winning the Victoria Cross. It was a critical moment but Major Keeble’s intelligent deployment of his outnumbered troops won the battle and set the seal of sauces for the remainder of the campaign. Also listening was Commodore Mike Clapp, who commanded the complex amphibious operations.

Looking to the future, Mr Cameron remarked on President Cristina Fernandez presence at the United Nations to present Argentina’s case. He said Britain did not want to bicker and argue with Argentina but to have a positive partnership to mutual advantage on common issues such as fishery conservation. He welcomed the Islanders’ decision to hold a referendum to confirm their attitude on British sovereignty and self-determination. He hoped the world internationally and Argentina in particular would heed their wishes.

The Primer Minister said the United Kingdom is strengthening its diplomatic representation in South American embassies, appointing more Spanish-speaking diplomats. This is no doubt Britain’s reaction to President Cristina de Kirchner’s success in getting backing for Argentina from Latin American countries.

Mr Cameron joked about coming from a gruelling day being questioned at the official inquiry he set up to examine the British Media and its relations with Government, which has caused him and his ministers’ embarrassment. He was clearly relaxed with his more welcoming Falklands audience, including Islanders, who repeatedly applauded him.

The Prime Minister was introduced by the Falklands Government London Representative, Sukey Cameron, who was delighted with his trenchant support. The Chairman of the Falkland Islands Association and former Falklands Governor, Mr Alan Huckle, read an exchange of greetings between the Falklands’ supporters and the Queen who wished them well in her Diamond Ju8bille year.

Appropriately the march past ending the meeting was by the band of the Royal Marines, whose fighting qualities helped win the 1982 war. It was appropriate also that taking the salute was their commander in that conflict, Major General Thompson, himself a Royal Marine.

Harold Briley, London