MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine bases to close.

The proposed closure of two of Argentina's Antarctic bases continues to feature strongly in the country's press this morning. In newspapers Clarin and La Nacion, sources in both Britain and Argentina are quoted as denying suggestions of any secret agreement between the two nations. La Nacion also reports that the Argentine Senate has unanimously rejected the closures, summoning the heads of the relevant ministries to explain themselves. One Senator, Javier Maglietti, demonstrated the general disbelief in the diplomatic suggestion that the bases are being closed for financial reasons when he said "There must have been a secret agreement, because the childish argument about closing three bases just to save a million pesos has no substance to it." However, His Excellency the Governor, Mr Donald Lamont, denied this, and asked if the changes would have any effect on the Falkland Islands. Coincidentally, the Argentine Chamber of Deputies is today expected to congratulate the Argentine Army on the 50th anniversary of its arrival in Antarctica.

A-Level results

The thirteen Falkland Islands students who have been studying for A-Levels in the UK received their results this morning. Acting Director of Education Richard Fogerty said that all the students have received excellent results and are to be congratulated. The students are Nick Rendell, Mark Gilbert, Daniel Fowler, Rob Burnett, Kevin Marsh, Jackie and Caroline Cotter, Jo Payne, Bonnie Curtis, Ailie Biggs, Sian Davies, Sophie Greenland and Pippa Lang. The latter two were given an additional mention by the Acting Director of Education as they each achieved three A Grades and one B. The average points score is 24, the equivalent of every student achieving four ?C' grades.

Deterioration of Charles Cooper.

The wreck of the Charles Cooper is deteriorating quite badly and at an accelerating rate Marine Officer, Jon Clark said today. Adding that he, along with Museum Curator John Smith and Receiver of Wrecks Robert King try to visit all the wrecks in the harbour every three months. Jon Clark added that both the Charles Cooper and the Jhelum have gone beyond the condition where it would be economical to restore them.

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