MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands Support Grows in Defiance of Argentina
The Falkland Islands are more determined than ever to remain British in reaction to Argentina's persistent campaign of attempted intimidation in pursuit of its claim to sovereignty.
That is the message from the Falklands Government Representative in London, Miss Sukey, in her speech to the annual gathering this Thursday of hundreds of Falkland Islands supporters in London, marking the anniversary of the Islands' liberation from Argentine aggression and occupation in 1982.
The Guest of Honour, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, whose strong political leadership as Prime Minister helped to secure that victory by the British Task Force, took the salute as the band of the Irish Guards marched to and fro in their bright red tunics on a balmy summer evening in Lincoln's Inn, in Central London.
Though frailer now as she approaches her eightieth birthday, Lady Thatcher proudly drew herself erect as she watched the parade, recalling how bravely the Task Force fought and how some, to her abiding sadness, were killed.
Escorted by the Chairman of the Falkland Islands Association, Baroness Thatcher enjoyed mingling and chatting with the guests who included men who fought in the Task Force, and families of the men who lost their lives, politicians, former Governors and Military Commanders in the Falklands, journalists who reported the war, two Falklands Councillors, Mr Mike Summers and Mr John Birmingham, as well as other Islanders who suffered the trauma of Argentine occupation and students too young to have experienced it.
Tribute was paid to the 1982 Governor of the Falkland Islands, Sir Rex Hunt, who for many years has sent a traditional message of loyal greeting from the reception to the Queen and read out her reply. This time, it was done by Mr Tatham, also a former Governor and successor to Sir Rex as chairman of the Falkland Islands Association. The Association's President, former Foreign Secretary, Lord Hurd, was also there.
Argentina's "disappointing" lack of co-operation The presence of so many people confirmed Sukey Cameron's assertion that support for the Falkland Islands in the United Kingdom and abroad remains strong and is growing as they gain new friends. Falklands' policy is to "reach out" internationally in ever-expanding contacts politically and in social and sporting encounters.
Argentina came in for strong criticism for its negative attitude and failure to co-operate even on such mutually essential aims as preserving threatened fish stocks in South Atlantic waters despite previous Argentine commitment to do so. Miss Cameron called the quality of its co-operation "disappointing" in the regular meetings of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission of Argentine and Falklands fishing experts
Rather than indulge in "petty politics" with Argentina, the Falkland Islanders would make their case for self-determination to the international community.
In contrast to Argentina's mean and selfish hostility, generous Falklands' humanitarian help has been sent to other parts of the world devastated by natural disaster. Its comparatively small population of little more than 2,000 raised an astonishing £28,000 (more than about 50,000 dollars) for the Tsunami Disaster Appeal and the Falklands Government contributed the whole of its Disaster Relief Budget to Grenada for hurricane relief.
She expressed cautious optimism for the prospects of oil and precious minerals exploration.
Harold Briley, London.
Photo: Peter Pepper The exchange of messages with the Queen
David Tatham (Chairman of the Falkland Islands Association)
BUCKINGHAM PALACE David Tatham Esq., Chairman, The Falkland Islands Association.
Please convey my warm thanks to the Falkland Islanders and Friends of the Falkland Islands in the United Kingdom for their message of loyal greetings sent on the occasion of their Annual Falkland Islands Reception which is being held today at Lincoln's Inn to mark the twenty- third Anniversary of the Liberation of the Islands.
I much appreciate your kind words and, in return, send my best wishes to you all for a memorable and enjoyable event.
ELIZABETH R London 8th June, 2005.
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