Why the Falkland Islands are British

Friday, August 7th 2026 - 20:58 UTC

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By Graham Pascoe (*)

On 11 July 2026 the Argentine foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, wrote a long article on the Falkland Islands (or the Malvinas, as they are called in Spanish) in the Buenos Aires newspaper La Nación, as Iona Cleave reported in the London Telegraph the next day. On 23 July he published an almost identical article in the Israeli English-language daily Jerusalem Post. In both his articles the foreign minister repeated several arguments which (he said) showed the strength of Argentina's claim to the Falklands. Unfortunately for him, everything he said is historically and legally untrue, as will be pointed out below. Read full article

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Roger Lorton
Falkland Islands?
The facts:
Britain's claims are founded upon:
1. A history reaching back to 1592, 1594, 1690 & 1765.
2. Effective possession of the whole archipelago since 1833.
3. Continuous, open, and peaceful possession.
4. Usucaption

Argentina's assertion is based solely upon:
1. A claim of inheritance from Spain.
2. A limited occupation of one island 1829-1833

Argentina's claim of inheritance is not universally recognised and specifically not recognised by the UK.
Less than 4 years limited occupation is not sufficient.

Neither geography nor geology are relevant.

While history would seem to favour the UK, in the 21st century, international law favours the Islanders. They voted in 2013. The matter is now settled.

https://falklandstimeline.wordpress.com/
Aug 08th, 2026 - 09:09 pm - Link - Report abuse +3
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