Falklands War

The conflict between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands between March and June 1982.

Background
The Argentinian government had claimed the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) since they achieved independence from the Spanish in the late C 19. The islands themselves were claimed by the British in 1837 and Argentine claims were rejected. Since then, despite the wish of the FCO to relieve themselves of this minor problem, the inhabitants (Kelpers) steadfastly refused to become part of Argentina, using Article 73 of the UN charter to support their position. in 1965 UN Resolution 2065 started negotiations between Britain and Argentina, but seventeen years later little had changed on the Falklands.

In Argentina however the government since 1976 had been another tough military junta, facing down both severe economic problems and leftist guerillas, the Montaneros?. A very messy victory against the guerillas was achieved in 1981 but the economy was in an appalling state (140% inflation a month) as General [Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri]? came to power in the junta in January 1982.

Build Up
Galtieri wanted to balanced the necessary but unpleasant economic reforms with a speedy nationalist 'win' over the Falklands. Pressure was exerted in the UN with a subtle hint of invasion raised, the British missed this threat and continued to time-waste. The Argetinians interpreted the British position as disengagement, being willing to step away if the islands were invaded, a view-pointed aided by the withdrawal of the last Royal Navy presence in 1981 (together with a general down-sizing of the fleet) and the British Nationally Bill of 1981 which withdrew full citizenship rights from the Kelpers. The British also helped by being unwilling to believe that the Argentines would invade.

The invasion plan was developed by Admiral Anaya, the passionately anti-British head of the navy. Following the failure of further talks in January 1982 the plans were finalised and the invasion set for April. The attack was pre-empted by the 'invasion' of the island of [South Georgia]? (800 miles east of the Falklands) on March 19 by a group of patriotic Argentine civilians. HMS Endurance was ordered to remove any remaining civilians on March 25, but was blocked by three Argentine warships and wisely retreated. However on March 30 despite further evidence with the Argentine navy loading troops in [Puerto Belgrano]? the JIC's Latin American group stated that "invasion was not imminent".

Invasion
On April 2 Argentine Marines landed at Mullet Creek on the coast of East Falkland from where they advanced on Stanley?. By 08.30 the battle was over, the Governor had ordered his ten Royal Marines (Navy Party 8901) to surrender. The Royal Marines, the Governor and any others who wished to were shipped out to Britain.

In Buenos Aires huge flag-waving crowds flooded the Plaza de Mayo on hearing the news. In London the government was in more of a state of shock on "Black Friday".

...