Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XIII, Conflict in the South Atlantic, 1981–1984

422. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Argentina and the United Kingdom¹

Washington, January 22, 1983, 1815Z

20587. Subject: Bilateral Discussion of UK Concerns Regarding the Falklands and Other Issues.

1. Secret–Entire text.

2. UK Minister Derek Thomas met with Assistant Secretary Enders morning of January 21 to discuss Franks Commission Report,² British concern about possibility of new Falklands incident and future evolution of dispute. (Outlook for Belizean negotiation of territorial dispute with Guatemala and joint US-Honduran Ahuas Tara exercise will be covered septel.)³

3. After discussing the general content and major conclusions of the Franks Commission Report, Assistant Secretary Enders and Thomas briefly reviewed efforts which USG had made (March 30–April 2, 1982), including the personal intervention by President Reagan, to ensure that Argentina understood adverse consequences which action against the Falklands could have both in terms of GOA’s bilateral relations with US and in context of Latin American sensitivities.

4. Referring to current UK concerns over a new Falklands incident, Thomas stressed importance of Argentina fully understanding the US Government’s position in opposition to any such action.⁴ Ambassador Enders agreed, noting, however, that Argentina’s decision regarding Falklands invasion showed the limit of US influence with that country earlier.

5. Ambassador Enders observed that the Falklands conflict and the USG’s subsequent position in support of the UK’s resistance to Argentina’s resort to force is still having negative fallout on US-Latin American relations. As example, he said that the new government in Colombia has seized on this issue as a justification for developing closer ties with the non-aligned nations and Cuba and that Venezuelan President Herrera Campins during their recent meeting still showed great sensitivity toward the conflict and Prime Minister Thatcher’s visit to Falklands.

6. Turning to British concerns about the danger of Argentina provoking a new incident, Ambassador Enders assured Thomas that the USG has reiterated to the GOA through a variety of channels our position opposing the use of force under any guise in seeking a solution of the Falklands dispute. In response Thomas briefly reviewed recent intelligence reports concerning possible Argentine intentions.⁵ He said the only new information which the UK had received concerned a possible Argentine plan to create an incident in the Antarctic, adding that the UK had raised this issue at the Antarctic Treaty meeting in Wellington, New Zealand and that Argentina had responded that it would strictly comply with its treaty obligations. Thomas said that the UK nonetheless remains concerned about an incident and hopes that Argentina will not miscalculate Great Britain’s resolve to preserve its position in the Falklands. Ambassador Enders said that it may be necessary for the US periodically to reaffirm its opposition to the use of force.

7. Ambassador Enders, noting that over time something must happen to resolve the Falklands dispute, asked Thomas’ assessment of future prospects for a negotiated settlement. Thomas replied that there is no possible basis for negotiation until Argentina and this, or some future government in Great Britain, can establish normal relations. He stated that the wishes of the Islands have now become a major consideration with broad public and political support and that it would be difficult to reconcile this fact with Argentina’s position. In response to a question, Thomas indicated that the Shackleton report, if its recommendations are implemented, would bring an increase in the islands’ population.⁶ He reiterated the importance of restoring relations with Argentina before any movement on the dispute could occur. Thomas observed that there would be a heated debate in Parliament next week and hoped that the Argentines would not over-react by provoking an incident. This portion of the meeting concluded with Ambassador Enders stating that the United States continues to favor a negotiated settlement when the time and circumstances are right.

Shultz

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, D830039–0813. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Sent for information to USUN. Drafted by R.B. Howard (ARA/SC); cleared in S/S–O; approved by Enders.
2. See Document 420.
3. Not found.
4. See footnote 4, Document 421.
5. See footnote 3, Document 419.
6. On September 13, 1982, the Shackleton Commission released an updated version of its 1976 report on the Falklands/Malvinas economy.