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In 1965 the United Nations had called upon the UK and Argentina to commence negotiations with a view to resolve the main issue that lay between them – sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Talks had started in 1966, but had been slow to... more
In 1965 the United Nations had called upon the UK and Argentina to commence negotiations with a view to resolve the main issue that lay between them – sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. Talks had started in 1966, but had been slow to produce anything tangible. Concentrating on the future of the archipelago; with historic rights not discussed, as neither side was going to budge from their entrenched positions. But the fundamental problem of the future was grounded in the recognition, by both the United Nations and the UK, that the Islanders' had rights which had to be respected. Argentina, however, rejected any recognition of the Islanders that would have given the people of the archipelago a veto. For Argentina, there were only two parties to the dispute, not three. Seeing itself in a no-win situation, the British government could only seek to persuade the Islanders that life with Argentina could bring improvements to living standards and offer a more prosperous future. An Anglo-Argentine agreement of 1971 was intended to start a process of persuasion; offering unrestricted contact with the mainland, access to hospitals and education facilities. Also the modernization of infrastructure within the islands; telephones, gas and televisions. This paper considers both this process together with the progress of negotiations; and the inherent frustrations that would lead to conflict.
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England had withdrawn its garrison from the western Falklands, but not abandoned its sovereignty. The traders had moved into Jasons Town, while their ships hunted the islands for whales and seals. Spain had been expected to follow the... more
England had withdrawn its garrison from the western Falklands, but not abandoned its sovereignty. The traders had moved into Jasons Town, while their ships hunted the islands for whales and seals. Spain had been expected to follow the British and remove its garrison; but Spain was reluctant to do so. Madrid knew that Britain would be back, and that the only question was when? Also, Spain had promised France that an armed watch would be maintained over the islands to prevent the British taking full control. If Spain withdrew, Paris would argue that the French should return. So Spain did not comply with the mutual abandonment agreement that Britain thought existed; merely reducing the status of Soledad to a presidio (frontier fort). Spain had other problems as the archipelago was not the only area of the Americas where its claims were under threat. Its authority over large tracts of American territory were being challenged. In 1789 and 1790, Spain and Britain would face-off once again. This paper deals with these events; also considering the rise of Republican France; Napoleon and the final end to the seemingly interminable Anglo-Spanish Wars.
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United Nations sponsored talks had not proven fruitful for Argentina. Unwilling to take a case to the International Court of Justice, Argentina chose the only other route left open to it – invasion. Trial by combat. By taking such drastic... more
United Nations sponsored talks had not proven fruitful for Argentina. Unwilling to take a case to the International Court of Justice, Argentina chose the only other route left open to it – invasion. Trial by combat. By taking such drastic action the military junta in Buenos Aires hoped to present Britain with a fait accompli; a situation that could not be overturned. Their expectation was that Britain would see the futility of its position and recognise that any attempt to restore islands 8,000 miles away was tactically doomed to failure. After 150 years of dealing with the British, Argentina had clearly learned very little. Worth remembering, perhaps, that at dawn on April 2nd, 1767, Spain first raised its flag over East Falkland. With a fondness for anniversaries, it seems unlikely that Argentina, Spain's supposed heir, invaded on the 2nd by coincidence; or due to the weather.
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Una historia concisa de las Islas Malvinas desde 1700 hasta 1850 centrada en las disputas entre Francia, Gran Bretaña, España y Argentina por el archipiélago de las Islas Malvinas. A concise history of the Falkland Islands from 1700 to... more
Una historia concisa de las Islas Malvinas desde 1700 hasta 1850 centrada en las disputas entre Francia, Gran Bretaña, España y Argentina por el archipiélago de las Islas Malvinas.
A concise history of the Falkland Islands from 1700 to 1850 focusing upon the disputes between France, Great Britain, Spain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands archipelago.
A concise history of the Falkland Islands from 1700 to 1850 focusing upon the disputes between France, Great Britain, Spain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands archipelago.
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With the Antarctic question safely tucked away, Britain could breath a little easier. Threats to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories nullified. However, that still left the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich... more
With the Antarctic question safely tucked away, Britain could breath a little easier. Threats to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories nullified. However, that still left the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. To these Argentina would now turn its full attention, and in the United Nations, Buenos Aires saw an opportunity. Enlarged, as it was becoming, with newly independent States, the UN was keen to pressure the United Kingdom into abandoning its last vestiges of Empire. This paper considers the processes of decolonization as seen through the prism of the United Nations in its formative years. In particular, the slow development of the right of self-determination for those non-self governing territories listed by the organization and the events that led up to UN calls for Anglo-Argentine negotiations in 1965. Decolonization and self-determination or, perhaps, decolonization versus self-determination.
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This paper examines what were known, for a period, as the Falkland Islands Dependencies and in particular, South Georgia – claimed for Britain in 1775. British territories in the South Atlantic, sub-Antarctica and in Antarctica itself... more
This paper examines what were known, for a period, as the Falkland Islands Dependencies and in particular, South Georgia – claimed for Britain in 1775. British territories in the South Atlantic, sub-Antarctica and in Antarctica itself that were administered for convenience from the Falklands despite each having very separate histories. The diplomatic manoeuvring that led to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty is considered, together with Argentina's policy of 'pin pricks' – its attempts to goad Great Britain into a reaction in the South Atlantic. This period is also important for the founding of the unsuccessful League of Nations and its successor the United Nations. Argentina's claims were not placed before the League of Nations as they should have been. Would the UN's International Court of Justice, after 1946, offer a better opportunity for Argentina to air its grievances?
Citation: Lorton, Roger. Timeline History of the Falkland Islands. Wordpress. 2011
Citation: Lorton, Roger. Timeline History of the Falkland Islands. Wordpress. 2011
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While the Falkland Islands were generally now accepted as British territory – even by Argentina for a time – that did not prevent others considering that they held rights. In particular the sealers of the United States still saw the... more
While the Falkland Islands were generally now accepted as British territory – even by Argentina for a time – that did not prevent others considering that they held rights. In particular the sealers of the United States still saw the Falklands as an unregulated resource; an area that they had been fishing for more than seventy years and intended to continue to do so. Previous attempts to curtail their activities by Spain and Buenos Aires had been ineffective but, to demonstrate effective control, Britain needed to do better. Any change, however, had to be brought about diplomatically, so sealing regulations would be slow to appear, and slower to be enforced. Washington itself had doubts about the legal nature of its South Atlantic fishery; but bull & bluster would suffice for a while and the US Navy was never short of a good measure of gung-ho. This paper focuses on the consolidation of Britain's administration of the archipelago; the break-up of the Argentine Confederation and the subsequent colonization of Patagonia. Buenos Aires would remember the archipelago, eventually. Citation: Lorton, Roger. Timeline History of the Falkland Islands. Wordpress. 2011
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The end is nigh. For this research at least. 2020 saw the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s discovery of his strait in 1520, where this timeline history started. Yes, I actually started in 1480, but that was only to provide the background... more
The end is nigh. For this research at least. 2020 saw the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s discovery of his strait in 1520, where this timeline history started. Yes, I actually started in 1480, but that was only to provide the
background necessary for Magellan’s expedition in search of a way through to the Spice Islands. 2020 also marks, roughly, the decade that the research has taken. Ten years is enough and if I do not stop now, I may
never stop. Why? Because the situation vis-a-vis Argentina and the Falkland Islands has become rote. The same tedious pantomime every year. Always starting with a press release on January 3rd. Always ending with an end of year message from the British Prime Minister. A Sisyphean motion. The same rock being rolled up the same hill – year after year. Repetition, repetition, repetition. I will leave it to others to track the cycle over the next ten years. Or 500.
background necessary for Magellan’s expedition in search of a way through to the Spice Islands. 2020 also marks, roughly, the decade that the research has taken. Ten years is enough and if I do not stop now, I may
never stop. Why? Because the situation vis-a-vis Argentina and the Falkland Islands has become rote. The same tedious pantomime every year. Always starting with a press release on January 3rd. Always ending with an end of year message from the British Prime Minister. A Sisyphean motion. The same rock being rolled up the same hill – year after year. Repetition, repetition, repetition. I will leave it to others to track the cycle over the next ten years. Or 500.
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During the first half of the 20th century, Argentina had employed a series of petty actions against Great Britain in the South Atlantic – described by one British official at the time as 'pin-pricks'. If the objective had been to annoy... more
During the first half of the 20th century, Argentina had employed a series of petty actions against Great Britain in the South Atlantic – described by one British official at the time as 'pin-pricks'. If the objective had been to
annoy the British into recognising Argentine rights over those areas below 50° S latitude then the policy failed. If its aim had been to remind the UK on a regular basis that neither Argentina nor its claims had gone away, the
policy may well be seen as having some limited success. After diplomatic relations were resumed in 1990, Argentina's governments appeared unsure of how to move the issue forward. Menem's presidency had tried 'seduction', without effect. Those that followed would revert to a policy of childish annoyance. This paper details the actions, in particular, of the 12 years of Kirchner administrations and the noise those produced in forums around the world.
annoy the British into recognising Argentine rights over those areas below 50° S latitude then the policy failed. If its aim had been to remind the UK on a regular basis that neither Argentina nor its claims had gone away, the
policy may well be seen as having some limited success. After diplomatic relations were resumed in 1990, Argentina's governments appeared unsure of how to move the issue forward. Menem's presidency had tried 'seduction', without effect. Those that followed would revert to a policy of childish annoyance. This paper details the actions, in particular, of the 12 years of Kirchner administrations and the noise those produced in forums around the world.
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The job of picking up the pieces began although, with Argentina refusing to acknowledge an end to hostilities, the future looked very uncertain. Repatriation of the large number of POWs was the first problem. Then reconstruction, both... more
The job of picking up the pieces began although, with Argentina refusing to acknowledge an end to hostilities, the future looked very uncertain. Repatriation of the large number of POWs was the first problem. Then reconstruction, both long-term and short-term, needed addressing. Whatever was going to happen, Island life could never be quite the same again. The world now knew where they were, and were watching.
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Sovereignty reasserted, the British Navy did not remain. After Onslow's departure, the islands remained without any direct authority other than an Irish Storekeeper tasked to raise the flag on a Sunday. The archipelago was confirmed as a... more
Sovereignty reasserted, the British Navy did not remain. After Onslow's departure, the islands remained without any direct authority other than an Irish Storekeeper tasked to raise the flag on a Sunday. The archipelago was confirmed as a Crown possession, but not a colony. This paper deals with the aftermath of the murderous riot of August, 1833 and the decision making process that led to formal colonization and consolidation.
At the start of 1834, Port Louis was deserted with some of the survivors living on Hog Island in Berkeley Sound, while others had been taken Port Egmont, on the far side of the archipelago. The good news was that help was on its way; though intimation of the murders had yet to reach those who could react. Those responsible for the deaths, however, were still nearby; watching. Desperate to find a way off the Islands, food had been offered to the Hog Island group, with reassurances - lowering their defences.
At the start of 1834, Port Louis was deserted with some of the survivors living on Hog Island in Berkeley Sound, while others had been taken Port Egmont, on the far side of the archipelago. The good news was that help was on its way; though intimation of the murders had yet to reach those who could react. Those responsible for the deaths, however, were still nearby; watching. Desperate to find a way off the Islands, food had been offered to the Hog Island group, with reassurances - lowering their defences.
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Britain's first diplomatic shot had been fired. A protest across the bows. A protest acknowledged but not acted upon - nor answered. A protest ignored. As had been the case since 1820, there was, sufficient confusion in the political... more
Britain's first diplomatic shot had been fired. A protest across the bows. A protest acknowledged but not acted upon - nor answered. A protest ignored. As had been the case since 1820, there was, sufficient confusion in the political situation in Buenos Aires for events on the islands to quickly fade into the background. Luis Vernet, ignorant of the protest, needed to assert his new-found authority. He chose American sealers as his target. This paper considers that action and the consequences that flowed from it. The US reaction was as radical as it was unexpected. It left Britain with little choice but to move in, with results that linger still.
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With Spanish power weakening, this paper considers the separation of the Rio de la Plata colonies from that Empire and their first attempts at independence. Also their early pretensions, particularly in the case of those territories that... more
With Spanish power weakening, this paper considers the separation of the Rio de la Plata colonies from that Empire and their first attempts at independence. Also their early pretensions, particularly in the case of those territories that would, eventually, become Argentina. Buenos Aires was a major city then, as now. Here I consider its history vis-a-vis the archipelago based upon two events falling into this period; privateer David
Jewett's belated claim on behalf of the defunct United Provinces of South America, and the German Luis Vernet's business venture on East Falkland Island (Soledad). Jewett's claim was obscure, not the least because he failed to report it to the government he supposedly claimed the islands for. Vernet, rather differently, saw a commercial opportunity in the islands' wild cattle, the descendants of those left behind by the French. Proved harder to make money than he thought and so he turned his attention to the sealing industry, seeking a monopoly through administrative control via a colony of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata. In doing so he would rouse two sleeping giants, the USA and the UK
Jewett's belated claim on behalf of the defunct United Provinces of South America, and the German Luis Vernet's business venture on East Falkland Island (Soledad). Jewett's claim was obscure, not the least because he failed to report it to the government he supposedly claimed the islands for. Vernet, rather differently, saw a commercial opportunity in the islands' wild cattle, the descendants of those left behind by the French. Proved harder to make money than he thought and so he turned his attention to the sealing industry, seeking a monopoly through administrative control via a colony of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata. In doing so he would rouse two sleeping giants, the USA and the UK
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Discovered, but almost immediately disputed. Spain, despite never having seen the Falklands archipelago, recognised immediately that their claimed monopoly over South America was in danger. That the security of routes through to the... more
Discovered, but almost immediately disputed. Spain, despite never having seen the Falklands archipelago, recognised immediately that their claimed monopoly over South America was in danger. That the security of routes through to the Pacific, via America’s south cone, were threatened. Unexpectedly, however, it was France, not Britain, that first settled in the eastern island of the archipelago. Albeit, by a whisker. The English arrived at the western island a mere twelve months later; unaware of the French precedence but aware of Spain’s likely reaction. Spanish pretensions beset by both friend and enemy. Two establishments on opposite sides of the archipelago, each oblivious to the other. France in the east. Britain in the west.
This paper considers the events of this short, but important, period.
This paper considers the events of this short, but important, period.
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Three claimants reduced to two. Spain was about to take over at Port Louis in the belief that whatever the archipelago consisted of, it was theirs. But then they also knew that Britain was somewhere near. Two old enemies in close... more
Three claimants reduced to two. Spain was about to take over at Port Louis in the belief that whatever the archipelago consisted of, it was theirs. But then they also knew that Britain was somewhere near. Two old
enemies in close proximity, and it took a while for Spain to work out where the British were. When they did, and despite there being peace between the two nations, they would over-react.
This paper considers the events leading up to the breach between the two European nations; re-armament for war and the complicated negotiations (Britain/Spain, Spain/France & Britain/France) that would eventually lead to an uneasy compromise.
enemies in close proximity, and it took a while for Spain to work out where the British were. When they did, and despite there being peace between the two nations, they would over-react.
This paper considers the events leading up to the breach between the two European nations; re-armament for war and the complicated negotiations (Britain/Spain, Spain/France & Britain/France) that would eventually lead to an uneasy compromise.
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This paper considers the first 300 years of Falklands history. Mostly, it is about discovery. European discovery. Considered are the candidates for that first sighting – Vespucci, Magellan, Gomes, de Loaisa, de Acuña, Davis, Hawkins and... more
This paper considers the first 300 years of Falklands history. Mostly, it is about discovery. European discovery. Considered are the candidates for that first sighting – Vespucci, Magellan, Gomes, de Loaisa, de Acuña, Davis, Hawkins and de Weerdt. Portuguese, Spanish, English and Dutch expeditions. There may be others of course; explorers that time has forgotten. Without evidence these can only be phantoms; the subject of wild theories. And there are many wild theories. For example, a purported Chinese discovery of South America at the beginning of the 15th century. A claim that Tierra del Fuego appears on a 1489 map of the world. An assertion that a Turkish chart of 1513 reveals the Antarctic land mass under miles of ice. The evidence is less exciting, but not so much. Documents, ships logs, accounts and cartography. All, inevitably, mixed with a little rumour and imagination. From the evidence, it is possible to conclude that the first widely accepted sighting of the Falkland Islands was in 1592, by the English navigator John Davis. Before that there is nothing really certain and even the Davis sighting has its opponents. The first sighting with some coordinates was 1600 but it would be 1690 before anyone landed on the archipelago. Another Englishman, Strong. Arguments over who should own them, however, did not really start until 1748. Discovery, on its own, was no guarantee of rights, and by the early eighteenth century, effective possession was generally recognised as necessary. A view Spain would resist until 1790.
Citation: Lorton, Roger. Timeline History of the Falkland Islands. Wordpress. 2011-2021
Citation: Lorton, Roger. Timeline History of the Falkland Islands. Wordpress. 2011-2021
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This publication is written in an easy-to-use dictionary format and provides a concise reference guide to the vast range of criminal offences in England and Wales. It covers the powers of arrest, search and seizure available to police... more
This publication is written in an easy-to-use dictionary format and provides a concise reference guide to the vast range of criminal offences in England and Wales. It covers the powers of arrest, search and seizure available to police officers in dealing with offenders. This fully updated edition contains information on over 800 offences from over 200 Acts, Orders and Regulations. Entries are listed under keyword subject headings and a standard format is given for each: details of relevant offences and the Acts contravened, the maximum sentence applicable; the relevant police powers available; and definitions, notes and references. The book is written for use by operational police officers, special constables and those with an interest in policing law.
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After ten years of research and nearly one million words, it was time to reduce the findings into something more manageable. This work covers the first 150 years of Falklands history, within which can be discovered the foundations of an... more
After ten years of research and nearly one million words, it was time to reduce the findings into something more manageable. This work covers the first 150 years of Falklands history, within which can be discovered the foundations of an Anglo-Argentine dispute that has rumbled on into the 21st century. Marx wrote that: "History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce." When it come to the history of the Falkland Islands, Marx may have had it the wrong way around.
Citation: Lorton, Roger. Falklands Wars: 1700 to 1850. A Concise Narrative History. Pomelo Publishing 2020
Citation: Lorton, Roger. Falklands Wars: 1700 to 1850. A Concise Narrative History. Pomelo Publishing 2020
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A history of the Falkland Islands written by lawyers, this undisguised attack on two British historians fails to meet strict academic standards; contains very little not previously explored in depth; and repeats old, long-debunked,... more
A history of the Falkland Islands written by lawyers, this undisguised attack on two British historians fails to meet strict academic standards; contains very little not previously explored in depth; and repeats old, long-debunked, fantasies.