Falkland Isles/Malvinas

Lampman · 03-04-2007, 02:10

Whilst Tony has been handing out certificates and vetrans badges to commemorate the Falklands war,Argentina has restated its'claim on the isles.
Tension has been building between the two countries and though as yet there have been no sabre rattling,last week Argentina unilaterally scrapped an oil and gas exploration treaty with the UK.
The question is will we soon cede the Falkland Islands as we are hardly in a position to defend them should further agression take place.
Has the government allowed the forces to be run down to a state where we can't say boo to a goose?

Wynonie Harris · 03-04-2007, 08:01

How ironic it will be if we can't defend the rights of a few hundred people who actually want to stay British, all because the vainglorious poltroon who we laughingly call a prime minister has, by a process of deception, committed this country to a pointless piece of military adventurism, in a futile attempt to bolster his image as a "world leader".

jambutty · 03-04-2007, 20:38

I read somewhere today, on Ceefax I think it was, that someone had come up with a brilliant idea for solving the sovereignty claims to the Falkland Islands.

We should agree to hand them back to Argentine if they agree to grant them independence from Argentine. The Falklanders could then, if they wish, re-align themselves with GB and become a protectorate or just go it alone. That would be up to them.

The ceremonies could all take place on the same day. Tony and his world leader entourage would officiate at the lowering of the Union Flag and the Argentine leaders would do the same with the raising and then lowering of the Argentine flag, to be followed by the raising of the Falklands Islands flag. All done and dusted in less than one hour and they could all celebrate the occasion with a nice lamb dinner.

steeljack · 03-04-2007, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambutty

We should agree to hand them back to Argentine

Only one problem with that logic, they have never belonged to the Argentines in the first place , maybe we could arrange a return to the 'original' owners Spain and then they could grant Independance .

Maybe we could big bash and arrange for the U S to return the States of Hawaii, Oregon and Washington to British ownership at the same time ...

steeljack · 03-04-2007, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wynonie Harris

How ironic it will be if we can't defend the rights of a few hundred people who actually want to stay British, all because the vainglorious poltroon who we laughingly call a prime minister has, by a process of deception, committed this country to a pointless piece of military adventurism, in a futile attempt to bolster his image as a "world leader".

"vainglorious poltroon " ...........deserves karma

jambutty · 04-04-2007, 09:04

Er! steeljack! You may not have noticed but the ownership of Hawaii, Oregon and Washington is not in dispute. The Falkland Islands are.

But how far back do you go? If you want to take it to the ultimate conclusion no one owned anywhere at one time.

The logic of that suggestion is to let the residents decide.

Lampman · 04-04-2007, 11:40

By coincidence my niece(who works as cabin crew) emailed me this photo oh her flight being escorted over the Falklands.She has three week stints of transporting the troops from the Ascension Isles to the falklands.
Apparently the RAF aircrew use the photographs as a way of getting to know the Stewardess.
Well at least the RAF is on the ball!

Bazf · 04-04-2007, 15:49

For some of us who have been there I would give it to the Argies in a heart beat. It is not the nicest place in the world and the only good point, which they have now ceased, was the loa. The amount of savings over a 3 month period was a new car when you came home.
The locals were called Bennys, after the character from crossroads, they all wore overalls and that stupid hat and were similarly educated. The powers that be gave an order that they were not to be refered to as Bennys, so they became stills. Still Bennys.

WillowTheWhisp · 04-04-2007, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambutty

We should agree to hand them back to Argentine if they agree to grant them independence from Argentine. The Falklanders could then, if they wish, re-align themselves with GB and become a protectorate or just go it alone. That would be up to them.

The ceremonies could all take place on the same day. Tony and his world leader entourage would officiate at the lowering of the Union Flag and the Argentine leaders would do the same with the raising and then lowering of the Argentine flag, to be followed by the raising of the Falklands Islands flag. All done and dusted in less than one hour and they could all celebrate the occasion with a nice lamb dinner.

The only problem with that idea is would the Argentinian government comply or would they grab em and run once they'd been handed over to them?

I do agree that it should be up to the islanders themselves who they wish to be aligned with. Argentinia wanting them is nothing less than a hostile invasion force as they were never owned by Argentinia and the people there are of British origin.

steeljack · 04-04-2007, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazf

The locals were called Bennys, after the character from crossroads, they all wore overalls and that stupid hat and were similarly educated. The powers that be gave an order that they were not to be refered to as Bennys, so they became stills. Still Bennys.

Sounds like a bit of racial/cultural streotyping to me , just as well they are British otherwise the PC police would be after you

yerself · 04-04-2007, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by steeljack

Sounds like a bit of racial/cultural streotyping to me , just as well they are British otherwise the PC police would be after you

Bazf is only upset because they were Manchester United fans.

Bazf · 04-04-2007, 17:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by yerself

Bazf is only upset because they were Manchester United fans.

No they were brighter then your average scum supporter. They could count sheep and say O arahhh, more like Hereford supporters. The place is the pits, the locals now want us gone, but don't want the argies. But I do know that about 30 of my mates would rather be there then in Iraq.

WillowTheWhisp · 04-04-2007, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazf

the locals now want us gone

They may begin to change their minds about that with this new threat lurking.

Ianto.W. · 04-04-2007, 22:34

I do not think the Argentine 'Navy' will risk poking it's nose anywhere near 'Ilas Malvinas' you never know where those submarines mighn't be.

steeljack · 04-04-2007, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ianto.W.

I do not think the Argentine 'Navy' will risk poking it's nose anywhere near 'Ilas Malvinas' you never know where those submarines mighn't be.

LOL of course you know where they are , either broke down off some Spanish coast ,or undergoing another billion Pound refit at Rosyth,
If in fact they ever put to sea , do you really think Blair would have the "spherical orbs" to use them on his own without risking getting his legs smacked by Uncle George .