Falkland Islands

THE FUTURE FOR THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
by the Elected Councillors of the Falkland Islands
April 1996

Historical Perspective 3
The Argentine Claim 5
The Shackleton Reports and the Impact of the Conflict 6
Economic Development 7
The Current Economy 10
The Cost to the U.K. 11
The United Nations Dimension 13
The Form of Government and the Democratic Mandate 15
The Strategic Significance and World Markets
The Probable Development of Oil 17
Conservation and the Protection of the Natural Environment 18
The Long Term Vision 19
Positive Policies for The Future 20

12. LONG TERM VISION

We believe in the concept of planning our future and as we work towards structured corporate plan for the Islands we have the following vision in mind (there is no ranking of importance implied in the order of mention):

The gradual development of a more balanced economy adding new activities to the already dominant sheep farming and squid fishing.
In that development to ensure a much greater degree of added value within these islands; thus licenses sold to foreign fishing fleets would be replaced by genuine locally based fishing and vessel maintenance activity.
The expansion and development of our existing local business and the encouragement of the start up of new business as the population becomes more entrepreneurial.
The provision of education in both academic and vocational spheres alongside the advance of the concept of lifetime learning to ensure that our population continues its already rapid rate of improvement of skills and excellence.
The revitalization of "Camp" whilst preserving the unique way of life.
The maintenance of the character of our town and settlements and the expansion of our road network.
The thoughtful and managed expansion of population so that we achieve a greater critical mass of consumption within a economy.
Th encouragement of skills in financial services so that we can become a center of banking, insurance and consultancy relevant to the South American Cone.
A significant improvement in our social infrastructure to enhance transport, health, care for the elderly, housing and leisure facilities.
Living in peace and prosperity with all neighbors and seeing the claim on the Islands dropped from the Argentine constitution.
Increasing our already strong position as a center for the exploration and conservation of the Antarctica.
Insuring that the oil development programme is well managed and provides substantial revenue for these Islands.
Improving the present wildlife situation which is both unique and substantial, by increasing protection and improving those factors that encourage wildlife to these shores.
Seeing that a high level of democracy and communication between government and people is maintained.

13. POSITIVE POLICIES FO THE FUTURE

In view of the background outlined in this report, the following package of policies is proposed. They are inter-related and I many respects inter-dependent. It is felt that there is a considerable degree of congruence between the interest of the U.K. and the interest of Falkland Islands as expressed here.

POLICY 1

The Falklands Islands are British and will continue to be so. Any alteration to that is entirely a matter of self determination by the Islanders themselves. Change can be brought about only by our clearly expressed wish, not any third party’s interpretation of our "best interests". This often stated must be honored.

POLICY 2

The Falkland Islands Government and her Majesty’s Government will work together to move towards even greater self government for the Islands with the ultimate goal of "Secure Independence". It is anticipated that this will be a very gradual process.

POLICY 3

The claim to the Islands by Argentina is spurious and vexatious, having no weight in either history or International Law and being founded on fantasy and ambition. It will always be rigorously resisted, and all possible diplomatic effort will be made to ensure that the claim is withdrawn from the Argentine Constitution. In order to ensure this, a military presence on the Islands and adequate reserve capability will be maintained on a scale sufficient to ensure both a deterrent to aggression and a holding capability pending reinforcement.

POLICY 4

Peaceful co-existence between Argentina and the U.K. and Argentina and the Falkland Islands is to be encouraged, but never use in any way to dilute or adapt the position on sovereignty. Bribes and inducements cannot form part of a fair evaluation of any sovereignty issue.

POLICY 5

The following are considered to be of importance:

The strategic situation and opportunities presented by the Islands.
The conservation of the unique natural environment.
The wealth of natural resources.

The effective management of these factors is to be stimulated and assisted where appropriate.

POLICY 6

Co-operation between her Majesty’s Government and the Falkland Islands Government on the influence and education of public opinion in Argentina is to be encourage. The objective is to reach the point where the "Malvinas" issue is no longer a vote winner or even has special popular appeal.

(For futher information abour this document contact The Falkland Islands Goverment, The secretariat, Stanley, Falkland Islands. Tel: 00 500 27110, Fax: 00 500 27212. Or the Falkland Islands Goverment Office, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H OBH. Tel: 0171 222 2542, Fax: 0171 222 2375.)