Future of Falklands

I was surprised by the suggestion in your editorial (“Don’t Cry for Malvinas,” June 18) that Britain has been “stubborn and unyielding” in its relationship with Argentina. The British government wanted to restore more normal relations with Argentina way back in 1984. We put forward many practical proposals but the then Argentine government, unfortunately, refused to talk about anything unless sovereignty was on the agenda. In view of what had happened this was not acceptable to the Falkland Islanders, nor was it acceptable to us.

After the election of the new government of President Carlos Saul Menem in 1989, Argentina agreed that the sovereignty question should be put on one side. Diplomatic relations were then re-established. There have been since many other positive developments, including the lifting by Britain of the Falkland Islands Protection Zone, the ending of discriminatory trade measures by Britain and Argentina and the resumption of air services. We have enthusiastically advocated these measures, and welcome the constructive approach of the Argentine government. We have also reached agreement on fisheries conservation in the southwest Atlantic.

A possible transportation link between the Falkland Islands and the Argentine mainland, which you mentioned, is for discussion directly between the Falkland Islands government and Argentina. We have no standing; this is for the islanders to decide for themselves. They already have links with Chile and Uruguay. If the islanders ever wished to establish such a link we would not object.

N.W. BROWNE, Press & Public Affairs, British Embassy, Washington