The Falkland Islands
I don't usually post about current events, but this one has me angry and disappointed.
Consider this: if Venezuela laid claim to Hawaii, passed laws saying it owned Hawaii, and petitioned the UN to get control of the islands, what would the US do? And how would America react if Britain refused to even acknowledge that Hawaii was part of the US? That's what America did to Britain this week.
The dispute between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands seems to have been ignored in the US media. The UK Telegraph has been following the story over the last week:
- 17th Feb: Britain must defend the Falklands against Argentine aggression
- 22nd Feb: Hugo Chavez demands Queen return Falkland Islands to Argentina
- 24th Feb: Barack Obama must side with Britain over the Falklands
- 25th Feb: Et tu, Barack? America betrays Britain in her hour of need
- 25th Feb: Navy intercepts Argentinian warship near British waters
- 26th Feb: The Special Relationship is under fire: Barack Obama’s refusal to back Britain over the Falklands is a disgrace
The Falkland Islands are British. The people there consider themselves British. We fought a war with Argentina in 1982 for control of the Falklands, and Britain won. Argentina wants them, and in 1994, they changed their constitution to say it owns them:
The Argentine Nation ratifies its legitimate and inalienable sovereignty over the Malvinas [the Falkland Islands], South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the corresponding maritime and island spaces, being an integral part of national territory.
The recovery of these territories and the full exercise of sovereignty, respecting the way of life for its inhabitants and according to the principles of international law, constitute a permanent and unwavering goal of the Argentine people.
The statement from the US State department says this:
We are aware not only of the current situation but also of the history, but our position remains one of neutrality. The US recognises de facto UK administration of the islands but takes no position on the sovereignty claims of either party.
That's a sad thing to read. A country Britain thought was an ally isn't even going to acknowledge our sovereignty over a place we've had a colony on since 1765. This statement isn't going to make South America love the US, it just alienates Britain even further.