Thatcher Vows to ‘Stand Fast’ on Falklands Issue
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has pledged again to the Falkland Islanders that Britain will “stand fast” in defending what she said was their right to self-determination.
In what has now become a yearly Christmas radio message to the islanders in the South Atlantic, Thatcher late Tuesday also promised that her government will not negotiate the sovereignty of the islands which are claimed by Argentina.
“You have my promise that Britain will stand fast in support of your right to decide your own future even though other governments at the United Nations chose to apply to that fundamental principle in a very selective way,” she said.
Thatcher was referring to an overwhelming vote at the U.N. earlier this month that called on Britain to negotiate with Argentina over the Falklands.
“We shall not negotiate about sovereignty,” Thatcher said.
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