The British government and the Falkland Islands, 1974-79
Aaron Donaghy (Author)
Drawing on recently declassified government files, private papers and interviews, this book argues that through a combination of preventative diplomacy and robust defence planning, the Labour government of 1974-79 succeeded in maintaining peace, avoiding the fate of its Tory successors. Historians have hitherto cast British policy as one of consistent, weak appeasement prior to the 1982 war, encouraging Argentine leaders to stake everything on an invasion. Drawing on recently declassified government files, private papers and interviews, Aaron Donaghy argues against this popular notion. He shows that through a combination of preventative diplomacy and robust defence planning, the Labour government of 1974-79 succeeded in maintaining peace, avoiding the fate of its Tory successors. The mid to late 1970s marked the most dangerous period prior to the war. The Argentine occupation of Southern Thule, withdrawal of ambassadors, attacks on ships and secret deployments tell only part of the story. Uncovering remarkable evidence, Donaghy explains how misconceptions about Britain's naval deployment in the South Atlantic in 1977 would have fatal consequences for policymaking in March 1982. This study of how the British government confronted Argentina will provide a new understanding of the immediate origins of the Falklands War
eBook, English, 2014
Palgrave Macmillan, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire, 2014
History
1 online resource (xiii, 270 pages) : maps
9781137329561, 9781137329554, 9781322106885, 9781349460632, 1137329564, 1137329556, 1322106886, 134946063X
883513410
"Leave this poisoned chalice alone"
The lowest common multiple
A sensational hostage
Islands surrounded by advice
The mixed approach
Absentee landlords
Defence of the realm
"No talks, just football."
English