Argentinians baffled by world hostility

Press, 17 April 1982, Page 8

Argentinians baffled by world hostility

NZPA-Reuter Buenos Aires Amid an outpouring of national fervour sweeping Argentina since the takeover of the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, Argentinians are finding it difficult to understand the. criticism directed at their Government from the outside world. People, taught for generations that the islands were illegally seized by Britain in 1833, met British statements that Argentinian forces are the aggressors with incomprehension. They are puzzled by denunciations of their country for using force in taking over the archipelago on April 2. A common response is that there were no British casualties although four Argentinians were killed. ■ Argentinians regard the action as a belated response to Britain’s occupation of the islands in 1833, when the Argentinian governor, Luis Vemet, was arrested and

jailed for a year and a half in a British prison. Argentina's-claim to sovereignty is based on the fact that the islands belonged to Spain before Argentina be-’ came independent in 1816. The unanimous feeling that the islands are Argentinian is apparent even in worried comments which are becoming increasingly frequent as the British fleet sails further into the South Atlantic.

Conversations may touch on the horrors • that war would bring but usually end with the phrase: “But the islands are ours.” The take-over of the Falklands has provided a rare symbol of national identity and unity of purpose after years of chronic political and economic instability. Backing for the action has covered the entire spectrum of political views, from the officially tolerated Communist Party to the small Rightwing groups backing the six-

year-old military Government.

There have'even been expressions of support from the Leftist Peronist Montoneros guerrillas, all blit wiped out by a tough military campaign.

Official statements and private comments, alike fail to see any shade of difference between outright colonialism and Britain’s -determination to support the wishes of 1800 Falklanders to remain British.

Argentinians regard the islanders as intruders, saying that the original settlement of the Falklands by their ancestors was as illegal as the seizure of the islands in 1833.

Argentina is prepared either to let them leave with compensation or to accept them as • “English-speaking Argentines.” As such, they would join an already large Anglo-Argentinian community.