WW2 - Falklands

BrianW said:
The retention of the Falklands is now a matter of 'national honour'. Not least because of the blood of those who died there in the Thatcher War.

'National honour' is not a rational concept, but emotionally it's a very powerful one. Back in the day, people took the same line on Calais and English Gascony. The fact that it does not make economic sense is neither here nor there.
Click to expand...
It's not a matter of national honour, it's a matter for Falklanders to decide who/what they are. Self-determination is a right protected under international law and the Falklanders overwhelmingly (>99%) do not want to be Argentinian.

This is why Argentina constantly threatens to take it back through force, because a legal or political way is not possible. If the Falklanders are happy then there is no good reason to give it up whether we regard it as insigificant or not.

When will people make similar arguments for other countries to give back their overseas territories? Many countries in Europe still hold colony enclaves throughout the world today and nobody really gives a toss.
 
inbetween said:
It's not a matter of national honour, it's a matter for Falklanders to decide who/what they are. Self-determination is a right protected under international law and the Falklanders overwhelmingly (>99%) do not want to be Argentinian.

This is why Argentina constantly threatens to take it back through force, because a legal or political way is not possible. If the Falklanders are happy then there is no good reason to give it up whether we regard it as insigificant or not.

When will people make similar arguments for other countries to give back their overseas territories? Many countries in Europe still hold colony enclaves throughout the world today and nobody really gives a toss.
Click to expand...
Spain wants Gibraltar back, but when Morocco wants Ceuta or Millila back from Spain, the Spanish adopt the same stance as the UK on Gibraltar.
 
Having served on the Falklands during g the conflict and injured in the process, I remember it every single day. Was it worth it? Talking with islanders during the conflict I can say yes! They were so grateful and overwhelmed that we were down there helping them out. It matters not how far away they are or how close the mainland of Argentina they are. These people are British and wish to remain so.
It’s remembered by those that saw it on TV and those that served, talking to youngsters today and most have no idea about!
The other conflicts spoken of are remembered by very few unfortunately, but you can’t remember them all, my father was involved in several of them so are remembered by me but as someone stated they were on foreign soil so not so personal to most.
 
crublue1 said:
I sometimes wonder if the argies tried to take the Falklands in present day, would we be able to defend it? Or even have the will to do so?
What would public opinion be like if it happened?
I remember it clearly, it dominated the news, and there were a lot of casualties (RIP to them all)
Peace is a wonderful thing.
Click to expand...

Peace is a wonderful thing. I know following the conflict we made major changes in terms of our defense of the Falklands
 
kinkyblue said:
Having served on the Falklands during g the conflict and injured in the process, I remember it every single day. Was it worth it? Talking with islanders during the conflict I can say yes! They were so grateful and overwhelmed that we were down there helping them out. It matters not how far away they are or how close the mainland of Argentina they are. These people are British and wish to remain so.
It’s remembered by those that saw it on TV and those that served, talking to youngsters today and most have no idea about!
The other conflicts spoken of are remembered by very few unfortunately, but you can’t remember them all, my father was involved in several of them so are remembered by me but as someone stated they were on foreign soil so not so personal to most.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your service KB
 
I expect to hear less about WW2 as the brave veterans slide away and the plain fact of who won the bloody thing by laying down their lives in their 10s of millions becomes less comfortable for the current history changers!
 
You see it even now. So many people have an understanding of the war that's just a combination of jingoism, movies and ridiculous urban myths.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top