§ 3. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what terms the United States Government have pressed Her Majesty's Government to enter into negotiations with Argentina over the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe regularly discuss the Falkland Islands and Argentina with the United States Government. The details of such exchanges must remain confidential.
§ Mr. DalyellIf the Americans sell arms to Buenos Aires, what will the Government do?
§ Mr. WhitneyMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has frequently made clear our views about the prospect of arms sales to Argentina. Should that step be taken, which is subject to Congress approval, it would be viewed with the greatest concern in Britain.
§ Mr. Beaumont-DarkDoes my hon. Friend agree that it might be sensible if we said to America, "If you do not sell arms to Argentina, we shall not sell arms to Cuba"?
§ Mr. WhitneyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleNow that there is a democratic Government in Argentina, will the Government seek to normalise our relations with that country? Does my hon. Friend agree that that would be the first step in seeking a permanent solution to the Falklands problem?
§ Mr. WhitneyIt is certainly our wish to normalise relations with Argentina and we must hope that, as democratic representatives, those who are about to assume power in that country will acknowledge the right of the Falkland Islanders to live in peace and security under a Government of their choosing.
§ Mr. AndersonMr. Alfonsin has explicitly ruled out the use of force to recover the Falklands. Does that not mean a completely new turn, with new opportunities in our relations with Argentina? Is there not a real danger, if the Government do not respond positively to the new civilian Government who will take office on 10 December, that we shall become totally isolated in the face of world opinion if we stubbornly continue with the policy of fortress Falklands, when this new opportunity for a positive dialogue has been presented by the elections in Argentina?
§ Mr. WhitneyThe hon. Gentleman's observations are premature. Mr. Alfonsin is not yet President of Argentina, and several conflicting reports have been heard from the leadership of the Radical party. We must wait to see the developments in the new Argentine Government.