Eastern European and Soviet Department: Soviet Attitude to the Falkland Islands Crisis

A file of correspondence and reports concerning the Soviet attitude to the Falklands War. The documents cover articles published in the Soviet press and statements made by Soviet officials criticising British threats of armed aggression against Argentina, arguing that Britain is seeking to re-establish its colonial interests, and criticising U.S. support of Britain, claiming that America is serving its own interests in the region. Other documents in the file cover political and economic relations between the Soviet Union and Argentina; Soviet strategic interests in the Falklands War and Latin America; and concerns that the Soviet Union may be involved in intelligence-gathering operations on behalf of Argentina. The file also includes briefs prepared for a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State, Alexander Haig, covering Soviet attitudes towards the Falklands War, economic measures taken against Argentina by Britain's allies, and perceptions of U.S. neutrality. Other documents in the file cover meetings with European Economic Community representatives to discuss developments in the dispute.