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

A file of correspondence and reports concerning the Soviet attitude towards the Falklands War. The documents cover discussions with Soviet officials on the crisis, outlining the British and Soviet positions; and articles in the Soviet press, criticising British military action and calling for a negotiated settlement. Other documents in the file cover economic relations between the Soviet Union and Argentina; concerns that the Soviet Union may seek to use the dispute to further its political and military influence in Latin America; and Soviet allegations that Britain is seeking to reassert its colonial power. The file also includes briefs prepared for a visit to Washington by the British Foreign Secretary, Francis Pym. These cover the negotiations being undertaken by the U.S. Secretary of State, Alexander Haig; alternative diplomatic options; perceptions of U.S. neutrality; the attitude of the Soviet Union towards the dispute; and the impact of the dispute on the Argentinian economy.