From Perón Government's Decolonization Strategy to Contemporary Claims

Argentina annually commemorates June 10th as the Day of Reaffirmation of Argentine Rights over the Malvinas, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and the surrounding maritime spaces. This commemoration is rooted in a significant event that occurred in 1829 and, according to the official statement from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it represents a historical milestone demonstrating Argentina's firm commitment to territorial integrity.

The 1829 Decree: Cornerstone of the Sovereignty Claim

The event forming the basis of this commemoration took place on June 10, 1829. At that time, Martín Rodríguez, interim governor of Buenos Aires, and his minister, Salvador María del Carril, signed a decree establishing a "Political and Military Command of the Malvinas and adjacent islands in the vicinity of Cape Horn in the Atlantic." The establishment of this command, headquartered on Soledad Island (East Falkland) and exercising jurisdiction over the South Atlantic islands near Cape Horn, was a decisive step in consolidating Argentina's presence and reaffirming its legitimate rights over these territories. The Argentine government emphasizes that the establishment of this command is a historical pillar supporting Argentina's claims over the Malvinas and surrounding areas.

The decree enacted at the time is preserved in the Argentine National Archives, and its contents are as follows:

Buenos Aires, June 10, 1829.

When these provinces separated from the dominant power of Spain by the glorious revolution of May 25, 1810, Spain was in actual possession of the Malvinas Islands and all the other islands remaining around Cape Horn, including those known as Tierra del Fuego. This possession was justified by the right of first occupation, sanctioned by the consent of the principal maritime powers of Europe, and dependent on their rule because the islands were adjacent to the continent which formed part of the Viceroyalty of Buenos Aires.

Therefore, as the Government of the Republic succeeded to all the rights that the former dominant power had over those provinces and enjoyed the rights that the Viceroys had, it has continued to exercise dominion over these islands, their ports, and coasts. Although until now circumstances have not allowed this part of the territory belonging to the Republic to be given the attention and care that its importance demands. However, since measures to protect the rights of the Republic and at the same time enjoy the advantages that the products of these islands can offer and ensure the proper protection of their inhabitants can no longer be delayed, the Government has agreed and decreed as follows:

Article 1: The Malvinas Islands and adjacent territories in the vicinity of Cape Horn in the Atlantic shall be governed by a political and military commander appointed by the Government of the Republic. Article 2: The residence of the political and military commander shall be located on Soledad Island, and a battery shall be erected under the flag of the Republic. Article 3: The political and military commander shall ensure that the inhabitants of these islands comply with the laws of the Republic and shall ensure compliance with the regulations concerning amphibian fishing on their coasts. Article 4: This shall be published and executed. Martín Rodríguez Salvador María del Carril Francisco Pico (signed) Agreed

Historical Background: Perón Government's Decolonization Strategy and the Malvinas

According to 'The Journal from the End of the World,' a newspaper forum in Ushuaia, Argentina, which traces the history of the Malvinas dispute, on June 9, 1948, the Argentine Executive Branch, by Decree 17.040, established the Antarctica and Malvinas Division within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This new division would be responsible for everything related to the defense of Argentina's legal rights over Antarctica, the Malvinas, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands.

The previous year, the Malvinas and South Georgia Islands Subcommittee had been established, tasked with collecting and studying all existing Argentine documents and background related to these island territories, with its main mission being to prepare official documents/works on Argentina's rights to these territories.

These measures were part of a strategy devised by the government of President Juan Domingo Perón. Perón sought to strengthen territorial claims by leveraging the dominant decolonization trend after World War II. At that time, there was a widespread global movement to break free from colonial rule, and the Perón government sought to capitalize on this international trend to facilitate the return of the Malvinas from the United Kingdom. This also involved political calculations to elevate Argentina's status in the international community and ignite nationalistic aspirations.

Concrete Actions in the Disputed Area and British Response

By late 1947, concrete actions were taking place in the disputed area. The Argentine Navy began military exercises near the Falkland Islands, which included training to land personnel and equipment on various islands in the South Atlantic. The United Kingdom reacted, and after minor skirmishes, the Argentine forces withdrew. This was an early example of the subtle tension between the two nations.

In 1952, the Argentine government announced plans to occupy some of the disputed islands, which led to a series of minor incidents in Bahia (Hope) Esperanza, Antarctica. The following year, there was a landing on Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands. In response, the United Kingdom again dispatched naval forces to ensure the withdrawal of Argentine troops. This series of events demonstrates how sensitively both countries reacted to the Malvinas issue, indicating a sharp confrontation that could not be resolved solely through diplomatic means.

By late 1953, the tension in Esperanza Bay had dissipated, but soon after, the disputed area shifted to Dundee Island. At that time, "the British capacity for response proved to be weak, but the training of both sides remained a symbolic act." This implied that neither side desired a full-scale military conflict, and it can be interpreted as an attempt to gain diplomatic advantage through military pressure.

However, in the same year, at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, President Perón dispatched Rear Admiral Alberto Tesaire, President of the Argentine Senate, who proposed to transfer the Falkland/Malvinas to Argentina through a private transaction involving the transfer of funds. However, "the British government did not accept this, considering the pressing political situation in Britain at the time." This is an example that demonstrates that the issue of territorial sovereignty cannot be resolved through simple financial transactions, and it reveals the deep-seated nature of the conflict between the two countries.

In 1955, President Perón faced a military coup and fled abroad. As a result, the domestic political situation in Argentina became unstable, and international efforts to resolve the Malvinas issue temporarily lost momentum.

Malvinas/Falklands War and Subsequent Sovereignty Dispute

On April 2, 1982, Argentina invaded the Malvinas Islands, initiating the Malvinas/Falklands War. The then Argentine military junta decided to use force to assert its historical sovereignty claims to alleviate the country's economic crisis and political instability and to unite the populace. However, the United Kingdom, led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, dispatched powerful military forces to repel the Argentine army, and the brief 74-day war ended in a British victory. This war led to the collapse of the military regime in Argentina and the restoration of democracy, but it also solidified Argentina's claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas.

After the war, the United Nations adopted resolutions recommending a peaceful resolution of the Malvinas dispute through negotiations between Argentina and the United Kingdom. However, the two countries have not been able to narrow their fundamental differences on the sovereignty issue. The United Kingdom emphasizes the right to self-determination of the Malvinas residents, maintaining that the residents wish to remain under British sovereignty. In a 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islanders overwhelmingly (99.8%) voted to remain a British territory. In contrast, Argentina argues that the Malvinas are part of Argentine territory based on historical and geographical grounds, and refutes that the residents' right to self-determination can be seen as a legacy of colonialism. Argentina has consistently demanded the resumption of bilateral negotiations with the United Kingdom on this issue, but the United Kingdom has refused.

Current Situation and International Support

Currently, Argentina is striving to secure international support for the Malvinas issue through diplomatic efforts. Latin American countries, in particular, tend to support Argentina's sovereignty claims, and regional cooperation bodies such as MERCOSUR also advocate Argentina's position. The Malvinas issue is regularly discussed in the UN Decolonization Committee, where Argentina continuously urges negotiations.

The Argentine government is also keenly interested in the potential natural resources of the Malvinas Islands, especially oil and gas reserves. This makes the sovereignty claim even more important from an economic perspective. In 2024, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its position on the Malvinas issue to the international community, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for a peaceful resolution.

Argentina's June 10th 'Day of Reaffirmation of Argentine Rights over the South Atlantic Islands' is a symbolic day that demonstrates Argentina's unwavering commitment to the Malvinas issue, which will continue into the future. From the enactment of the 1829 decree to the Perón government's decolonization strategy, and the 1982 Falklands War, the Malvinas dispute is a deeply rooted issue in Argentina's history and identity. Although there is still a significant difference in position with the United Kingdom, Argentina will continue its efforts to peacefully resolve the Malvinas issue through international law and diplomatic efforts. This dispute remains a living example that showcases the complex facets of sovereignty, history, and international politics beyond mere territorial issues.