Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

TV Interview for BBC ending Falklands visit ("we’re not negotiating on sovereignty")

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Source: BBC Sound Archive: OUP transcript
Journalist: Nicholas Witchell, BBC
Editorial comments: Between 1800 and 1900 local time.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 176
Themes: Defence (Falklands)

Nicholas Witchell, BBC

There have been criticisms, both at home and abroad, of your visit, Mrs Thatcher. What's your reaction to those criticisms?

MT

I have to do what I have to do as Prime Minister of Britain. The Falkland Islands has been a very, very large part of our thoughts and our story this year, and it's my duty as well as my pleasure to come and see them. Other people must get on with their own job in their own way, and I don't interfere with them.

Nicholas Witchell, BBC

But to the, for the practical benefit of the islanders, must there not at some stage be contact with the Argentines?

MT

The islanders are absolutely emphatic, no negotiations on sovereignty with the Argentine. Of course one likes to have a friendly, neighbouring coastal state. We've held out the hand of friendship, we wanted to terminate the restrictions on trade. They have not responded. I hope one day they will, but we're not negotiating on sovereignty.