Falklands War veterans have suggested thatArgentinadoes not stand a chance of taking the islands by force. A leaked Pentagon email has suggested that theUnited Statescould review its support for British sovereignty over the archipelago, it was reported on Friday. Argentina's President, Javier Milei has said he does not want a repeat of his country’s attempted invasion in 1982, but wants to gain sovereignty over the Falklands diplomatically.
Following the news that the UScould withdraw its backing of London, he posted on X: "THE MALVINAS WERE, ARE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE ARGENTINE." Nevertheless, David Cummins, 68, who is originally from Dublin and served on HMS Antelope and the Valiant submarine during the conflict, is concerned that the Argentines may try to take the territory by force again, as the country has never given up on its claim.
“As the British Empire, as Britain shrinks, they’ll see that opportunity at some point,” he said. The veteran thinks Britain’s aircraft carriers would prove decisive.
“Now we have two formidable aircraft carriers, so I think we’re actually probably in a better position, in many ways.”
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Chris Anderson, 68, originally from Eastbourne, was on HMS Sheffield when it was hit by a French-manufactured Exocet missile fired by Argentinian forces on May 4, 1982.
Mr Anderson said: “They're not going to try again while we have two very capable carriers. But if we give up on the carriers, they may try.”
He believes the dispute has “never really been about ownership” of the Falklands, and is rather about access to Antarctica, and the continent’s mineral wealth.
The veteran added that Mount Pleasant Airport, which opened in 1985, can land heavy aircraft, with “great range”.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
