A Horseradish
Tuesday 6th August 2013 8:05pm [Edited]
8,475 posts
1979-1980. The new Government considers that defending the Falklands is too costly. Consequently it is decided that Argentina must be persuaded not to attack by offering it the islands in 99 years time. This will be arranged by lease.
It matters little to HMG what the islanders think or that a deal will be done with fascists. Considerable amounts of British military hardware are returned to Britain on the assumption Argentina will agree.
Argentina does not agree. Instead, on seeing the cost cutting, it decides to invade. This is presented to the general public as a surprising and shocking attack but it has effectively been triggered. Much of what is sent out to defend the islands had ironically been there in 1978.
The Conservatives win the 1983 election largely on the basis of the Falkands success.