ABSTRACT
In June 1980 Ridley met the Argentine Ambassador and recalled that he had mentioned the possibility of discussing the dispute informally, over a fishing line in Scotland, with Comodoro Cavándoli. He now hoped to make good on the invitation but first he needed to be sure where he was with his colleagues. He did not want to deceive Comodoro Cavándoli: it was a long way to come simply for fishing. Dates were discussed. The Argentine side showed enthusiasm. On 10 July 1980, following the Defence Committee’s approval, a telegram was sent from London to the Embassy in Buenos Aires informing the Ambassador, in the strictest confidence, that it had been decided to explore with Cavándoli the possibility of a settlement based on lease-back and the joint development of resources. Only in the light of this exploration would ministers take it further in the form of canvassing islander views and opening formal negotiations. As few people as possible should know of this initiative. Ridley added: ‘If Islanders or the lobby were to get any wind of it [at this stage] and were to claim that we were going behind their backs, the political damage would be very serious.’
