ABSTRACT
On 7 January 1981, as expected, the Councillors made clear that they did not like any ideas for negotiations and, of those being canvassed, a freeze to the dispute for a period of time was the least objectionable. They were not opposed to this being put to Argentina in formal talks, and were even prepared to participate. The FCO were content to go along with this. They knew that the idea of a freeze would be given short shrift by the Argentines but it would do no harm for the islanders to be exposed to the reality of the bargaining situation. Ridley, relieved that the negotiating option was still open, accepted the need for a period of calm in the hope that the islanders would start to realise the virtues of lease-back. This they would have to do on their own, and some had already done so, without being hustled by London.
