Second Argentinian invasion of Falklands ‘hushed up’ by Tony Blair’s government, military historians claim
ARGENTINE forces landed on the Falklands years after the 1982 war — but Tony Blair’s government hushed it up, military historians claim.
One believes it was kept quiet “to keep the peace”.
Rumours began after an inflatable boat containing Argentine military kit was found partly buried on a beach near the islands’ capital Stanley in December 2001.
It was quickly removed by British soldiers and an information blackout imposed.
Falklands-born historian Graham Bound believes it “had clearly been covered up by the British government”.
He added: “At the time, they were very much in the business of repairing relations with Argentina.”
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The Foreign Office response to a freedom of information request by Graham did not deny the boat’s discovery.
It read: “The passage of time has not diminished the sensitivity of the [sovereignty] issue. Disclosure may damage relations.”
Historian Ricky D Phillips said he did not believe it had been an invasion bid.
He said: “It was deliberately probing and testing defences with a military force in the Falklands, and the Blair government deliberately covered it up to keep the peace. The prize now is Antarctica.”
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The Foreign Office said: “We will defend the right of self- determination for Falkland Islanders and for all people to decide their own future.”
The Tony Blair Institute declined to comment.