Part III: Antarctica and Academe - Scott Polar Research Institute

FIBS was taken over; the announcer Pat Watts said he would not talk while they
had a gun in his back. The three enemy went off to another room arguing among
themselves leaving Pat alone. Hunt made a statement over the telephone: he has had
a meeting with the Admiral commanding the invasion forces, told him his forces
have landed illegally and demanded they leave the colony forthwith. The Admiral
refused and calls upon HE to cease needless bloodshed as the enemy have
overwhelmingly stronger forces. The Admiral paid tribute to the F.I. troops and
called them very brave. He gave an assurance that no islanders would be harmed in
any way.
Hunt said some homes had already been broken into. The Admiral immediately
commanded his second in command to discipline any troops taking such action. The
Admiral stated an Army General would be arriving in about an hour to take over as
military Governor. Hunt said that was all he had to say and that this was probably
the last time he would be able to address the people of the Falklands. He wished
everyone the best of luck and gave them an assurance that the British would be back.
He commented that he would be surprised if there were less than 500 troops in the
attack force. On being questioned as to what action should now be taken by Britain
his answer was that they must declare war in the face of reprehensible aggression
having been taken by Argentina.
At 10.07 there was a call from the radio station to enemy forces to allow doctors
and nurses to proceed to hospital carrying white flags. All the children in Stanley
House Hostel were safe.
At 10.20 an announcement by Argentinian Forces stated that now Islas Malvinas
Broadcasting Service had begun its transmission, and the Argentine national anthem
was played. “The attention of all inhabitants is requested to a statement by the
Argentine Republic, Malvinas operation theatre command.”
Over the next half hour or so a number of communiques were released:
l. The Commander greets the inhabitants and exhorts everyone to cooperate in
order to facilitate the normal life of the entire population.
2. All British authorities are henceforth relieved of their duties and will today be
sent back to England with their families and personal effects.
3. Population told to remain in their homes, all those leaving them will be
arrested. Should a serious problem arise and people wish to make it known to the
authorities a piece of white cloth is to be placed outside the door; the military will
then visit the house and provide a solution. All schools, shops, banks, pubs etc are to
remain closed until further notice. All further instructions will be released over the
radio which will remain in permanent operation.
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