PRESS STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE ALEXANDER M. HAIG, JR.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00049R000701790024-7
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 17, 2006
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: April 25, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

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PRESS STATEMENT
BY
THE HONORABLE
ALEXANDER M. HAIG, JR.
The South Atlantic crisis is about to enter a new
and dangerous phase, in which large-scale military action
is likely. I would like to bring you up to date on what
we have done, and why, and what we must now do.
From the outset of the crisis, the United States
has been guided by the basic principle of the rule of
law. We have made a determined effort to restore peace
through implementation of UN Security Council Resolution
502. That Resolution calls for:
-- an end to hostilities;
-- the withdrawal of Argentine forces from the
islands; and
-- a diplomatic settlement of the fundamental dispute.
The United States made this extraordinary effort
because the stakes in human lives and international order
required it. A fundamental tenet of United States foreign
policy is that change in the world must not result from
the use of force. The collapse of that principle could
only bring chaos and suffering.
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We also made this effort because the crisis raised
vital issues of hemispheric solidarity at a time when
Communist adversaries seek positions of influence on the
mainland of the Americas and latent territorital disputes
in much of the hemisphere call for unity and the resolute
defense of principle.
We acted as well because the United States has the
confidence of the parties. The United Kingdom is our
closest ally, and Prime Minister Thatcher's Government
looked to us to pursue a peaceful solution. We have
also recently developed a better relationship with
Argentina, as part of our success in revitalizing the community
of American states. President Galtieri also requested our
involvement.
Under the direction of President Reagan, I participated
in many days of intense discussion with the parties -- in
London, in Buenos Aires, and here in Washington -- in
search of a framework for implementing UN Security Council
Resolution 502. Our initial aim was to clarify the
position of the parties and to offer suggestions on how
those positions might be reconciled. We took no position
on the merits of either the British or Argentine claims
to the islands.
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As the prospects for more intense hostilities arose, we
put forth an American proposal. It represented our best estimate
of what the two parties could reasonably be expected to accept,
and was based squarely on our own principles and concern for
the rule of law.
We regard this as a fair and sound proposal. It
involves: a cessation of hostilities; withdrawal of both
Argentine and British forces; termination of sanctions;
establishment of a US-UK-Argentine interim authority to maintain
the agreement; continuation of the traditional local Administra-
tion, with Argentine participation; Procedures for encouraging
cooperation in the development of the Islands; and a framework
for negotiations on a final settlement, taking into account the
interests of both sides and the wishes of the inhabitants.
We had reason to hope that the United Kingdom would
consider a settlement along the lines of our proposal, but
Argentina informed us yesterday that it could not accept it.
Argentina's position remains that it must receive an assurance
now of eventual sovereignty, or an immediate de facto role
in governing the islands which would lead to sovereingty.
For its part, the British Government has continued to affirm
the need to respect the views of the inhabitants in a settle-
ment.
The United Stateshas thus far refrained from adopting
measures in response to the seizure of the islands that
could have interfered with our ability to work with both
sides in the search for peace. The British Government has
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shown complete understanding for this position. Now,
however, in light of Argentina's failure to accept a
compromise, we must take concrete steps to underscore
that the US cannot and will not condone 'the use of unlawful force to
resolve disputes. .The President has therefore ordered:
-- the suspension of all military exports to
Argentina;
-- the withholding of certification of Argentine
eligibility for military sales;
-- the suspension of new Export-Import Bank credits
and guarantees; and
-- the suspension of Commodity Credit Corporation guarantees.
I
The President has also directed that the United
States will respond positively to requests for materiel
support for British forces. There will, of course, be no
direct US military involvement.
American policy will continue to be guided by our
concerns for the rule of law and our desire to facilitate
an early and fair settlement. The United States remains
ready to assist the parties in finding that settlement.
A strictly military outcome cannot endure over time.
In the end, there will have to be a negotiated outcome
acceptable to the interested parties. Otherwise, we
will all face unending hostility and insecurity in the
South Atlantic.
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