DOCUMENTS FROM THE 1982 FALKLANDS WAR

Communiqués Issued to Civilian Population
By Argentine Army of Occupation

2 April 1982

Communique No.1
Malvinas Operation Theatre Command

The Commander of the Malvinas Operation Theatre, performing his duties as ordered by the Argentine Government, materialises heretofore the historic continuity of Argentine Sovereignty over the Islas Malvinas.  

At this highly important moment for all of us, it is my pleasure to greet the people of the Malvinas and exhort you to co-operate with the new authorities by complying with all of the instructions that will be given through oral and written communiques, in order to facilitate the normal life of the entire population.

Islas Malvinas 02 Abril 1982
OSVALDO JORGE GARCIA
General de Division
Comandante del Teatro de Operaciones
MALVINAS

Communique No.2
Relief of Authorities

As of now, the colonial and military authorities of the British Government are effectively relieved of their charges, and shall be sent back to their country today, with their families and personal effects. Furthermore it is hereby made known that General of Division Osvaldo Jorge Garcia, on behalf of the Argentine Government, is taking power of the Government of the Islas Malvinas, Georgias del Sur and Sandwich del Sur.

Islas Malvinas 02 Abril 1982
OSVALDO JORGE GARCIA
General de Division
Comandante del Teatro de Operaciones
MALVINAS

Communique No.3
Instructions for the Population

As a consequence of all the necessary actions taken, and in order to ensure the safety of the population, all people are to remain at their homes until further notice.  New instructions will be issued.  The population must bear in mind that, in order to ensure the fulfilment of these instructions, military troops shall arrest all people found outside their homes.

To avoid inconvenience and personal misfortunes, people are to abide by the following:-

1.  Should some serious problem arise and people wish to make it known to the Military Authorities, a white piece of cloth is to be placed outside the door.  Military patrols will visit the house so as to be informed and provide a solution.

2.  All schools, shops, stores, banks, pubs and Clubs are to remain closed until further notice.

3.  All infringements shall be treated according to what is stated in Communique (Edict) No.1.

4.  All further instructions shall be released through the local broadcasting station which shall remain in permanent operation.

Islas Malvinas 02 Abril 1982
OSVALDO JORGE GARCIA
General de Division
Comandante del Teatro de Operaciones
MALVINAS

Communique No.4
Guarantees

The Governor of the Islas Malvinas, Georgias del Sur, and Sandwich del Sur, General of Division Osvaldo Jorge Garcia, notifies the population that - 

Faithfully upholding the principles stated in the National Constitution and in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Argentine people, he guarantees:

1.  The continuity of the way of life of the people of the Islands.
2.  Freedom of worship.
3.  Respect for private property.
4.  Freedom of labour.
5.  Freedom to enter, leave, or remain in the Islands.
6.  Improvement of the population's standard of living.
7.  Normal supply situation.
8.  Health assistance.
9.  Normal functioning of essential public services.

Furthermore, the population is exhorted to continue normally with their activities, as part of the moment in which this will be stated, with the support of the Argentine Government, in an atmosphere of peace, order and harmony.

Islas Malvinas 02 Abril 1982
OSVALDO JORGE GARCIA
General de Division
Comandante del Teatro de Operaciones
MALVINAS

Source: John Smith, '74 Days: An Islander's Diary of the Falklands Occupation', Century, 1984 

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