The papers titled ‘Solution to the Falkland Islands crisis’ were written by Henry Rowen, then head of the NIC (National Intelligence Community) in the US, and were published on New Year’s Day 1982. It appears from the text that Rowen believed Britain would lose their battle with Buenos Aires, and suggested that those living on the Islands be moved to Scotland. The papers read: “For a period of three years the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands will be given a chance to consider whether they wish to remain on the Falkland Islands or whether they wish to relocate to an area of British jurisdiction, either in the UK or elsewhere under British sovereignty, with a relocation grant of $100,000 (£77,000) per person.
“It is likely that many residents will find this sufficient inducement to relocate to some other area, perhaps in Scotland or elsewhere where conditions may be similar to the Falkland Islands.”
He adds: “Any residents who do not wish to relocate will be free to remain and become Argentinian citizens at the end of three years.
“The cost of the relocation grants to be paid to any resident of the Falkland Islands wishing to relocate elsewhere will be borne fifty/fifty by the Argentinian and British governments.”
The paper was sent to officials representing the US President Ronald Reagan, and also recommended “some appropriate penalty upon the Argentinians for having used armed force to seek to settle an international dispute.”
Documents released in 2012 paint a similar story of US hedging as Washington dithered in choosing a side during the dispute.
Minutes of an NSC meeting on April 30, 1982, which indicate that US Secretary of State at the time Alexander Haig “described the elements of the American plan which in effect would give ultimate sovereignty to Argentina but under evolutionary conditions which the Islanders could ultimately accept.”
When arguments between Argentine leader Leopoldo Fortunato Galtieri and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher persisted, Reagan outlined that the US position was neutral on who was to claim ownership of the islands but clear in his anti-aggression stance.
READ MORE: Falklands tops agenda of Argentina election
He warned that he wants to “renew the claim of sovereignty” of the Falkland Islands as one of his first points of business should Argentina elect him as their new leader in elections that start this Sunday.
A referendum was held in 2013 that saw 99.8 percent of Falklands residents vote to remain under British rule.
Just three of the 1,571 voters said they wanted to be under Argentine rule.
Mr Fernandez is not the only election candidate to have vowed to take control of the Falklands from the UK.