[The following statement appeared on the front page of the June 18 issue of Socialist Challenge, the weekly newspaper reflecting the views of the International Marxist Group, the British section of the Fourth International.]
The Argentine surrender of the Malvinas- Falklands is no victory for working people — either here, in Argentina or in the rest of the world.
The taking of Port Stanley is a victory only for our enemies — Thatcher, the bosses, colonialism and imperialism.
Hundreds of British soldiers have been killed — so many that they won't tell us the real figure. Thousands of our brother Argentine workers in uniform have been slaughtered and maimed. The £1 million-a-day cost of the war and the now inevitable increase in defence spending, will all have to be borne by working people. Thatcher will take this victory as an endorsement of her government policies as a whole and as a green light to double the punishment to which we have so far been subjected.
What socialist worth their salt could fail to be filled with loathing at the gloating, baying and cheering of Tory MP's?
Yet the despicable [Labour Party leader] Michael Foot continued his whimpering backing for Thatcher. He offered "great congratulations" to the British armed forces — "and also the Prime Minister."
What interests have working people in the colonial repossession of Argentine islands 8,000 miles away? The sheep rearing on the islands will still give profits to Coalite, yet the costs of maintaining a heavy garrison will be borne by us.
The potential oil reserves under the sea will give workers no benefits. North Sea oil has gone alongside 4 million unemployed. In this ng people case, the oil companies will get richer [amid] the biggest cut in our standard of living since the thirties. We will be faced with the stepping up of the attacks on our rights and living standards.
We have no interest in the victory of our profit-oriented system. Such victories will lead to a further turning of the screw here. They will be used to increase the subjection of exploited and oppressed peoples in Argentina and the rest of the world.
The war is not over in the South Atlantic. Argentina will continue to fight for its just claim. The war is not over at home. That is why we say:
Troops out of the Malvinas now!
Down with Thatcher!
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