The claims of Argentina for possession of the Malvinas (Falkland Islands) should be carefully considered. British colonialism still causes problems and is unjustifiable.

The best way out would be to negotiate a phased withdrawal from the Falklands and Northern Ireland. The handing back of Hong Kong to China was a good example of how a sensible arrangement can work, thereby avoiding bloodshed.

A set time-scale would allow those overseas nationals wanting only British rule, to return to these shores.

After all, if the Falklanders, or loyalists in Northern Ireland, are as truly British as they claim to be, then why aren't they living on the British mainland?

They could be given assisted passage back here. That cost would be offset by the money saved from the present high expenditure involved in ruling The Falkland Islands and Northern Ireland.

Any foreign nationals choosing to stay where they are would simply accept the governing of the Argentinians in the Malvinas or of Irish Republicans in a united Ireland.

Giving back the likes of the Falklands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong and Ireland would go some way towards restoring our tarnished reputation caused by 300 years of British imperialism.

Colin S Jeffrey,

East Mount Road,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.