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War and Colonial Department and Colonial Office: Falkland Islands, Original Correspondence

Description and record details

Reference CO 78
Title War and Colonial Department and Colonial Office: Falkland Islands, Original Correspondence
Date 1831-1951
Description

This series contains original correspondence relating to the Falkland Islands.

Arrangement

Bound volumes arranged chronologically within the following subject headings: Despatches (letters of the Governors), Offices (letters of government departments and other organisations), and Individuals (arranged alphabetically). With a small number of case volumes. Each volume with a contents list, or a précis of each letter giving name of correspondent, date of letter and subject matter. From 1926 correspondence is arranged in subject files.

Related material

For correspondence after 1951 see CO 1024

Held by The National Archives, Kew
Legal status Public Record(s)
Language

English

Physical description 269 files and volumes
Access conditions Subject to 30 year closure unless otherwise stated
Unpublished finding aids

For registers of this correspondence see CO 326 before 1849, CO 339 after 1849. For indexed précis of correspondence see CO 714.

Administrative/ biographical background

The Falkland Islands were simultaneously settled by British (at Port Egmont) and French colonists in 1764. In 1767 the French sold their claim to Spain and in 1770 Spain expelled the British from Port Egmont which was restored to Britain in 1771 but abandoned in 1774. In 1833 Britain finally took possession of the islands. A lieutenant-governor was appointed in 1841, and took over in 1842 from the naval officer who had been in charge of the islands. His title was changed to governor in 1843 when the islands were given nominated executive and legislative councils. A new constitution was introduced in 1949 and universal adult suffrage was established.