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

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Details of CO 78
Reference: CO 78
Title: War and Colonial Department and Colonial Office: Falkland Islands, Original Correspondence
Description:

This series contains original correspondence relating to the Falkland Islands.
Date: 1831-1951
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Unpublished finding aids: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.

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