Page 122 - Conflitti Militari e Popolazioni Civili - Tomo II

624 XXXIV Congresso della CommIssIone InternazIonale dI storIa mIlItare • CIHm

de them dangerous due to their possible influence, especially upon the young.
In the meantime, and as a preventive measure in case of a failure in the diplomatic nego-
tiations, a series of security precautions had to be adopted, above all in respect of the civil
population, in the event of British air raids or naval gunfire attacks.
To this effect, a population census was organized in Puerto Argentino and other locations,
a series of bomb shelters were prepared and tested, and lists were made with the names of
persons who would be destined for each of such shelters. A curfew was established and
patrolling teams were implemented. Fire squads were created (most of the private buildings
were totally or partially made of wood), doctors were replaced and civil hospital facilities
were increased.
Until 30 April, in the context of an evolution that was slightly positive in the beginning,
and in view of the occupation and the diplomatic talks that were under way, the islanders
maintained an attitude of resignation and even expectation, some of them showing a good
disposition to cooperate and participate in activities with the government or in support of
the troops, but above all there was compliance with the normal course of activities and a
sense of respect. This picture began to evolve negatively with the confirmation that the Task
Force was approaching the islands. As an exception to the rule stands out the attitude of the
(British) teachers, who refused to go on with their classes considering that this would be a
“collaborationist” behavior, after which they were sent back to their country of origin.
With the passing of time, the government activities were increasingly limited to purely
administrative aspects, even if it is very important to point out that the essential public ser-
vices were maintained up to the last days of operations, thanks to the efficient cooperation
of local workers.
Among the main concrete actions of the Military Government in the different areas, the
following can be mentioned:
a) the adoption of special measures to avoid affecting the supplies for the population, inclu-
ding a ban which prevented the troops from buying goods (in particular food and cigaret-
tes) in the local shops, except with special authorization;
b) all necessary services and elements (materials, houses, vehicles, manpower), were ac-
quired, accepted and paid at the local prices (see Annex 6), and strict orders were issued
requiring respect for the property and people (there was a prohibition to go to Puerto
Argentino without an express order or authorization, and the troops were organized in
fractions under the orders of officers or warrant officers, any infringement being control-
led and severely punished. Whenever a requisition was necessary, all legal formalities and
requirements were supervised by the Secretary of Justice;
c) The Military Police conducted control operations and investigated claims to prevent at-
tacks against houses abandoned by their owners or against the population in general.
Such investigation sometimes led to the recovery of property which was returned to their
owners, or resulted in claims that were evaluated and, wherever applicable, received eco-
nomic compensations (in certain cases, when those responsible for such attacks could be
identified, they were subject to War Councils whose pronouncements were confirmed by
the Military Government (see Annex 7);
d) Air means were allocated or their use was coordinated with military missions (whenever