Page 127 - Conflitti Militari e Popolazioni Civili - Tomo II

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Based on the inventory data, air-raid shelters were prepared as well as lists of the persons
that would use each of them. A curfew was implemented, patrolling actions were planned,
fire squads were organized, doctors were replaced and the capacity of the civil hospital was
increased. (see Annex 8).
On their part, also the islanders took their own precautions: “We stowed down there con-
tainers of water, biscuits, blankets, pillows and candles. Also painted the DAP signs on the
tour outside walls of the house, in bright red, as advised by the military government – no one
seems to be entirely clear within their organization what exactly DAP stands for – so as
47
an extra precaution painted “CIVIL DEFENCE” in big letters as well. The sign is a diago-
nal cross inside a circle, with the letters DAP along the top and a white background. This
has mystified most of the troops, who haven´t a clue what it´s about. These senior officers
don´t seem to have told them of it. In fact, some troops viewed the painting operation on the
various houses with great suspicion, apparently thinking that it indicated some sort of under-
ground or subversive movement”. 48
The islanders made daily excursions to get their supplies and visit the shelters in order to
keep themselves informed of the latest development. Hulda Stewart remembered that “The
West Store, our most important grocery in Stanley, became the center of our lives. People
went there sometimes to buy things, not because they really needed them, but because that
was a meeting point. It was a place where one could give and receive information”. 49
“Since the invasion the BBC World Service had been broadcasting a nightly half hour
“Calling the Falklands” by order of the Prime Minister. The presenter finished each program
by saying “Remember Kelpers, keep your heads down, and your hearts up”. He linked us all
up when the invaders tried to cut us off and break us down.” 50
Even if the Military Government’s instructions and precautions demanded correctness
in the treatment of the islanders and their property, the Geneva Convention never was ap-
propriately distributed and published, and that was something unfortunate since a number of
the principles included in the 1949 Geneva agreements were supposed to be applied on the
population of territories involved in an armed conflict.
The islanders tried to obtain a copy for it to serve them as a reference background in their
demands to the Military Government. “Soon after the invasion Government solicitor Ray
Checkley approached Dick Baker with a copy of the Geneva Conventions. He suggested that
they might photocopy and distribute relevant pages so that Islanders would be aware of their
rights”. 51
“By devious means this was finally accomplished, but it was a nerve-racking undertaking

to a shelter station. Have bag packed ready containing: a. A flash containing water. b. A few simple rations
(Chocolates, sweets, biscuits). c. Torch and pare batteries. d. Toilet paper/tissues. e. Amusement for children
(books/toys). NB Carry a cushion and wear warm clothing. En Smith, John; ob.cit,, pages. 94-96.
47 Author’s Note: “DAP” means “Passive Air Defense”.
48 Smith, John, op.cit., page 93
49 Hulda Stewart, a teacher from the Falklands, in Bilton, Michael & Kaminsky, Peter, “Hablando Claro”, page
296.
50 Chater, Tony; “The Falklands”, page 148.
51 Bound, Graham, op.cit., page 79