Falklands diplomacy and independent defence

How seriously should Britain take reports of an American review of its position on the Falkland Islands?

The reported idea is assessed as having little immediate momentum. Uncertainty over allies' future interests supports a preference for maintaining independent armed forces.

The question raises reports of American reconsideration of the Falklands issue. Clarke says he sees little immediate momentum behind the idea while leaving longer-term American decisions uncertain. His broader argument is that cooperation between allies depends on their interests continuing to coincide. He uses the possibility of diverging interests to explain his preference for maintaining independent armed forces.