Embassy of the United Kingdom, Buenos Aires

The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Buenos Aires is the chief diplomatic mission of the United Kingdom in Argentina. The Embassy also represents the British Overseas Territories in Argentina.

Embassy of the United Kingdom, Buenos Aires
Location Buenos Aires, Argentina
AddressDr Luis Agote 2412 (C1425EOF),
Buenos Aires,
Argentina[1]
AmbassadorMark Kent
WebsiteBritish Embassy, Buenos Aires

It is located on Dr Luís Agote street in the Recoleta neighbourhood.[1] The current British Ambassador to Argentina is Mark Kent.[2]

There were previously British Consulates in the cities of Rosario, La Plata, Bahia Blanca, Santa Fe and Mendoza.[3]

Due to the turbulent nature of Argentina–United Kingdom relations, the Embassy has frequently been the site of protests against the actions of the UK government, particularly over the Falkland Islands, over which Argentina claims sovereignty.[4]

History

The British government acquired the building for use as an embassy in 1945, which had been built in 1917 as the residence of Carlos Madero, in an Edwardian style.[5]

A modern addition to the British Embassy
In front of the Embassy
Embassy building

Between 1982 and 1990, following the Falklands War, there were no diplomatic relations between the UK and Argentina.[6] Switzerland became the protecting power for the UK in Argentina, taking over responsibility not only for the former Embassy but two Consulates-General.[7]

The former British Embassy building remained open, but was known as the British Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Buenos Aires and was staffed by Anglo Argentines.[8] However, a small number of senior British diplomats remained.[9]

The former Argentine Embassy in London came under the Brazilian flag during the same period.[10]

Under the arrangement, the two Interests Sections were unable to have direct communications with their home governments, instead being required to communicate through their embassies of the protecting power, for example, the British Embassy in Berne, Switzerland.[11]

Similarly, until 1989, the diplomats were unable to have direct contacts with their respective foreign ministries, instead having to go through the Swiss and Brazilian embassies.[12]

The residence was visited by various members of the royal family, such as Prince Philip and Prince Andrew. Lady Di and Richard Branson spent their stays in the city at the residence.

See also

References
  1. Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte, Embajada en la República Argentina, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Argentina
  2. New British Ambassador in Argentina, British Embassy Buenos Aires, 25 July 2016
  3. Manufacturers, Bankers and Exporters Manual, the ABC of British Exports, Littlebury & Company, 1946, page 227
  4. "Falklands Island protest outside British embassy in Argentina". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
  5. La embajada inglesa en un entorno privilegiado, La Nación, 11 February 2001
  6. Sources of Friction, Malcolm Deas in Britain and Latin America: A Changing Relationship Victor Bulmer-Thomas, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Cambridge University Press, 1989, page 156
  7. Swiss Foreign Policy, 1945-2002, J. Gabriel, T. Fischer, Springer, 2003, page 79
  8. Fodor's South America, 1987, Fodor's Travel Guides, 1986, page 65
  9. The Official History of the Falklands Campaign, Volume 2: War and Diplomacy, Lawrence Freedman, Routledge, 2004, page 93
  10. Argentina and Britain Move To Restore Diplomatic Ties, New York Times, September 1, 1989
  11. UKE Berne to FCO (reports from British Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Buenos Aires), PDF
  12. Britain, Argentina OK Steps to Normalize Ties : 7 Years After War, Both Sides Agree to Set Aside Touchy Issue of Sovereignty Over the Falklands, Los Angeles Times, 19 August 1989

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