In June 1970 the first round of talks on communications with Argentina were held in London, with Falkland Island representation.  The Islanders presumed that any link with Argentina would be in addition to the monthly link with Montevideo on the Falkland Island Company owned ship the Darwin.  But when talks began they were informed that this link was to be severed, all freight and passengers having to travel through Argentina.

The second round of talks, held in Buenos Aires in July 1971 saw the signing and agreement on an air link between Argentina and the Falklands, upon the building of an airport near Stanley.  The shipping service was continued under the FIC, but the new vessel linking the Islands with the main land was unable to carry passengers.  A smaller vessel was also provided for inter-island trade in the Falklands.  The third rounds of talks, held in Stanley in November were a mere formality as by then there was nothing left to discuss.