On march 9th, as journalists and observers landed at the Royal Air Force base that doubles as the Falkland Islands' only international airport, they were greeted by the word yes spelt out in Land Rovers. The result of a referendum on the islanders' political allegiance held over the following two days was no less emphatic. In answer to the question, "Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?", all but three of the 1,517 valid votes-a turnout of 92%-were a "Yes" (with one unaccounted for). When the result was announced in Stanley, the capital-which was plastered with union flags crossed with the words "British to the core"-crowds toasted "Her Majesty and the Falklands" and sang "Rule Britannia".
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