The Beagle Channel conflict is a historical episode that deeply marked the relations between Argentina and Chile. This territorial conflict, centered on the sovereignty of the islands located south of the Beagle Channel, east of the Cape Horn meridian and its adjacent maritime spaces, developed during most of the 20th century.

Beagle Channel Background

The first antecedents of the conflict date back to 1888, seven years after the signing of the Treaty of Limits. Despite the small size of the islands, their strategic value between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans generated tensions between the two South American states.

Treaty of 1881

The conflict dates back to the end of the 19th century, when a treaty was signed in 1881 between the two nations that did not make it clear to whom the islands belonged. However, in 1901, an official Argentine map automatically made them part of its territory.

The dispute: 1856-1971

The focus of the dispute was the sovereignty of the Lennox, Picton and Nueva islands, based on the economic importance of their waters and seabed and the continental projection towards Antarctica. The conflict escalated during the 20th century, with Argentina and Chile disputing sovereignty over the islands and the oceanic rights generated by them.

Initial interpretation of the 1881 Treaty

The 1881 Treaty of Limits established the border between Argentina and Chile, but did not clearly specify to whom the islands located in the Beagle Channel belonged. This led to contradictory interpretations by both countries, giving rise to the conflict.

Despite growing tensions, both countries tried to resolve the dispute peacefully. In 1971, Presidents Salvador Allende of Chile and Alejandro Agustín Lanusse of Argentina signed an Arbitration Compromise, submitting to arbitration by Queen Elizabeth II of England.

In 1977 the Arbitral Award was announced, which granted navigation rights in the canal to both countries, leaving Chile with most of the islands and oceanic rights. However, the Argentine government declared the award “irrevocably null and void”, ordering troop movements in the disputed area, to which Chile responded with similar war preparations.

1977 Arbitration Award

The 1977 arbitration decision, favorable to Chile, generated indignation in Argentina. The Argentine military government rejected the award, declaring it “insanely null and void” and reactivated its claims as far as Cape Horn, including part of the Wollaston and Hermite islands in the dispute.

On December 22, 1978, the Argentine military junta ordered Operation Sovereignty: invasion of the disputed islands. However, it retracted its execution when the clash of the Chilean Squadron and the Argentine Sea Fleet was imminent.

Papal intervention: 1979-1984

In 1978, the Argentine government requested the mediation of Pope John Paul II, which was made official through the Act of Montevideo, signed on January 8, 1979. As a result of this mediation, in 1984 both countries signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Chile and Argentina, which granted navigation rights to both countries, most of the islands to Chile and most of the maritime territory to Argentina.

The Falklands War

The Beagle conflict was affected by the Falklands War in 1982, which involved Argentina and the United Kingdom. This international event increased tension in the region and further complicated negotiations between Argentina and Chile.

In 1982, during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile, the situation became even more tense. The Pinochet regime was reluctant to give in to negotiations and maintained a belligerent stance.

In 1984, Argentina held a non-binding referendum on the Treaty of Peace and Friendship. The majority of Argentines supported the treaty, which contributed to its subsequent ratification.

1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship

Finally, on November 29, 1984, Argentina and Chile signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in the Vatican. This treaty resolved the conflict, recognizing the border drawn by the arbitration award in the Beagle Channel. It granted the islands in the northern half of the channel to Argentina, and the islands in the southern half to Chile.

Consequences of the crisis

The Beagle conflict left deep scars in the relations between Argentina and Chile. However, the 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. Despite the challenges, Argentina and Chile were able to overcome their differences and establish a path towards peace and cooperation.

See the story for yourself!

At Ushuaia Travel we will tell you all about the history of how the city was founded, the secrets that created the foundations of the city, the gastronomy and much more! Consider taking the Beagle Channel excursion when visiting Ushuaia and don’t miss the incredible adventure and intriguing stories that the city hides.