What are the historical claims to Falkland islands?

In February 1764 Louis Antoine de Bougainville established a small French settlement at Port Saint Louis as part of France's efforts to expand in eastern South America.

Argentina:

1. Historical possession: Argentina argues that it inherited the islands from Spain, which had controlled the islands since the early 16th century.

2. Political continuity: Argentina claims that its predecessors, such as the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, exercised effective control over the islands after gaining independence from Spain in 1816.

3. Geographic proximity: Argentina maintains that the Falklands are geographically closer to the South American mainland, implying a natural extension of its territory.

United Kingdom:

1. Discovery and early settlement: Beginning in the late 16th century, English and British explorers visited and claimed the Falkland Islands. In 1765, Britain established a settlement at Port Egmont.

2. Montevideo Convention of 1771: This agreement between Britain and Spain temporarily settled their competing claims in the South Atlantic region, with Britain withdrawing its settlement from Port Egmont in exchange for Spanish recognition of British fishing rights near the islands. However, both parties maintained their respective sovereignty claims after the convention.

3. Continued British settlement: Following 1833, Britain reasserted its control over the islands and established a permanent settlement, which grew into a colony and then a British Overseas Territory with self-governance.