The British Ambassador to Argentina flew out of Buenos Aires on Monday (19 January), after the Argentine Government asked that he be recalled over the Falkland Islands dispute.

Argentine Foreign Minister, Manuel Castex asked the British Foreign Secretary, James Callaghan to recall Mr. Derick Ashe after Britain refused to resume negotiations over the islands in the south Atlantic.

Mr. Castex also protested against the visit to the islands by a British mission, headed by Lord Shackleton, to study the economic prospects of the group.

Argentina recently renewed its claim to the British administered Falklands.

A British Embassy spokesman in Buenos Aires said he hoped Argentina would reconsider its decision, as normal relations between the two countries were essential in finding a solution to the dispute.

Britain has said it would not hand over the islands to Argentina as long as its 2,500 inhabitants preferred to remain under British rule.

But Argentina has rejected this argument, saying its sovereignty rights over the islands date from long before they were seized by British troops in 1833.

Mr. Castex said his Government's decision to ask Mr. Ashe to leave did not mean a break in diplomatic relations. A charge D'Affairs will take over in his absence, and Mr. Ashe plans to return to Argentina.

His wife and daughter saw him off at Buenos Aires airport and will stay in the country.