ccjntinental Power, against a signatory State is to be considered an attack against all the other States parties to the Treaty. Pursuant to the Treaty, during the first week of this month a meeting was held in Washington of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the countries parties to the Rio Treaty, An historic event occurred. The countries gathered there recognized Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas. They decided t’o make collective representation to the Security Coun- cil and to the parties involved. They also requested a cessation of hostilities. Seventeen countries voted in favour of that decision and only four abstained. But the Treaty proved ineffective in this connection, although it envisages sanctions against the aggressor, measures to support the country against which a violation is directed and measures for the collective security of the Rio Treaty countries. 1!32. Why has it not been possible to apply the Treaty? A strategic problem arises. The question of the Malvinas invites serious reflection because, in addition to its being a colonial question-which is the r<)ot of the problem-other considerations are involved which are not ideological but involve strategic inter- ests. The major Powers are interested in the South Atlantic sea routes. The NATO countries, of course, would be extremely pleased if the United Kingdom, even if by force. were to maintain control over the Malvinas archipelago, given the fact that it is in the South Atlantic and includes South Georgia and the South Sandwich islands, which are near Antarctica. But is it possible to consider whether Argentine sov- ereignty affects the interests of any other country? Argentina has a legitimate right to sovereignty ovet those islands and to exercise its full authority there, Of course, in the framework of world relations it is fol Argentina to assume its responsibilities, but this is a 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing a geopolitical conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Malvinas Islands, and the implications of this conflict on international relations. The strategic interests of major powers and the potential impact on global security are highlighted. While there may be indirect economic implications, the primary focus is on international relations, sovereignty, and security.

**Category**
International relations, Security