However, they constituted a distinct entity that was not part of the Falkland Islands in political or financial respects.

Responding to repeated inquiries by the Government of Norway in 1905–1907, Britain confirmed that the areas in question (between 35° and 80° west longitude) were British based on discoveries and issued the 1908 Letters Patent extending the Dependencies to incorporate the South Sandwich Islands and Antarctic mainland territory (Graham Land), with a permanent local administration in Grytviken, South Georgia, established in 1909.

[7] On 19 March 1982 a group of civilian scrap metal workers from Argentina arrived at Leith Harbour, South Georgia, on board the transport ship ARA Bahía Buen Suceso and raised the Argentine flag.

[8][9] Following the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, starting the Falklands War, Argentine naval forces seized control of the east coast of South Georgia after overpowering a small group of Royal Marines at Grytviken on 3 April 1982.

[10] On 14 June, Argentine forces surrendered in the Falkland Islands; on 20 June, British forces retook the South Sandwich Islands (which involved accepting the surrender of the Southern Thule Garrison at the Corbeta Uruguay base).