The Islands were uninhabited when discovered by Europeans. France established a colony on the islands in 1764. In 1765, a British captain claimed the islands for Britain. In early 1770 a Spanish commander arrived from Buenos Aires with five ships and 6 7 8 9,400 soldiers forcing the British to http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/xoops/modules/profile/userinfo.php?uid=2471448