By dIb NARA, Date 12/10/99
Top Secret
OUTGOING
WPC Judge William Clarkhas seen
WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
PAGE 01 OF 02 THE PRESIDENT 0010
DTG: 091640Z APR 82
PSN: 032292
TOR: 099/1725Z
SIT981
DISTRIBUTION: WPC WHLR JP SIT /007
WHSR COMMENT: PLEASE ADVISE ON ADDITIONAL DISSEM RED TAG
OP IMMED
DE WTE13 #0010 0991725
O 091640Z APR 82
FM THE PRESIDENT Ronald Reagan
TO SECRETARY OF STATE Alexander Haig
INFO ZEN/WHITE HOUSE
TOP SECRET
REF: SECTO 5010
SUBJECT: YOUR DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON
[Text following originally in upper case.]
1. (TS) The report of your discussions in London makes clear how difficult it will be to foster a compromise that gives Maggie enough to carry on and at the same time meets the test of “equity” with our Latin neighbors. As you expected there isn't much room for maneuver in the British position. How much this “going-in” position can be influenced is unclear although London headlines give little basis for optimism. Point B looks to be the crux and I'd be interested in your further thinking on how a multinational presence might be made more appealing in London. It’s my guess from the different British stance that any compromise on Thatcher’s part will take time. If that’s true the closure of the British submarines is all the more worrisome. In this regard, whether we can expect Galtieri to have the wisdom and strength to keep his distance is obviously a central near-term issue. [end p1]
2. (TS) On a separate subject, I was struck by reporting from Tel Aviv that Begin is moving Soviet tanks [sic] to the northern border. Recognizing you have your hands full, I'd appreciate your views on whether another intervention from us would be useful or not.
3. (TS) Here, we have had useful sessions in Jamaica and Barbados. What struck me most was that while they are interested in the contents of the CBI, through it we have achieved the larger purpose of a breakthrough in U.S. credibility in this part of the world. Their confidence that finally we care is a fragile but terribly important achievement for which you should be very proud.
4. (TS) On the press line you propose with respect to the Falklands, I agree. We are saying nothing from here to color expectations.
5. (TS) Al as you proceed to Buenos Aires, I'm very conscious of the enormity of the task. I'd appreciate a call on the secure line when you have a chance to discuss where things might lead in the days ahead.
Warm regards
0359