Letter to Pinochet (congratulations on release)
| Document type: | Speeches, interviews, etc. |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Unknown |
| Source: | Thatcher MSS (Churchill Archive Centre): THCR |
| Editorial comments: | |
| Importance ranking: | Major |
| Word count: | 154 words |
| Themes: | Foreign policy (Americas excluding USA), Labour Party & socialism, Law & order |
TEXT OF A LETTER FROM LADY THATCHER TO SENATOR PINOCHET: 2 March 2000
I hope that by the time you receive this letter you will be safely on your way back to Chile. Your detention in Britain was a great injustice which should never have taken place.
With your return to Chile, Spain’s attempt at judicial colonialism has been decisively - and I trust permanently - rebuffed. In order to celebrate this, I enclose with this letter a silver Armada dish. These dishes were first produced in England in order to celebrate another victory over the Spanish – that of our own navy against the Spanish Armada in 1588. I am sure that you will appreciate and enjoy the symbolism!
May I extend to you and your family all good wishes for a peaceful and secure future.