Dear Prime Minister
In view of the public reaction and now that The Task Force has sailed, I would like to confirm the message which I have already sent to you that I wish to put my office at your disposal.
Yours ever
John
[end p1]
Dear John NottJohn,
I am grateful to you for your letter of today putting your office at my disposal.
I understand entirely the honourable feelings which led you to write as you did. It was the only course open to you. But the Ministry of Defence is not the Department responsible for policy towards the Falkland Islands. I wish you to remain at your post. It is vital that you continue as Secretary of State for Defence as our forces prepare for the possibility of armed action. I have the fullest confidence in your ability to carry out the crucial tasks that lie ahead.
Yours ever
Margaret.