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Subject: Defence (Falklands). Importance level: 1-Key.

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Showing items 101 - 200 of 253.
PDF 82 Apr 14 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) MT: Robilliard note to MT ("Constituency Day Friday 21 May 1982") [MT would rather not agree to operate forklift at Michael Gerson Ltd. event given Falklands situation; "unless it has all been resolved by then"] [released 2013]
Text 82 Apr 14 We Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher HC S: (1335Z) [Falkland Islands]
Audio 82 Apr 14 We Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher HC S: [Falkland Islands] [audio]
PDF 82 Apr 14 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (1830Z) (MT-Haig) [full transcript of first call: dispute over British use of Ascension Island] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 14 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (1900Z) (MT-Haig) [full transcript of second call: further discussion of UK use of Ascension Island] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 15 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Chiefs of Staff directive to CINCFLEET COS 9/82 (Operation Sutton) [Planning Directive with appendix "Appreciation of the Options for Landing Operations in the Falkland Islands"] [declassified Oct 2018]
Text 82 Apr 16 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (Rentschler MSS) Falklands: Jim Rentschler diary (Haig in Buenos Aires again) [Haig: "a charade ... a f***ing charade - these guys are diddling me"]
PDF 82 Apr 17 Sa Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (1930-1934Z) (MT-Reagan) [Reagan does "not think [MT] should be asked to go any further" in order to reach compromise] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 18 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (evening) (MT-Parsons) [possible UN resolution requiring UK Task Force to "drop anchor, to turn around, to hold off as it were, which obviously we couldn't accept"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 21 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Jopling minute to MT (views within the Parliamentary party on Falklands crisis) ["no surrender" group, pro-negotiations group, fears about "military disaster", pro-UN group, anti-violence group] [released 2013]
PDF 82 Apr 23 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: US draft of peace agreement (as of 23rd April) [Haig proposals delivered via Pym & unacceptable to MT] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 24 Sa Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Cabinet: Minutes of OD Sub-Committee on South Atlantic and the Falkland Islands - OD(SA)(82) 15th (1715Z) ("Diplomatic and Military Situation") [proposals brought back by Pym from Washington - agreed message to Haig urging him to put them to Argentina first] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 24 Sa Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Cabinet: Pym memorandum circulated to OD(SA) Committee - OD(SA)(82) 25 (Falkland Islands: Washington Discussion with Mr Haig) [declassified 2012]
Text 82 Apr 24 Sa Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Thatcher memoirs Falklands: A crisis in the War Cabinet and the recapture of South Georgia [memoirs extract]
Info only 82 Apr 25 Su Chronology Key [Chronology] Falklands: South Georgia recaptured
Text 82 Apr 25 Su Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher Remarks on the recapture of South Georgia ("Rejoice")
Video 82 Apr 25 Su Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher Remarks on the recapture of South Georgia ("Rejoice") [film]
PDF 82 Apr 25 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Nott statement (recapture of South Georgia) ["The White Ensign flies alongside the Union Jack"; annotated by MT] [released 2013]
Text 82 Apr 26 Mo Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher HC Stmnt (1431-1506Z) [Falkland Islands]
Audio 82 Apr 26 Mo Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher HC Stmnt (1431-1506Z) [Falkland Islands] (recapture of South Georgia) [audio]
Text 82 Apr 26 Mo Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher TV Interview for BBC1 Panorama (2010Z) (Falklands)
PDF 82 Apr 28 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Minutes of MOD Chiefs of Staff Committee - COS 34th Meeting/82 (1300Z) (Operation Corporate, Force Levels) [discussion of the merits and demerits of Operation Sutton] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Apr 29 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: MT letter to Reagan (1322Z) (apparent rejection by Argentina of latest peace proposals) ["I cannot conceal from you how deeply let down [we] would feel if under these circumstances the U.S. were not now to give us its full support"] [released 2013]
Text 82 Apr 29 Th Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher HC S: (1443-1506Z) [Falkland Islands]
Audio 82 Apr 29 Th Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher HC S: (1443-1506Z) [Falkland Islands] [audio]
PDF 82 Apr 29 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: State Department paper for NSC meeting ("Next Steps on Falklands") [range of possible measures] [declassified 2002]
Text 82 Apr 29 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: President Reagan letter to MT (Argentina rejects US plan) (extract) [will make clear UK "worked with us in good faith", acting on self-defence] [declassified 1993]
PDF 82 Apr 29 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Reagan letter to MT (2218Z) (position of US Administration given Argentina's failure to accept US proposals) [US "tilt" towards UK] [with MT annotations] [released 2013]
PDF 82 Apr 29 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Reagan message to MT (2218Z) (Argentina rejects US peace proposal) [Argentina's refusal "to negotiate in good faith [has] made it necessary for the United States to adopt a new posture toward Buenos Aires"] [released 2013]
Info only 82 Apr 30 Fr Chronology Key [Chronology] Falklands: US `tilt’ in favour of Britain; Total Exclusion Zone put in force
PDF 82 Apr 30 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: National Security Council minutes (1335-1430Z) ("South Atlantic Crisis") (NSC 0048) [US 'tilt' towards Britain] [declassified 2011]
PDF 82 May 2 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of conversation (1145Z) (MT-Whitelaw-Nott-Parkinson-Havers-Lewin-Fieldhouse-Acland) [Rules of Engagement widened to permit attack on General Belgrano] [declassified 2012]
Text 82 May 2 Su Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Thatcher memoirs Falklands: Decision to sink the Belgrano [memoirs extract]
Info only 82 May 2 Su Chronology Key [Chronology] Falklands: General Belgrano torpedoed by HMS Conqueror (1857Z); cruiser sank with 321 dead
PDF 82 May 2 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: HMS Conqueror Report of Proceedings (1857Z) [extract covering 2 May, including attack on General Belgrano] [declassified 2006]
Info only 82 May 4 Tu Chronology Key [Chronology] Falklands: HMS Sheffield hit by Argentine missile
PDF 82 May 4 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: MT letter to Reagan (2036Z) (MT proposes US enact complete ban on imports from Argentina to US) ["with so many young lives at risk - British and Argentine - I feel that we must make a supreme effort to prevent a major military clash"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Reagan letter to MT (0204Z) (Reagan urges MT to consider new US peace proposals) [need to seize chance for a peaceful settlement "before more lives are lost"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Reagan letter to MT (0204Z) (Reagan commends Haig's latest peace proposals) ["The decisions I made last Friday were aimed at putting you in the strongest position to achieve a peaceful settlement"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Reagan letter to MT (0204Z) (Reagan commends Haig's latest peace proposals) ["The decisions I made last Friday were aimed at putting you in the strongest position to achieve a peaceful settlement...I believe there is now a chance to realise that aim"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: US National Security Adviser memo for Reagan ("PM Thatcher's Reply on your Falklands Demarche") ["In a word, Maggie accepts the proposal"] [declassified 2006]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: MT draft letter to Reagan (MT: "The letter to Reagan that was never sent...") [US proposals not "faithful to the basic principles we must protect"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: MT letter to Reagan (2030Z) (negotiations with Argentina: Haig's proposals) [declassified Dec 2012]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: MT letter to Reagan (2030Z) (MT expresses serious concerns about US/Peruvian peace proposals; proposes amendments) ["I am writing to you...because I think you are the only person who will understand the significance of what I am trying to say"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: MT letter to Reagan (2030Z) (MT expresses serious concerns about US/Peruvian peace proposals; proposes amendments) ["I am writing to you...because I think you are the only person who will understand the significance of what I am trying to say"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 May 5 We Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: MT letter for President Reagan (2030Z) (The Falklands conflict: Haig's latest proposals) [published 2015]
PDF 82 May 8 Sa Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (MT-Parsons) [MT wants UN Secretary-General to visit London; MT: "it is going to be the most awful waste of young life if we really have to go and take those islands"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 13 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of conversation (1740Z) (MT-Reagan) [Reagan asks MT to hold off military action, says US has sided with UK "at the price of its relations with Latin America"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 14 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: National Security Decision Directive (NSDD34) ("U.S. Actions in the South Atlantic Crisis") [measures arising from 30 Apr tilt] [declassified 1990]
PDF 82 May 16 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (1335Z) (MT-Italian Foreign Minister Colombo) [difficulties for Italian government in continuing sanctions against Argentina] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 17 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) France: No.10 record of conversation (1215Z) (MT-President Mitterrand) [lunch conversation: Middle East, UN Resolution on the Falkland Islands & the Falklands War, East-West relations] [declassified 2014]
PDF 82 May 20 Th Speeches, interviews, etc. Key U.K. Government Falklands: British ultimatum to Argentina (“The Falkland Islands: Negotiations for a peaceful settlement”)
Text 82 May 20 Th Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher HC S: (1443-1510Z) [Falkland Islands]
Audio 82 May 20 Th Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher HC S: (1443-1510Z) [Falkland Islands] [audio]
Info only 82 May 21 Fr Chronology Key [Chronology] Falklands: British Forces landed at San Carlos Bay
PDF 82 May 25 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Italy/Falklands: UKE Rome letter to FCO ("Italy and the Falklands") [detailed analysis of decision not to renew economic sanctions] [declassified Jan 2010]
PDF 82 May 30 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: MT message to President Mitterrand (1850Z) (possible delivery by France of Exocets to Peru) ["If it became known...that France was now releasing weapons to Peru that would certainly be passed to Argentina for use against us...this would have a devastating effect on the relationship between our two countries"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 30 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: MT message to President Mitterrand (1850Z) (French supply of Exocet missiles to Peru; Peru passing Exocets on to Argentina) [if French supply of Exocets became publicly known "this would have a devastating effect on the relationship between our two countries"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 May 30 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: GCHQ intercept of Argentine signal (0531Z) ("Falkland Islands Dispute: Commander Falklands Group laments the inferiority of Argentine forces") [battle for Darwin/Goose Green assessed; British possess absolute air superiority and control of the sea, "unsurpassable conditions to extend the occupation of the islands"] [declassified May 2023]
PDF 82 May 31 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: No.10 record of telephone conversation (2230Z) (MT-Reagan) [Reagan urges MT to consider ceasefire; MT refuses: "[MT] had lost valuable British ships and invaluable British lives. She was sure that the President would act in the same way if Alaska had been similarly threatened"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 May 31 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: White House record of telephone conversation (2300-2325Z) (Reagan-MT) [President calls MT urging ceasefire plan] [declassified 2016]
Text 82 May 31 Mo Press Key Commentary (Sunday Times) Falklands: Reagan phone call to Thatcher (urges ceasefire)
PDF 82 Jun 3 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: MT draft telegram to Galtieri (coming Battle for Port Stanley) ["On my side, grief will be tempered by the knowledge that these men died for freedom, justice, and the rule of law. And on your side? Only you can answer that question"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Jun 4 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) G7: No.10 record of conversation (evening after 1800Z) (Heads of Delegation “Falklands”) [Versailles economic summit] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Jun 4 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) G7: No.10 record of conversation (evening after 1800Z) (“conversation between Heads of Delegation on the evening of Friday, 4 June 1982”) [Versailles economic summit] [declassified 2012]
Text 82 Jun 8 Tu Declassified documents Key Reagan Public Papers Cold War: Reagan speech to the Houses of Parliament (1100Z) [external link]
PDF 82 Jun 10 Th Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Pattison minute to MT (British casualties on Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram: heated argument between Nott and Fieldhouse) ["C in C Fleet would like to leave open the idea that the casualty figures were considerably higher...this would help to confuse the Argentines"; "argument became an issue of confidence between the two men"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Jun 12 Sa Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: No.10 note to MT (HMS Glamorgan struck by suspected EXOCET missile) [released 2013]
Info only 82 Jun 14 Mo Chronology Key [Chronology] Falklands: Argentine surrender
Text 82 Jun 14 Mo Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher HC Stmnt: (1114Z) [Falkland Islands]
PDF 82 Jun 14 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: MT notes of telephone conversation (2000Z) (MT receives news from Northwood of Argentine surrender and situation in Falklands) [released 2013]
Audio 82 Jun 14 Mo Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher HC Stmnt: (2115Z) [Falkland Islands] (Argentinian surrender) [audio]
PDF 82 Jun 14 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: MT notes for Commons speech on Argentine surrender (2115Z) (report from Northwood of Argentine surrender and situation in Falklands) [released 2013]
PDF 82 Jun 15 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Major General Moore message (0120Z) (surrender of Argentine forces in Port Stanley) ["The Falkland Islands are once more under the Government desired by their inhabitants. God Save The Queen"] [declassified 2012]
Text 82 Jun 15 Tu Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher HC Stmnt: [Falkland Islands]
Audio 82 Jun 15 Tu Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher HC Stmnt: [Falkland Islands] (Argentinian surrender) [audio]
PDF 82 Jun 18 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Reagan message to MT (congratulations on victory in the Falklands) ["A just war requires a just peace"] [released 2013]
Text 82 Jun 18 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: Reagan telegram to Thatcher (victory congratulations & need for "a just peace") [declassified 2000]
PDF 82 Jun 19 Sa Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Falklands Governor Rex Hunt letter to MT (message of thanks) ["without your resolution, courage and singleness of purpose, victory would not have been achieved"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 Jun 27 Su Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada letter to MT (message of congratulations) ["Throughout this crisis you have demonstrated both your strength and your integrity"] [released 2013]
PDF 82 Jul 2 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Parsons valedictory despatch ("The Falklands Crisis at the United Nations") [reflections by Sir Anthony Parsons] [released 2013]
Audio 82 Jul 3 Sa Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher Speech to Conservative Rally at Cheltenham [audio extract]
Text 82 Jul 3 Sa Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher Speech to Conservative Rally at Cheltenham
PDF 82 Jul 27 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Henderson Valedictory Despatch ("US Policy in the Falkands Crisis with some Valedictory Comments on US/UK Relations") [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Sep 29 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Franks Enquiry evidence transcript (0945Z) (Carrington testifies - 1st time) ["much more sensible for them gradually to build up the pressure against us"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Sep 29 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Franks Enquiry evidence transcript (1330Z) (Nick Ridley testifies) [leaseback not accepted "but there was every chance in due course it would have been"] [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Sep 29 We Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Franks Enquiry evidence transcript (1445Z) (Ambassador Williams testifies) [declassified 2012]
PDF 82 Oct 5 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Franks Enquiry evidence transcript (Luce testifies) [events Spt 1981-Apr 1982] [declassified 2012]
Video 82 Oct 8 Fr Multimedia Key Margaret Thatcher Speech to Conservative Party Conference [film]
Text 82 Oct 8 Fr Speeches, interviews, etc. Key Margaret Thatcher Speech to Conservative Party Conference
PDF 82 Oct 15 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Government machinery: No.10 record of conversation (MT, Pym) [Pym & MT at odds over her intention to have a dedicated adviser on foreign, defence & intelligence matters, based in No.10] [declassified Jan 2014]
PDF 82 Oct 25 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Armstrong letter to Acland ("The Falklands Crisis: Operational Lessons") [OD Secretariat report on "The Goverment Machine and the Falklands Crisis 2 April to 15 July 1982 An Assessment"] [declassified Aug 2015]
PDF 82 Oct 25 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: Franks Enquiry evidence transcript (MT testifies) [invasion "the worst...moment of my life"] [declassified 2012]
Text 82 Oct 25 Mo Declassified documents Key Archive (Reagan Library) Falklands: Thatcher letter to Reagan (U.N. resolution unacceptable to UK) [summary declassified 2000]
PDF 82 Oct 29 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Germany: No.10 record of conversation (MT-Kohl) [plenary meeting: bilateral relations, arms control, Poland, East-West relations, Western alliance, defence issues, Falklands] [declassified 2013]
PDF 82 Oct 29 Fr Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Germany: No.10 record of conversation (MT-Kohl) [Spanish elections, Falklands, East-West economic relations, economic summit, EC economic and budget issues, Poland] [declassified 2013]
PDF 82 Nov 2 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: President Reagan message to MT (UN General Assembly resolution calling for resumption of UK/Argentina negotiations) ["I am truly sorry that we disagree on this matter"] [declassified Dec 2012]
PDF 82 Nov 2 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: President Reagan letter to MT (UN General Assembly resolution calling for resumption of UK/Argentina negotiations) ["we believe it reasonable now to vote for the substantially modified resolution"] [declassified Dec 2012]
PDF 82 Nov 2 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (TNA) Falklands: MT letter to President Reagan (UN General Assembly Debate) [resolution calling for resumption of UK/Argentina negotiations; MT: "we are utterly dismayed by [US position]"] [declassified Dec 2012]
PDF 82 Nov 2 Tu Declassified documents Key Archive (Thatcher MSS) Falklands: Reagan message to MT (proposed Argentine UN resolution on future negotiations over Falklands sovereignty) [US will vote for resolution] [released 2013]

Documents lie at the core of this website, each one dated and sorted chronologically (by default) in search results. Most are images in PDF format of original paper documents scanned or filmed for the site. There also transcripts of speeches and interviews, press articles, photos, videos, and more. The document database contains tens of thousands of items and permits complex searching.

Files are multi-page PDFs from which most of the documents on the site are selected. All of Mrs Thatcher’s official files from No.10 are available in full on this site (paper copies are stored at the National Archives in the series PREM19), as well as most of those of Geoffrey Howe and Nigel Lawson as Chancellor (stored at TNA as series T639 and T640).

Guides are articles about key events and topics. Many were written to accompany annual releases of Mrs Thatcher’s private and party papers at the Churchill Archive Centre in Cambridge.

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