129. Message From President Reagan to British Prime Minister Thatcher1
At his request, I have just talked with General Galtieri concerning the Falklands Island crisis.2 I wanted to relay to you a summary of that conversation. In view of the late hour in London, I have sent you this message, but we can talk on the telephone tomorrow morning if you think it necessary.
General Galtieri reaffirmed to me his desire to avoid conflict with your country, and his fears that conflict would cause deterioration in recently improving relations with the United States. He said that the advance of your fleet and the blockade of the islands were making his situation difficult. I told him that I shared his desire to avoid conflict, and urged him to be forthcoming and flexible in his negotiations with Secretary Haig, who had my full faith and confidence. Without making specific suggestions for further steps to me, General Galtieri promised to deal honestly and seriously with Secretary Haig.
I would like to add that we greatly appreciate the hospitality you have shown to Al during his two visits. We are also grateful for the receptivity you have shown to our efforts to find a common ground between your country, one of our closest allies, and Argentina, with whom we would like to be able to cooperate in advancing specific interests in this hemisphere.
Warm regards,
- Source: Reagan Library, Dennis Blair Files, Country File, Falklands Crisis 1982. Secret; Flash. Sent via Cabinet Office channels in telegram WH2011.↩
- See Document 128.↩