194. Telegram From the Embassy in Argentina to the Department of State1
2658. Subject: Falklands Crisis: Galtieri’s Position. Ref: Buenos Aires 2640.2
1. S–Entire text.
2. I went back to see Galtieri this morning. He said he had thought over my suggestion of a unilateral withdrawal and had discussed it early this morning by telephone with the other two members of the Junta. Their conclusion was that Argentina could not rpt not take such a step unilaterally because it would appear to be ceding to U.S. pressure. Galtieri made a point of showing me the headline in today’s “Conviccion,” which reads “Reagan opts for Mrs. Thatcher.” In response to my question, he confirmed that this reflected the navy’s position.
3. Galtieri said he would be willing to announce withdrawal of Argentine troops from the Malvinas if he could get something simultaneously from the other side. He did not know what that might be but thought it would have to be a statement from London indicating a British disposition to match his move.
[Page 422]4. I said this appears unlikely but I would pass it on. Galtieri left me in no doubt that he wants peace. He also left me in no doubt that he is under extremely heavy pressure from the navy. I should note that his naval aide in the Casa Rosada tried to prevent me from seeing the President by refusing to pass on the call asking for an interview.
5. With respect to a possibility of intervention by General Meyer, I think that would only be useful in the event we had something to offer from the British side. In that case, it would be very useful indeed.
- Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Cable File, Falkland File 04/30/1982. Secret; Flash; Nodis.↩
- See Document 193.↩