Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XIII, Conflict in the South Atlantic, 1981–1984

290. Information Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs (Howe) to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Eagleburger)¹

Washington, May 24, 1982

SUBJECT

• Limpet Mines

We have looked at the question of whether transfer of Limpet mines to the UK could be traced back to us if the British used them in their Falklands operations.

Our current information indicates that Limpet mines manufactured by the U.S. have not been transferred to any other country. Several countries including the UK, however, make similar devices.

This suggests that (1) disabling or sinking a ship with a Limpet-type device would not point the finger at the U.S., but (2) if a U.S.-manufactured Limpet mine was recovered intact and examined by experts, it probably could be traced back to us.²

1. Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/S Special Handling Restrictions Memos 1979–1983, Lot 96D262, ES Sensitive May 19–24 1982. Secret; Sensitive. Drafted by T. Miller (PM/P). An unknown hand initialed for Miller. A stamped notation at the top of the memorandum indicates that Eagleburger saw it on May 25. A notation in the top left-hand corner of the memorandum reads: “CC to DCG [David Gompert] 5/25.”
2. Below this paragraph, Eagleburger wrote: “OK. Let’s give them what they want. LSE.”