Office of the Historian
  1. Home
  2. Historical Documents
  3. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XIII, Conflict in the South Atlantic, 1981–1984
  4. Document 392

392. Memorandum of Conversation1

London, September 8, 1982, 6:40–7:30 p.m.

ATTENDEES

  • US

    • Secretary Weinberger
    • Ambassador Louis
    • Major General Carl Smith

  • UK

    • Prime Minister Thatcher

[Omitted here is discussion of issues unrelated to the South Atlantic.]

9. The Secretary then complimented Mrs. Thatcher on the performance of British troops in the Falklands. Mrs. Thatcher responded that “You were absolutely marvelous” in response to UK requests for support. The Secretary observed that the Argentinians had misjudged the strength of feeling in the United Kingdom, and the Prime Minister described the feeling of agony that prevailed in the UK as their task forces set sail for the Falklands. The Secretary observed that the Falklands had once again proven the utility of the large aircraft carrier, which could provide a floating base so necessary in the absence of land bases in areas such as the Falklands. He was very complimentary [Page 793] of the way the British task force had been formed so quickly and efficiently, and he was full of praise for the morale, training, discipline, and leadership exhibited by the British forces. The Prime Minister responded that she could not thank us enough for our generous and prompt assistance.

[Omitted here is discussion of issues unrelated to the South Atlantic.]

  1. Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files, FRC 330–84–0004, UK 16 Jul–Sep 1982. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place at Number 10 Downing Street. The memorandum was prepared by Major General Smith.↩