Falklands War Documents - Department of State, Confidential Situation Report

April 3, 1982 – Situation in Falkland Islands as of 700 EST

Department of State, Confidential Situation Report

"Embassy Buenos Aires reports that Argentina expects Soviet and perhaps Chinese support in the UN Security Council, and hopes that the U.S. will limit its role to 'tacit diplomatic support' for the British… A vote on the UK resolution is expected at today's Security Council meeting, with outcome uncertain and a Soviet or Chinese veto possible." [….]

"In a preliminary assessment, Embassy Buenos Aires suggests that President Galtieri gambled that a successful invasion of the Falklands would solidify his authority and help him remain in office through 1987."

APRIL 3, 1982 – UN SECURITY COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION 502 DEMANDING AN IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AND AN IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF ALL ARGENTINE FORCES FROM THE FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS). ARGENTINA REFUSES TO COMPLY.

APRIL 3, 1982 -  ARGENTINA GAINS CONTROL OF THE SOUTH GEORGIA AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS, 864 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS.

APRIL 3, 1982 – THE FIRST MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL NAVY TASK FORCE LEAVE BRITAIN. THIS TASK FORCE, BY THE END OF THE WAR, WOULD INCLUDE 51 WARSHIPS INCLUDING 23 DESTROYERS AND 5 SUBMARINES, 54 CIVILIAN SHIPS, AND 9,000 MEN. THE AIR FORCE WOULD CONTRIBUTE 38 HARRIERS AND 140 HELICOPTERS.

APRIL 5, 1982 – FOREIGN SECRETARY LORD CARRINGTON RESIGNS. FRANCIS PYM WILL REPLACE HIM.