Department of State, Secret Cable
In this 12-page official memo of conversation between Haig and Thatcher on April 8, the Prime Minister says that "The U.K. had been having good talks with Argentina and was extremely surprised by the actions of that government. No one had anticipated them. After the Secretary said the U.S., too, was surprised…"
"Thatcher reportedly remarked support calls from numerous European countries including France and Germany, the latter expressing that "unprovoked aggression if not turned back could lead to problems everywhere there are borders disputes. Unless we stop the Argentines from succeeding we are all vulnerable." [….]
"The Prime Minister made clear her view that it was impossible to be neutral in the face of unprovoked aggression. In reviewing the bidding, she said the fleet was en route, an exclusion zone has been established and Britain hopes for a diplomatic solution…
"She noted that concern had been stirred by the President's off the cuff remarks about not taking sides. She said she understood it was off the cuff and not a carefully conceived remark. At the same time, she expressed appreciation for U.S. cooperation in intelligence matters and in the use of Ascension Island.
"The Secretary said that he was certain the Prime Minister knew where the President stood. We are not impartial. […] The Secretary said that we face a critical common problem: 'we must do all we can to strengthen you and your government.' Having analyzed the situation very carefully, the Secretary said he thought there had been an intelligence failure."
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