April 9, 1982 (1:31 EST) – Memo to the President: Discussions in London
White House, Top Secret Situation Room flash cable
Secretary of State Alexander Haig reports to President Reagan on the round of conversations he just ended with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher:
"I spent five hours with Prime Minister Thatcher, the first hour with her and Foreign Secretary, Pym, alone, followed by a working dinner which included the Defense Minister, Nott [British Secretary of State for Defense], and senior officials." [….]
"The Prime Minister has the bit in her teeth… She is clearly prepared to use force. Though she admits her preference for a diplomatic solution, she is rigid in her insistence on a return to the status quo ante, and indeed seemingly determined that any solution involve some retribution." [….]
"[W]e got no give in the basic British position, and only the glimmering of some possibilities… It is clear that they had not thought much about diplomatic possibilities. They will now, but whether they become more imaginative or instead recoil will depend on the political situation and what I hear in Argentina." [….]
"If the Argentines give something to work with…It may then be necessary for me to ask you to apply unusual pressure on Thatcher… I cannot presently offer much optimism, even if I get enough in Buenos Aires to justify a return to London. This is clearly a very steep uphill struggle, but essential given the enormous stakes."
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