Falklands War telex to Thatcher up for auction

THE telex received by Margaret Thatcher announcing the end of the Falklands conflict is estimated to fetch £15,000 when it goes under the hammer next month.

Margaret Thatcher visited the Falkland Islands in 1983. Picture: PA

The original dispatch announcing the retaking of the island after the 1982 war with Argentina is signed by the late Baroness Thatcher and Major General Jeremy Moore, who sent the dispatch.

The document – which is also signed by Sir Rex Hunt, the Civil Commissioner on the islands during the conflict, and Major General Sir Julian Thompson, who commanded land forces during the conflict – is accompanied by a sheet signed by other participants, including Welsh Guard Simon Weston, whose courage after sustaining horrific injuries inspired millions.

The document was donated by Lady Thatcher to an auction in aid of service charities in 1999.

It was bought on that occasion by the present vendor, who is now selling it. It will be sold on 21 May.

Richard Westwood-Brookes, historical documents expert at Mullocks Auctioneers, said: “This is undoubtedly one of the most important British historical documents of the last quarter of the 20th century.

“It provides bidders with the opportunity to obtain a document which is truly unique.

“There have been various copies of this document offered in the past but this is the original, and as such ranks along some of the most famous dispatches in British military history, including those from the Battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar.”

The dispatch carries an estimate of £15,000 and features in one of the most important sales of modern historical documents to be staged in recent years.

The document, dated 14 June 1982, reads: “Major General Menedes surrendered to me all the Argentine armed forces in east and west Falkland, together with their impedimenta.

“Arrangements are in hand to assemble the men for their return to Argentina, to gather in their arms and equipment, and to mark and make safe their munitions.

“The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants.

“God save the Queen.”