Falklands’ dossier set to sell for £15,000

THE original signed copy of Margaret Thatcher’s telex that ended the Falklands conflict is set to fetch £15,000 when it goes under the hammer this month.

Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street after winning the 1979 election. Picture: PA

The dispatch announcing the retaking of the Falklands after the 1982 war with Argentina is signed by Margaret Thatcher and Major General Jeremy Moore – who sent the dispatch at the end of the war.

The rare document, also signed by Sir Rex Hunt, the civil commissioner on the islands during the conflict, and Maj Gen Sir Julian Thompson, is accompanied by another sheet signed by other major participants in the war, including Welsh Guard Simon Weston, whose courage after sustaining horrific injuries inspired millions.

The document was donated personally by Mrs 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.

Richard Westwood-Brookes, historical documents expert at Mullocks Auctioneers, in Shropshire, said: “This is undoubtedly one of the most important British historical documents of the last quarter of the 20th century.”

The dispatch carries an estimate of £15,000 and features in one of the most important sales of modern historical documents to be staged in recent years.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