The Falklands War - Timeline

[lordroel]

Day 1 of the Falklands War, April 2nd 1982

Timetable of Argentina invasion of the Falklands Islands

Governor Hunt declares a State of Emergency on the islands at 3.25am. He receives permission to destroy Stanley airstrip; “ .. if you can do so, to prevent it being used after invasion to resupply an invasion force.

Operation Rosario, the Argentine code name for its invasion of the Falkland Islands, commences at 4.30am with Argentine special forces landing at Mullet Creek. Moody Brook Barracks are attacked, but the Royal Marines have already left to take up defensive positions. The noise of the attack on the barracks alerts the population in Stanley.

5.30am: Argentine Marines come ashore in amphibious vehicles at York Bay. A C-130 transport plane loaded with Argentine troops, lands at Stanley airfield.

6.30am: Argentine special forces attack Government House. They encounter well placed British defences, and suffer the first casualties of the war.

7.15am: an armoured column making its way from York Bay to Stanley is engaged by a section of Marines commanded by Lt. Trollope. One Amoured Personnel Carrier is hit by two missiles before the section withdraws.

8.30am: the main invasion force arrives off Stanley.

09.15am: Governor Hunt negotiates a ceasefire with Rear-Admiral Carlos Bussers; formally surrendering the town at 1030 to General Osvaldo Garcia. Hunt refuses to shake Garcia's hand, telling the General that; “This is British property and you are not invited”. Garcia responds; "It is very ungentlemanly of you to refuse to shake my hand" to which Hunt replies; "It is very uncivilised of you to invade my country." 

Brigadier General Mario Menendez is appointed as Argentina's governor on the Islands and ordered to make his way there. Stanley is renamed Puerto Rivero.

Rex Hunt, in full regalia, together with his family and the surrendered Marines, are airlifted to Montevideo.

A conversation between London and Port Stanley

At 4.30pm, the Government House telex-operator has a conversation with an operator in London.

LON (London): HELLO THERE WHAT ARE ALL THESE RUMOURS WE HEAR THIS IS LON

FK (Falklands): WE HAVE LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS

LON: WHAT ABOUT INVASION RUMOURS

FK: THOSE ARE THE FRIENDS I WAS MEANING

LON: THEY HAVE LANDED

FK: ABSOLUTELY

LON: ARE YOU OPEN FOR TRAFFIC (i.e. normal telex service)

FK: NO ORDERS ON THAT YET ONE MUST OBEY ORDERS

LON: WHOSE ORDERS

FK: THE NEW GOVERNORS

LON: ARGENTINA

FK: YES

LON: ARE THE ARGENTINIANS IN CONTROL

FK: YES YOU CAN'T ARGUE WITH THOUSANDS OF TROOPS PLUS ENORMOUS NAVY SUPPORT WHEN YOU ARE ONLY 1800 STRONG. STAND BY PLEASE.

Argentina Invasion of Falklands map

Map showing the area of the Falkland Islands around Port Stanley and the actions of 1 April 1982 and 2 April 1982 during the 1982 Invasion of the Falkland Islands.



An emergency meeting of the Cabinet in London approves the formation of a task force to retake the islands.

Margaret Thatcher receives advice from the FCO; “.. which summed up … that Department. I was presented with the dangers of a backlash against the British expatriates in Argentina, problems about getting support in the UN Security Council, the lack of reliance we could place on the European Community or the United States, the risk of the Soviets becoming involved, the disadvantage of being looked at as a colonial power. All the considerations were fair enough. But when you are at war you cannot allow the difficulties to dominate your thinking:.... And anyway what was the alternative? That a common or garden dictator should rule over the Queen's subjects and prevail by fraud and violence? Not while I was Prime Minister.”

President Galtieri reports the success of the invasion to the Argentine people in a short broadcast; “Compatriots: We have recovered, safeguarding the national honor, without rancor, but with the firmness that the circumstances require, the Austral Islands that make up the national heritage ... by legitimate right. The step just taken was decided without taking into account any political calculation. It was designed on behalf of each and every one of the Argentines, regardless of sectors or factions and with the mind set on Governments, institutions and people than in the past, without exceptions; and through 150 years, have struggled to claim our rights. I know, and we acknowledge with deep emotion, that already the whole country lives the joy of a new gesture and it is preparing to defend what you own regardless of sacrifices, ....”

Galtieri is greeted by jubilant crowds (estimates exceed 200,000), in the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires.

Britain breaks off diplomatic relations, giving Argentina's Ambassador four days to leave the country and recalling the British Ambassador from Buenos Aires; “... four British officials remained behind to man a British Interest Section in the Swiss Embassy in Buenos Aires.” 

Shridath 'Sonny' Ramphal, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, sends a message to all the Commonwealth Heads of Government calling for them; “ … to stand by Britain in this matter, consistent with your support for the principles of territorial integrity, the right of self-determination and the rejection of the use of force..”

Australia's envoy to the United Nations, David Anderson, denounces Argentina's invasion to the Security Council; “ … We have considered carefully the statements made in this Council yesterday and this morning by the distinguished Representative of Argentina. Nothing contained in those statements could justify the act of aggression which has been committed by the Argentine armed forces in clear violation of Article 2.3 and Article 2.4 of the Charter of the United Nations.”

Major Patricio Dowling takes charge of both internal security and the Islands police station.

From Washington, Secretary Haig instructs the US Mission at the United Nations to vote for a resolution; “.. which the British have informed us they will introduce in the Security Council calling on all parties to refrain from the use of force in the Falkland Islands dispute ..” 

Secretary Haig speaks to President Reagan,“We must proceed cautiously and objectively on this question—not endorsing Argentine force while not unnecessarily jeopardizing our relations with Argentina.” 

America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), caught unawares by Argentina's invasion, can only rely upon public media outlets for information; “ ... Argentine press reports indicate that some 4,000 to 5,000 troops are on the Islands, and the 10 to 14 naval ships in the area include the country's only aircraft carrier as well as several guided missile destroyers, frigates, corvettes, transport and amphibious craft, and at least one submarine.” 

At 1930 in London, the Cabinet meet and approves the formation of a Task Force to retake the islands.

At the UN, Parsons speaks to the Security Council; “As we sit here, a massive Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands is taking place.”Ambassador Roca responds by emphasising the refusal of British negotiators to address the issue of sovereignty, and restating his country's belief that the Islands had been taken from them in 1833. He suggests that the Security Council should be pleased that the long-running dispute has now been settled

Jeanne Kirkpatrick, the USA Ambassador to the UN, attends a dinner given in her honour by the Argentine Embassy together with other leading figures of the US political establishment. Following criticism in both The New York Times and Washington Post, Britain's Ambassador Henderson is asked to comment. “I wouldn't have done so. If I had been asked by the Iranian Embassy to go to a banquet the night your hostages were taken, I wouldn't have done so.”

YouTube clip about the invasion on April 2nd 1982 

[stevep]

So the bloodshed begins. I like Governor Hunt's statements when forced to surrender and ambassador Henderson's comments on Kirkpatrick's visit to the Argentinian embassy.

[lordroel]

Apr 2, 2019 10:16:59 GMT stevep said:

So the bloodshed begins. I like Governor Hunt's statements when forced to surrender and ambassador Henderson's comments on Kirkpatrick's visit to the Argentinian embassy.

Working on the TL I get the impression that she was pro-Argentina.

[DavidR]

There was certainly a belief in a section of American public opinion at the time that British possession of the Falklands violated the Monroe Doctrine. I can't say if Kirkpatrick felt that way too, though she argued in other contexts that dictatorships of the right that backed the West in the Cold War could be tolerated on pragmatic grounds. But overall, the Reagan Administration was never going to back a military junta over a NATO ally, Monroe Doctrine or not.

[stevep]

Apr 2, 2019 14:22:10 GMT DavidR said:

There was certainly a belief in a section of American public opinion at the time that British possession of the Falklands violated the Monroe Doctrine. I can't say if Kirkpatrick felt that way too, though she argued in other contexts that dictatorships of the right that backed the West in the Cold War could be tolerated on pragmatic grounds. But overall, the Reagan Administration was never going to back a military junta over a NATO ally, Monroe Doctrine or not.

  Agreed.  From what I remember, albeit nearly 40 years ago! her stance was dubious.  However as DavidR says Reagan, after what appeared to be some wobbling, came firmly down on Britain's side.  Plus since the Monroe Doctrine made reference to colonial territories being transferred between European [i.e. non-European powers] or someone seeking to add to their empire strictly speaking the doctrine doesn't apply.  As it was an important trade partner, close friend and important member of NATO was always going to trump an unstable dictatorship on a naked land grab.

[lordroel]

Day 2 of the Falklands War, April 3rd 1982

In the Guardian newspaper; “At a defensive and unhappy press conference in the Foreign Office – itself a rare event – Mr. Nott denied as “ridiculous and quite untrue” rumours at Westminster that he had offered his resignation to Mrs Thatcher, and Lord Carrington rejected with a shake of his head any suggestion that he might resign. But the irony of a government elected to strengthen Britain's defence posture finding itself in this position will not be lost on MPs ...”



At 07.30, on South Georgia, the commander of the ARA Bahia Paraiso demands the surrender of British troops at Grytviken. “I have important message for you involving the successful operation by Argentine forces at Malvinas, the ex-Governor has surrendered the islands and Dependencies unconditionally and I suggest you do the same.” Lacking accurate information, Lieut. Mills, commanding the platoon on South Georgia, ignores the message.

Prime Minster Thatcher speaks

In London, PM Thatcher speaks to an emergency session of Parliament.

YouTube clip of British PM Thatcher announcing the Falklands invasion to the House of Commons



“The House meets this Saturday to respond to a situation of great gravity. We are here because, for the first time for many years, British sovereign territory has been invaded by a foreign power. After several days of rising tension in our relations with Argentina, that country's armed forces attacked the Falkland Islands yesterday and established military control of the islands.... I must tell the House that the Falkland Islands and their dependencies remain British territory. No aggression and no invasion can alter that simple fact. It is the Government's objective to see that the islands are freed from occupation and are returned to British administration at the earliest possible moment…. The Government have now decided that a large task force will sail as soon as all preparations are complete. HMS Invincible will be in the lead and will leave port on Monday.

The people of the Falkland Islands, like the people of the United Kingdom, are an island race. Their way of life is British; their allegiance is to the Crown. They are few in number, but they have the right to live in peace, to choose their own way of life and to determine their own allegiance. It is the wish of the British people and the duty of Her Majesty's Government to do everything that we can to uphold that right. That will be our hope and our endeavour and, I believe, the resolve of every Member of the House.”

“Even with action in hand, however, the experience was a painful one. MPs from all parties spoke of their anger and disbelief. For a Government that was so avowedly patriotic it was galling to be castigated by an Opposition that was so clearly to its left for losing sovereign British territory to a military dictatorship...” 

On the advice of two former Prime Ministers, Harold Macmillan, and James Callaghan, Margaret Thatcher forms a committee to oversee the crisis. Dubbed the 'War Cabinet' OD(SA), is made up of, in addition to the PM, Foreign Secretary Francis Pym, Defence Secretary John Nott, Home Secretary William Whitelaw, Chancellor of the Exchequer Geoffrey Howe and Conservative Party Chairman Cecil Parkinson.

Argentina invasion of South Georgia

On South Georgia, at 11.40: Argentine troops are transported by helicopters from the Bahia Paraiso to King Edward's Point on South Georgia. Royal Marines engage bringing one down; damaging another. 11.47: ARA Guerrico provides supporting fire for Argentine forces, but her guns jam. 11.59: Small arms fire, and anti-tank rockets fired by the Royal Marines on shore kill a seaman on Guerrico and inflict damage; “The Argentines later disclosed that 1,275 hits were scored on the Guerrico. The ship's detachment had knocked down two helicopters, killed an entire landing party and crew, and pretty much put a corvette out of action – not bad for one platoon.”  

Map showing a overview of the engagement between British and Argentine forces in April 3rd 1982.



Further reinforcements from the Bahia Paraiso land to cut off the Marines withdrawal. Outnumbered, Royal Marines commander Lieut. Keith Mills surrenders South Georgia, together with 22 marines and 13 BAS staff.

Photo: Royal Marine detachment on South Georgia, 1982



United Nation Security Council meeting of April 3th 1982

At the United Nations, the Security Council resume the debate on the Falklands invasion.

“Costa Mendez spoke first, the burden of his statement, backed by a lengthy historical survey, being that Argentina had done nothing more than recover national territory which had been seized by the British by an illegitimate act of force in 1833. 

The debate continued and I spoke in refutation of the statement by the Argentinian Foreign Minister, in particular of the dangerous proposition he had put forward that the peaceful settlement Articles of the UN Charter applied only to disputes which had arisen since the Charter entered into force in 1945.

At the close of the debate the Panamanian Foreign Minister tried to rob me of my vote by claiming that, under Article 27(3) of the Charter 'in decisions under Chapter VI [Pacific Settlement of Disputes] of the Charter a party to a dispute-in this case the United Kingdom-shall abstain from voting'. I counter-attacked that the resolution had been drafted in relation to a breach of the peace and had been proposed with Chapter VII [Actions with respect to threats to the peace . . .] of the Charter in mind: hence the provisions of Article 27(3) did not apply. I was supported by the Permanent Representative of Spain, an accepted expert on UN procedures, and Panama decided not to call for a procedural vote.“

“Then, during the debate, he (Mendez) made one enormous mistake. I was really basing all my arguments, and I spoke again and again, on the breach of Article 2 of the Charter, about ‘peaceful settlement of disputes’ and non-use of force. He asked to speak in right of reply to me at one stage. He said he thought that I, the British representative, did not realize that this provision only applied to disputes which had come into existence after 1945, when the Charter came into effect. When he said this, I could feel the whole atmosphere in the Security Council changing – because just about every delegation came from a country which was embroiled in disputes going back to the nineteenth century, if not the eighteenth century… That error of judgement on his part was very helpful to my cause.”

US Ambassador Kirkpatrick is notably absent throughout the Security Council debate; “Britain's most strident opponent on the Security Council was Panama. Foreign Minister Illueca, whose statement was described by Parsons as 'long and vicious,' introduced his own draft resolution which went through all past UN and nonaligned resolutions on the topic and called upon Britain 'to cease its hostile conduct, refrain from any threat or use of force and cooperate... in the decolonization of the … islands.' Illueca proposed suspending the meeting so that a draft could be prepared in all working languages for tabling. He lost the vote...”.

Britain's resolution is agreed. “The result was better than we had dared to hope for - ten in favour (United Kingdom, United States, France, Guyana, Ireland, Japan, Togo, Zaire, Uganda and Jordan), one against (Panama) with four abstentions (China, USSR, Poland and Spain). Only Panama voted against. The three communist states and Spain abstained. Illueca spoke again in heated tones but did not insist on a vote on his resolution... Costa Méndez spoke again to maintain Argentina's rights and express disappointment without explicitly rejecting the resolution. Parsons reminded him of Argentina's obligations under Article 25 to carry out the decisions of the Security Council.”

Security Council Resolution 502 -

"Recalling the statement made by the President of the Security Council at the 2345th meeting of the Security Council on 1 April 1982 calling on the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to refrain from the use or threat of force in the region of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas),

Deeply disturbed at reports of an invasion on 2 April 1982 by armed forces of Argentina,

Determining that there exists a breach of the peace in the region of the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas),

1. Demands an immediate cessation of hostilities;

2. Demands an immediate withdrawal of all Argentine forces from the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas);

3. Calls on the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom to seek a diplomatic solution to their differences and to respect fully the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

“Predictably, Costa Méndez hastened to reject the terms of this resolution. The position would alter later when Argentina declared itself as accepting the mandate “in its entirety,” stating that it only objected to the British interpretation of it.”

“ … in many instances, it is difficult to tell who violated the rules: which state “started” the crisis. But when that is clear, as it was in the Falklands invasion, then states tend to lean on the violator, as did Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Chile, even while occasionally genuflecting to the cherished icons of hemispheric solidarity.”

“Resolution 502 was taken as a clear statement of opposition to the Argentine action. It linked Argentina to a breach of the peace. Only Argentina was asked to withdraw its forces. … The Resolution was a blow for Argentina. … if implemented there would be nothing to stop Britain retaking the Islands … It could then refuse to negotiate seriously in the future.

“It did not, however, go so far as to denounce Argentina as an aggressor. This would have implied an expectation of a collective response, in the form of economic sanctions if not military action. This could not have been extracted from the Council at this time. The objective was therefore more modest: to put the onus on Argentina to withdraw its forces after the cessation of the current hostilities but then respond to inevitable Security Council concerns by suggesting a peaceful, negotiated route out of the dispute.”

In Buenos Aires, the Argentine Government issues a statement rejecting UN Security Council approval of Resolution 502 and claiming that it violates Argentine rights.

Events of the Day

Arriving too late to assist its Marines, Endurance takes up station close to the southern tip of South Georgia from where they can send observations teams to overlook Grytviken.

The Bank of England freezes all Argentine assets and Argentine imports are banned.63 Argentina responds by a tit-for-tat freezing of British assets and a ban on imports. To avoid the possibility of a technical default, Argentina insists that it will continue to pay interest on its outstanding international debts via an escrow account in New York.

A diplomatic approach is made to the European Union and, in particular, West Germany, Argentina's largest trading partner within the EU, for an embargo of goods to, and from, Argentina. British Embassies throughout the world start to approach Heads of State with requests for support.

President Galtieri summons the German Ambassador to see him; “Galtieri, who looked nervous, began by saying that he wished to explain the Argentine position to friendly countries with the aim of bringing about a diplomatic solution to the Falkland crisis.... the German Ambassador asked whether Argentina was still prepared to hold talks aimed at reaching an honourable solution … Galtieri replied that everything was negotiable with the exception of final recognition of Argentine sovereignty over the Islands.”

France agrees to stop supplying Argentina with Exocet missiles, Super Etendard aircraft and Pucara aircraft engines, and withdraws her technical teams.

The head of Chilean Air Force Intelligence contacts General Fernando Matthei, a member of Chile's ruling Junta, headed by General Pinochet to say; “.. that a Wing Commander of the Royal Air Force had arrived in Chile with a personal message from the Chief of the Air Staff of the RAF,” It was Wing Commander Sidney Edwards, who at once presented his credential and asked me if I would be inclined to help the British at this hour. The help they were requesting was mainly in matters of intelligence... He also told me that he was empowered to negotiate directly any urgent requests in aeroplanes, spares or other equipment that the Chilean Air Force needed, .. He further pointed out that we should bypass diplomatic channels. That neither the British Ambassador in Chile, nor the British Defence Attaché had any knowledge of him...”

[stevep]

Well that last bit is interesting, that there were back-door approaches to Chile bypassing the normal diplomatic routes and also talks of military aid to Chile without the knowledge of the defence attache.

I would suspect that Spain refused to support Britain because of its own imperial designs on British territory. A successful Argentinian invasion would have set a dangerous precedent. Which would of course apply to Spanish colonies in N Africa but I suspect Madrid was wearing blinkers.

[lordroel]

Day 3 of the Falklands War, April 4th 1982

HMS Conqueror, sails for the South Atlantic. Senegal offers staging facilities via Dakar airport for British military aircraft heading to and from Ascension Island.

In the Falklands, the settlements at Goose Green and Darwin are occupied by Argentine troops. Reg Silvey, Falklands lighthouse keeper, establishes radio contact with the UK,“I spent part of the day burning up papers and documents which I had collected during my service as an elected member of the Falkland Islands Executive and Legislative Councils – nothing really incriminating but certainly not the sort of thing which should be allowed to fall into Argentine hands. I also put our large Union Jacks in a place of safety where hopefully they will not be found. With things as they are at the moment, though, it seems a bit doubtful if we will ever need them again.”

In Buenos Aires, newspapers report that the loss of the Falkland Islands means that Britain will also have to forgo its claims to the Antarctic territories.

The Washington Post reports; “Britain's Prime Minister spoke the simple truth when she labeled the Argentine act, “unprovoked aggression.” It is more than likely that the Argentines have made a serious mistake … for Mrs. Thatcher is a tough woman... the British do not appear to be in a mood to be pushed around.”

Rear-Admiral Eduardo Girling summons the German military attaché and announces that the Falkland Islands would be defended with all available means and forces, including Soviet assistance which would be accepted for this purpose.

[stevep]

Apr 4, 2019 3:10:45 GMT lordroel said:

Day 3 of the Falklands War, April 4th 1982

HMS Conqueror, sails for the South Atlantic. Senegal offers staging facilities via Dakar airport for British military aircraft heading to and from Ascension Island.

In the Falklands, the settlements at Goose Green and Darwin are occupied by Argentine troops. Reg Silvey, Falklands lighthouse keeper, establishes radio contact with the UK,“I spent part of the day burning up papers and documents which I had collected during my service as an elected member of the Falkland Islands Executive and Legislative Councils – nothing really incriminating but certainly not the sort of thing which should be allowed to fall into Argentine hands. I also put our large Union Jacks in a place of safety where hopefully they will not be found. With things as they are at the moment, though, it seems a bit doubtful if we will ever need them again.”

In Buenos Aires, newspapers report that the loss of the Falkland Islands means that Britain will also have to forgo its claims to the Antarctic territories.

The Washington Post reports; “Britain's Prime Minister spoke the simple truth when she labeled the Argentine act, “unprovoked aggression.” It is more than likely that the Argentines have made a serious mistake … for Mrs. Thatcher is a tough woman... the British do not appear to be in a mood to be pushed around.”

Rear-Admiral Eduardo Girling summons the German military attaché and announces that the Falkland Islands would be defended with all available means and forces, including Soviet assistance which would be accepted for this purpose.

  Didn't realise this last bit.  Which was probably a big mistake on their part.  With Reagan in office and the cold war heating up again suggesting that Argentina would welcome Soviet support, let alone military support would not go down well in Washington.  Also probably not sit too well with a fair number of the junta's right wing supporters.

[lordroel]

Apr 4, 2019 15:43:56 GMT stevep said:

Apr 4, 2019 3:10:45 GMT lordroel said:

Day 3 of the Falklands War, April 4th 1982

HMS Conqueror, sails for the South Atlantic. Senegal offers staging facilities via Dakar airport for British military aircraft heading to and from Ascension Island.

In the Falklands, the settlements at Goose Green and Darwin are occupied by Argentine troops. Reg Silvey, Falklands lighthouse keeper, establishes radio contact with the UK,“I spent part of the day burning up papers and documents which I had collected during my service as an elected member of the Falkland Islands Executive and Legislative Councils – nothing really incriminating but certainly not the sort of thing which should be allowed to fall into Argentine hands. I also put our large Union Jacks in a place of safety where hopefully they will not be found. With things as they are at the moment, though, it seems a bit doubtful if we will ever need them again.”

In Buenos Aires, newspapers report that the loss of the Falkland Islands means that Britain will also have to forgo its claims to the Antarctic territories.

The Washington Post reports; “Britain's Prime Minister spoke the simple truth when she labeled the Argentine act, “unprovoked aggression.” It is more than likely that the Argentines have made a serious mistake … for Mrs. Thatcher is a tough woman... the British do not appear to be in a mood to be pushed around.”

Rear-Admiral Eduardo Girling summons the German military attaché and announces that the Falkland Islands would be defended with all available means and forces, including Soviet assistance which would be accepted for this purpose.

  Didn't realise this last bit.  Which was probably a big mistake on their part.  With Reagan in office and the cold war heating up again suggesting that Argentina would welcome Soviet support, let alone military support would not go down well in Washington.  Also probably not sit too well with a fair number of the junta's right wing supporters.

Found this article on Quora: Did the Soviet Union help Argentina during the South Atlantic Conflict in 1982?

[stevep]

Apr 4, 2019 17:45:14 GMT lordroel said:

Apr 4, 2019 15:43:56 GMT stevep said:

  Didn't realise this last bit.  Which was probably a big mistake on their part.  With Reagan in office and the cold war heating up again suggesting that Argentina would welcome Soviet support, let alone military support would not go down well in Washington.  Also probably not sit too well with a fair number of the junta's right wing supporters.

Found this article on Quora: Did the Soviet Union help Argentina during the South Atlantic Conflict in 1982?

  Interesting.  That reported offer to sink a British ship and allow Argentina to claim the credit sounds worrying but it could have been nasty for everybody if the attacking sub was identified as Soviet and sunk.  Given that the RN's main roll at the time was in terms of protecting the Atlantic supply routes, especially against Soviet subs, although if they managed to identify a sub sneaking around as Soviet before it attacked they could well have been unwilling to attack it until it actually launched a torpedo or missile against the task force.  Then all hell could break lose.

  As I expect your aware the Atlantic Convary was a merchant ship carrying equipment, including some very important transport helicopters but not an aircraft carrier in the sense of it operating a/c from its decks.

[lordroel]

Day 4 of the Falklands War, April 5th 1982

Aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes, sail for Ascension Island, as do Alacrity and Antelope. HMS Yarmouth and HMS Broadsword are ordered to Gibraltar.

Following recriminations in the press, Lord Carrington resigns as Foreign Secretary, together with Foreign Office Ministers Richard Luce and Humphrey Atkins. Lord Pym is appointed as the new Foreign Secretary. The Defence Secretary, John Nott, also offers his resignation but the Prime Minister refuses to accept it.

At an impromptu news conference in his office, US President Ronald Reagan says that; “... the confrontation between Britain and Argentina has put the United States in a very difficult position because it is friendly with both countries.“

Messages of support from the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, Belize, Nepal and Mauritius, arrive in London. Other countries make statements deploring the Argentine invasion. Portuguese Foreign Secretary, Dr. Leonardo Mathias, is reported as saying that if Britain asks to use the Lajes Air Base, in the Azores, to refuel, that request would probably be granted. The Government of New Zealand breaks off diplomatic relations with Argentina, while Australia recalls is Ambassador to Buenos Aires. Canada also recalls its Ambassador and imposes an arms embargo on Argentina. Chile condemns Argentina's use of force.

Governor Hunt and the captured Royal Marines arrive back in the United Kingdom; “The Prime Minister congratulated the party on the courage they had shown … She .. enquired whether those in Port Stanley in the days preceding the invasion had been any more aware of the likelihood of an invasion. The Governor replied in the negative. He had been inclined to think that the Argentine President was sabre rattling as on previous occasions. … Major Noott said that the Argentine forces had not appeared to be particularly skilled or brave. They had, for example, shown reluctance to go outside Port Stanley because they had heard that a section of six marines were still at large ...”

HMS Endurance sails north to rendezvous with HMS Antrim.

In Stanley, Argentina issues instructions that from henceforth, all vehicles will drive on the right; “The post office has now been closed until further notice. Cable & Wireless open for distress cables only … Two armed guards on duty at the counter aged about eighteen, very dirty and fed p; gave one a cigarette.”

[lordroel]

Day 5 of the Falklands War, April 6th 1982

Margaret Thatcher writes to President Reagan; “I seek your personal backing for the urgent introduction of economic and financial measures against Argentina. I am already approaching our Community partners on this, since we are bound to consult together on many economic matters. But I very much hope that you will join us too. Coordinated action by the Community, the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand would bring home to Argentina the consequences of their illegal actions.”

In London, the British Cabinet meet again; “... the prime Minister explained that day-to-day political oversight was to be provided by a special Ministerial Sub-Committee of the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee (OD) on the South Atlantic and Falkland Islands (OD(SA)), which came to be known as the War Cabinet... Its terms of reference, as set down that day, were 'to keep under review political and military developments relating to the South Atlantic and the Falkland Islands, and to report as necessary to the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee.'

Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury sends his envoy, Terry Waite, to the Vatican with a request for the Pope to appeal to Argentina to obey international law; “The Archbishop believes the Pope has already done this privately but the Archbishop (whose Province includes the Falklands) believes that a public utterance by the Pope would have an impact on Argentinian opinion as it is a strongly Catholic country.”

A letter is smuggled out of the Falklands; “On behalf of the civilian population of the Falkland Islands, we, the undersigned Civil Servants and Administrators, request that a protecting power be appointed to help to arrange the temporary evacuation of the civilian population of these Islands under the terms of the Geneva Convention. We further request the immediate dispatch to Port Stanley of an Observer from that power.”

In Stanley, the Argentines demand that all civilians must carry identification documents and that all local (ham) radio transmissions must cease with the equipment to be handed over to the military forces. “… now all communication between Camp settlements is cut off, resulting in complete isolation from each other and from Stanley.”

The US Embassy in London provides its view to the Department of State in Washington; “So far our performance has been highly rated. But memories of Suez are just below the surface, especially in the Conservative Party. We cannot be sure HMG will do our bidding if we simply tell them to stop. They already fear being presented with an ultimatum by us, tying their hands militarily when diplomatic options fail. But they are anxious to have our help, knowing that probably only we have the weight to achieve a diplomatic solution. Indeed, their pugnaciousness aims in part to get us to act.” 

Costa Mendez speaks to Kamanda, the President of the Security Council, to say that while Argentina respects SCR 502, the British Task Force is clearly in breach of the call for a cessation of hostilities, Parsons responds that SCR 502 is clear and that Britain will negotiate when Argentine forces are withdrawn. 

America's Bureau of Intelligence and Research submits an analysis; “The British fleet will reach the Falkland area around April 20. We believe that Thatcher will be under heavy pressure to order it into action if no compromise has been negotiated or is in prospect. She will not have the option of delaying indefinitely while diplomatic efforts continue. The effectiveness of the fleet, far from its maintenance bases, will rapidly deteriorate after its arrival on station. Her damaged leadership could not survive a futile “voyage to nowhere

In the USA, the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs submits a “Military Analysis” to Secretary Haig which; “.. concludes that the UK naval force could inflict high casualties on the Argentinian Navy and possibly retake some territory, but recovering the main territory of the Falklands would be extremely difficult.”

[lordroel]

Day 6 of the Falklands War, April 7th 1982

Britain's War Cabinet (OD(SA)) meet in London. Part of the discussion focuses on how to remove the nuclear depth charges from the ships carrying them before they are engaged in combat operations.

Foreign Secretary Francis Pym addresses the House of Commons; “The whole House and the country is struck by the appalling nature of the aggressive action the Argentine regime has committed… The British ambassador in Buenos Aires and most of his staff are being withdrawn. ... A small British interests section will continue to work in the Swiss embassy, and we are most grateful to the Government of Switzerland, who are most expert in these matters, …. What we in Britain must now do, with the support and backing of all freedomloving countries right across the world, is to see to it that Argentina's illegal and intolerable defiance of the international community and of the rule of law is not allowed to stand.”

A 200 mile 'maritime exclusion zone', to take effect on the 12th, is declared by the British Government; “From the time indicated, any Argentine warships and Argentine naval auxiliaries found within this Zone will be treated as hostile and are liable to be attacked by British Forces. This measure is without prejudice to the right of the United Kingdom to take whatever additional measures may be needed in exercise of its right of self-defence, under article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

SS Canberra is requisitioned as a troop carrier by the British Government.

The US State Department announces that the President has; “... directed Secretary of State Haig to continue consultations with the Governments of the United Kingdom and Argentina on the interests of assisting both parties in the search for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in the South Atlantic.”

Argentina's new Governor, Brigadier General Benjamin Menendez, flies to the Falklands.

US Department of State, Confidential Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) analysis

"Argentina's invasion of the Falkland Islands puts at risk Thatcher's own position." [….]

"If Thatcher fails to redeem her reputation and the Nation's honor, she could be finished as a Tory leader and Prime Minister." [….]

"During the next two weeks, Thatcher will search for a political solution that does not appear to reward Argentine aggression … [T]he British insist on principle that an Argentine withdrawal must form a part [of a diplomatic solution] … On the diplomatic front, the British will look to their allies to help pressure Argentina economically and politically."

[lordroel]

Day 7 of the Falklands War, April 8th 1982

Operating rights allowing Argentine Airlines to fly into London are suspended. Australia bans Argentine imports; “Mr. Fraser said that his Government would not have done this for any other country in the world. They had done so because it was Britain and Mrs Thatcher who were concerned.”

Britain's Chiefs of Staff propose an operation (Paraquet) to retake South Georgia before the end of the month; “... the Defence Staff have drawn a distinction between an operation against South Georgia (which they regard as certain) and operations against the Falkland Islands (which they regard as subject to parallel political or diplomatic activity).”

Alexander Haig arrives in London, the first stop in his 'shuttle diplomacy', attempt to mediate.

Before the arrival of Secretary Haig, PM Thatcher is briefed; “... you should be aware that the United States intelligence agencies are helping and supporting our own intelligence effort with unreserved openness and generosity. Mr. Haig himself has assured Sir Nicholas Henderson that if there is anything we need in the area of covert support and assistance we have only to ask. Profiting from this, a telegram of requests has already gone over to Washington.”

The Prime Minister meets Alexander Haig at 7.30pm. During the discussion Secretary Haig admits that, although it failed to see the invasion coming, British intelligence had put together a compendium that was; “ .. much better than anything which the United States had compiled.”

At the UN, Argentina condemns the 200-mile maritime exclusion zone announced by the UK; “... Roca, denounced this as a blockade and so an act of aggression as defined in Article 3 (c) of General Assembly 3314 (XXXIX). The response was that this was not aggression as Britain was not the first to use force and could not blockade its own territory,” Roca adds that his country are also entitled to exercise a right of defence under Art.51 of the Charter.

A Washington Post article states; “Argentina will have to give first, for Britain is determined, as it must be, that the English-speaking Falklanders choose their own fate and affiliation. At issue is not so much a disputed claim to abstract sovereignty as the principle of negotiated self-determination on which Britain's peaceful dissolution of the Empire has been based since World War II.”

US Department of State, Confidential Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) analysis

"According to Embassy London… Tory moderates and Foreign Office are concerned that Prime Minister Thatcher has been listening largely to the Ministry of Defense, especially senior naval officers, and may not adequately be considering non-military options." [….]

"[U.S. Buenos Aires] Embassy Comment: British pressure has made the Argentines more disposed to negotiate than they were four days ago. As the British fleet approaches, the fear to appear cowardly could make the Argentine's position intractable. While concessions on the rights of the Falklanders are possible, agreement to withdraw in return for renewed negotiation on the transfer of sovereignty would be unlikely, though still conceivable. The Argentines would be unlikely to accept the US as a mediator if we participate in the British sanctions against them."