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Margaret Thatcher which Charles Haughey at 10 Downing Street PA Wire/PA Wire/Press Association Images

After Falklands invasion, Thatcher sought Haughey’s ‘urgent help’

Suggestions that Ireland would not support British efforts to ostracise Argentina after its invasion of the Falklands in April 1982 were met with warnings from diplomats in London.

THE INVASION OF the Falkland Islands in the spring of 1982 would have a significant impact on Anglo-Irish relations during the course of the summer.

Days after the Argentine forces landed on the tiny islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, asserting their control over its 2,500 or so residents, the British government attempted to gain international support for a series of sanctions on Argentina, then under the control of a military junta.

As a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council and a close neighbour of Britain, Ireland was seen as a crucial country to have on board.

By mid-April the government here had voted in favour of the UN Security Council Resolution 502 which condemned the hostilities and demanded an immediate Argentine withdrawal from the islands.

But with Argentina continuing to act in defiance of the UN resolution, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wrote to Taoiseach Charles Haughey asking for his “urgent help” in bringing through further sanctions through the European Economic Community (EEC) of which both countries were members.

She said that Argentina’s defiance of a Security Council resolution, adopted on 3 April, was “unacceptable” and said that “all available means” should be used to pressure the Argentines.

Thatcher letter

“Economic and financial measures would have a particularly powerful impact,” she wrote, adding: “I now seek your personal help to bring about the urgent introduction of economic and financial measures against Argentina by national action coordinated among us”.

1982 State Papers: Thatcher letter to Haughey (page 1)
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  • 1982 State Papers: Thatcher letter to Haughey (page 1)

  • 1982 State Papers: Thatcher letter to Haughey (page 2)

  • 1982 State Papers: Thatcher letter to Haughey (page 3)

  • Thatcher response to Haughey

In the letter Thatcher outlined three proposals including a complete ban on the supply of arms and military material to Argentina, an embargo on all goods from Argentina, and an end to credit export guarantees with Argentina.

“I know that these measures will affect your own economic interests. But if they are taken rapidly, with the widest possible solidarity among our partners, they should bring the Argentine Government to their senses,” she wrote.

Already Ireland had been warned in a memo from its embassy in London on 7 April of the considerable backlash it could face if it did not support Britain’s efforts to bring about an effective shunning of Argentina for its actions in the Falkands.

British public anger was “inflamed to a degree that has not been witnessed since Suez” the government was told with the message going on to say: “There is great support for a strong reaction by the government, including if necessary the use of military force.”

The government was warned by its embassy in London of a significant consequences of not endorsing the British stance, the message going on to say: “The effects on Anglo-Irish relation would be incalcuable and the progress made in recent years in achieving closer cooperation between London and Dublin would be put at risk”.

It also warned that Irish community would be targeted and that Irish exports could be affected and that “boycotts could not be ruled out”.

‘Display of political good-will’

A day earlier on 6 April, a detailed memo from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the government outlined the requests and concerns of the British government through its embassy in Dublin.

Specifically, the British were looking for sanctions against Argentina which were both bilateral and within framework of the European Economic Community as the EU was then known including the ban on military exports and withholding export credit guarantees.

The memo outlined the impact of the stance Ireland took on its relations with Britain.

“Whatever about the merits of the dispute (and in this we have taken, over the years, a stance which favours the ceding of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands to Argentina) It is a fact that Argentina has acted in defiance of the Security Council,” the memo said.

In its recommendations, the memo noted that acceding to the British request could “if not immediately, at least in the long term” be turned to Ireland’s political and economic advantage.

It concluded that there was “more to be gained… from a display of political good-will combined with cautious co-operation in the economic field, than from appearing to be negative or unduly dilatory”.

‘Deeply grateful’

Having received Thatcher’s letter and deciding to press ahead with supporting EEC sanctions Haughey sought to convey his wish for a “diplomatic solution” in a letter dated 16 April.

He said: “Let me assure you of my government’s continuing readiness to help insofar as we can in advancing a resolution of the crisis and the achievement of an honourable and enduring settlement.”

Thatcher later wrote to Haughey telling him how “deeply grateful” she was for the part he played in securing sanctions against Argentina:

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But the Irish government's position in relation to the Falklands War would change considerably in a matter of weeks following the controversial sinking of the Argentine navy ship, the Belgrano, at the beginning of May.

Read more about the State papers and Ireland's response to the Falklands War on TheJournal.ie tomorrow

For further study, see National Archive Reference Nos: 2012/90/866-875; 2012/59/936; 2012/59/16-17;2012/59/66-68; 2012/59/71-72

Explainer: What’s going on in the Falkland Islands?

Read all of TheJournal.ie's stories on the 1982 State papers, just released>

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    Mute Sorcha Ní Shúilleabháin
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    Mar 25th 2016, 8:30 PM

    These individuals are not fit to be guests on the Jerry Springer Show let alone hold the presidency of a country!

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    Mute Drew TheChinaman :)
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    Mar 26th 2016, 3:14 AM

    They could be Jeremy Kyle material though…

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    Mute sparky
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    Mar 25th 2016, 8:34 PM

    You’d think the first thing he would be doing is filing a law suit against the article.

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    Mute Tony Canning
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    Mar 25th 2016, 10:17 PM

    He probably is

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    Mute Rob Kennedy
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    Mar 26th 2016, 9:23 AM

    If he doesn’t sue = guilty. Trump did his homework. Clinton is in for some abuse.

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    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
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    Mar 26th 2016, 10:43 AM

    “Guilty” implies that it is illegal to cheat on your spouse. It is not.

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    Mute liam
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    Mar 26th 2016, 11:38 AM

    I hate this aspect to politics in some countries, mainly in the English speaking world. Unless you plan on marrying Ted Cruz, who cares if he cheats constantly on his wife or not? If you’re considering him as a potential political leader rather than a potential future spouse, surely it’s his policies rather than his fidelity with which you should be concerned. When Hollande’s extramarital dalliances were released in the French media, the French public rounded on the publications immediately, and insisted their president’s personal life should remain private – the yanks, and often ourselves, could learn a lot from that attitude.

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    Mute Paul Mc Manus
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    Mar 25th 2016, 9:00 PM

    Great entertainment, these lads.

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    Mute Al Ca
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    Mar 25th 2016, 8:39 PM

    Com’on Ted….don’t do the Facebook thingy, sue Trump…isn’t that the American thing to do when they make false accusations.

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    Mar 25th 2016, 10:24 PM

    How would he sue Trump for something printed in the National Enquirer?

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    Mute domas1507
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    Mar 25th 2016, 8:35 PM

    If Cruz wants to become president he should probably do what most intelligent people do and ignore whatever his name is

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Mar 25th 2016, 9:24 PM

    Any wonder more and more people are becoming disillusioned with politics.

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    Mute Owen McDermott
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    Mar 25th 2016, 8:45 PM

    Trump trumps the competition!
    Brilliant.

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    Mute Michael J
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    Mar 25th 2016, 9:02 PM

    Why couldn’t we have an election like that instead of the boring shite we got? People can slag Trump off but the difference between him and other politicians is that he’s telling the truth and they don’t like that.

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    Mute domas1507
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    Mar 25th 2016, 9:22 PM

    Donald Trump speakes the truth? Hey generalises whole population’s to further his own agenda. He has countless failed businesses he mocks people with disabilities he counts on ignorance for support. If that’s the truth you are seeking you will die a happy man I’m sure

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    Mute Michael J
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    Mar 25th 2016, 9:50 PM

    I have absolutely no idea what your argument is.

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    Mute domas1507
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    Mar 25th 2016, 10:15 PM

    Point proven I think

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    Mar 25th 2016, 10:32 PM

    Argument should be Trump does not tell the truth. In fact he will take any position if he thinks it will get him votes. He is very talented at playing to the media and at speaking to people who are disillusioned with the American political system but happy not to look past the sound bite. He plays on people’s fears and exacerbates their prejudices. Blame Muslims, blame Mexicans, blame Democrates, Obamas to blame. Easier to blame others and allude to a simple solution that will make their lives easier. Scary that people are thick enough to drink the Kool aid.

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    Mute Michael J
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    Mar 25th 2016, 10:51 PM

    Maybe it’s because he actually listens to the disaffected American people and isn’t one of these leftie liberals who just tell people what to do. Latino immigrants are taking American jobs. You can’t say that. It’s racist. Mexicans are drug pushers. More racism. Muslims are shielding terrorists. That’s bigotry. Russia is the enemy of the free world. Please don’t make Putin angry. It’s this liberal rubbish that has put IS terrorists and foreign criminals in the heart of all our major European cities. Trump is someone who listens to the Americans who are saying enough is enough and his policies are going to take him all the way to the White House.

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    Mute Richard Cheney
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    Mar 25th 2016, 11:05 PM

    What an odd world view you have.

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    Mute thejynxeffect
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    Mar 25th 2016, 11:22 PM

    He’s right, Trump is going to win. I look forward to an American president that won’t use a politicians filter. He touches on subjects that most would never dare. That has to be a good thing.

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    Mute Damien Kelly
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    Mar 25th 2016, 11:30 PM

    “Mexicans are Drug pushers. That’s racism” – yes that statement could not possibly fit the definition of racist more perfectly. I don’t disagree though that there are issues to be dealt with – illegal immigration, terrorism etc but lets say for a second that Trump believes what he’s saying and implements his policies- build a wall to eliminate the Mexican drug pushers and rapists. Walls have worked well in Israel and Germany in the past and obviously there are no rapists or drug dealers amongst the non Latino races.. – ban Muslims from America. Hmmm what if the nasty terrorists were smart enough to lie about their religious beliefs not to mention the effect even suggesting this as a legitimate tact has on the majority of the worlds Muslims who are non radical!! – bomb the sh*t out of Isis. We’ll just wait for the stateless organisations leaders to all get together so we know where to send the jets will we?

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    Mute Michael J
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    Mar 26th 2016, 12:07 AM

    You don’t disagree there are problems to be dealt with. You just don’t have the balls to actually tackle them because it might offend people. You and the rest of the liberals. It’s no surprise that right wing parties are becoming more powerful across the Western World. Politics has become polarised. You either stand up for yourself or bend over and take it.

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    Mute Richard Cheney
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    Mar 26th 2016, 12:19 AM

    Well the far-right do love dragging us all into a good war every couple of decades.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Mar 26th 2016, 1:10 AM

    Socialism is about looking out for one another, Capitalism is about becoming a fat cat at the expense of your fellow citizens. Materialism is huge at the minute, and everywhere you look people seem to be plugged into devices. I wonder what kind of species are we becoming. We will suck this planet for everything it’s worth before we move on, but maybe that’s the plan. As long as we pass on the right message.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Mar 26th 2016, 1:17 AM

    Materialism and bling has always been huge, people have always been saps.

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Mar 26th 2016, 1:21 AM

    Love this site, pretty good at wading through the key points. Basically Trump isn’t telling the truth 3/4 of the time http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/

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    Mute Rosie is very PC
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    Mar 26th 2016, 8:24 AM

    “Latino immigrants are taking American jobs”

    Were those jobs in the farmers fields picking crops in Alabama that the locals couldn’t do? (Notice that I didn’t type wouldn’t)

    Were those jobs in the abattoirs where the locals were demonstrating & the place ended up being raided ? Well those very same demonstrators ended up getting offered the jobs ? They didn’t last pi$$ing time .. True story.

    “Illegal immigrants pay an estimated $10.6 billion to state and local taxes in 2010, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)..On average they pay about 6.4% of their income in state and local taxes..”
    “Undocumented immigrants contribute more in payroll taxes than they will ever consume in public benefits.”

    Trump himself uses the HB1 visa that he wants to “get rid of ” but just last month, one of his companies, the elite Mar-a-Lago Club resort in Florida, applied to import 70 foreign workers to serve as cooks, wait staff and cleaners.There was a few hundred local AMERICANS (those jobs that he wants to protect ) that applied for the jobs but were turned down ..

    Trump is a hypocrite of the highest order..

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    Mute Chris Cantwell
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    Mar 25th 2016, 9:17 PM

    Can’t stump the trump

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    Mute Marc Power
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    Mar 25th 2016, 11:58 PM

    Doesn’t this umpa lumpa have some chocolate to make? .

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    Mute karl
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    Mar 26th 2016, 7:24 AM

    I’ve been watching the betting lads and for months hilary is the clear favorite to become the next president! She has always been about 1/3 and Trump waivers about 3/1 to 7/2 and over the years bookies rarely get it wrong… Good fun though watching those two goof balls..

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    Mute Killian Mahon
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    Mar 26th 2016, 12:35 AM

    I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

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    Mute Ogie Carbery
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    Mar 26th 2016, 10:13 AM

    Stay classy America stay classy

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