Word: thatcherism
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Falklands, the remote British colony that Argentina had invaded a fortnight earlier. Steaming at an estimated 18 knots, the armada was expected to be on station by midweek. Meanwhile, the government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had already stationed four submarines, three of them nuclear powered, inside a 200-mile "maritime exclusion zone" around the Falklands, and threatened to fire on any Argentine ship that challenged the blockade. Argentina must unconditionally withdraw from the Falklands, Thatcher insisted to the approval of 80% of her countrymen, or Britain would fight...
...Argentina. Instead, he flew to Washington and, despite his weariness, was at his desk at 8:15 on Wednesday morning. Shortly before 10, he went to the White House and for 50 minutes briefed Reagan on the state of the negotiations. After more telephone calls with Costa Mendez and Thatcher, Haig gamely announced that he would try again. From the tone of his statements, however, it was clear that he was as impatient with Britain's intransigence as he was with Argentina's. "The leaders of both countries have assured me... that they are prepared...
...Costa Mendez had convinced the Secretary of State that the Argentine government was ready to show some flexibility. Haig departed Buenos Aires on Easter Sunday with what he called "some specific fresh ideas." The next day, after an 18-hour flight, he landed in London, where he met with Thatcher, Foreign Secretary Francis Pym and Defense Secretary John Nott. Optimism over the "fresh ideas" quickly vanished, however, and the two sides spent most of the grueling eleven-hour talks doggedly searching for common negotiating ground. "We made some progress," said a visibly fatigued Haig when he emerged from...
...recall the task force; 2) end the blockade; 3) restore normal economic relations; and 4) leave the Argentine flag flying in the Falklands as a sign of Argentine sovereignty. The new conditions represented a major departure from the terms Haig had brought to London. When he reported them to Thatcher, the tired Prime Minister was furious...
This is still the third largest fleet in the world, trailing only the U.S. (500) and the Soviet Union (693). It is a well-trained force that is respected for its seamanship, flexibility and firepower. But it is due to shrink even more. The decision of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to strengthen Britain's nuclear deterrent by spending $14 billion for four Trident-armed submarines means that the navy will have to economize by reducing the overall size of its fleet. By 1985, 17 destroyers and frigates will have been taken out of commission, and as new surface units...