Mrs Thatcher writes to the Penguin News
The Prime Minister herself, Britain’s ‘Iron Lady,’ and the individual responsible more than any other for the British Victory in the Falklands, has written to The Penguin News. The letter from 10 Downing Street was dated 29 July 1982 and began:
Thank you for your letter of 20 July.
I do indeed read The Penguin News. Please continue to send it to me. You convey so vividly the atmosphere and flavour of the Falkland Islands and the splendid qualities of its people which we have so much cause to admire.
This week I received Lord Shackleton’s initial report on the economic future of the islands. We are studying it carefully and shall be applying our minds with speed and energy to its recommendations in the coming weeks. Meanwhile I follow with the closest attention all the work which is being done on the immediate and urgent task of rehabilitation. I know how much damage and distress has been caused by the events of these last few months and how much there is to be done to repair it. But things can and will be put right just as quickly as we can manage it.
You asked whether I intend to visit the islands. There is nothing I should like more and I shall try to do so one day when things have settled down.
Meanwhile, please convey to your readership my warm admiration for the courage and grit they have shown and my fervent hope and belief that sacrifices that have been made will be demonstrated, by the future quality of life on the islands, to have been worthwhile.
My best wishes to you all
Yours sincerely
Margaret Thatcher