A COPY of the original letter sent to the British government, via Hereford's elite SAS regiment, announcing the Argentine surrender in the Falklands War, is to go under the hammer.
The 'telex', which was sent by commander of the British land forces, Maj Gen Jeremy Moore, is expected to raise £2,000 at auction in April.
Dated June 14 1982, it describes the message as being “sent via Hereford” and informs Downing Street of Argentine Commander General Mario Menendez's formal surrender.
“Arrangements are in hand to assemble the men for return to Argentina, to gather in their arms and equipment, and to mark and make safe their munitions,” it says.
“The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants. God Save the Queen. Signed JJ Moore.”
The message was sent via the former SAS base at Stirling in Hereford to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which is based at Cheltenham.
It was sent six days before the hostilities officially ceased.
Robert Brooks, Chairman of Bonhams auctioneers, who are responsible for the sale, said: “This remarkable document encapsulates perfectly the very moment of total capitulation by Argentina’s 12,000-strong occupying forces in the Falklands.
“It is a rare find of great historical importance and will excite considerable interest.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here