Britain: And Now, Fortress Falklands

An official—and independent—report vindicates Thatcher

When paratroopers and Royal Marine commandos stormed ashore in the Falkland Islands last May, it was to engage in Britain's first major war since Suez. Twenty-four days later, the Argentine army surrendered. But the cost to Britain was high: 255 killed, 777 wounded and an estimated $1.4 billion worth of ships and equipment lost in combat. In addition, nagging uncertainties about the war have remained. Was it preventable? Had Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher failed to anticipate the Argentine threat? Did the Foreign Office goof? Was the Intelligence...

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