With the Falkland Islands back in the news, Bonhams will soon be auctioning a copy of the original Falklands War Surrender Telex.
This document, announcing the laying down of arms by the Argentine Forces under General de Brigada Mario Menendez in June 1982, is to be sold at the auction house’s marine sale on 3 April.
The auction takes place immediately following the 30th anniversary of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands (2 April 1982).
Sent by the commander of the British land forces, Major-General Jeremy Moore, via Special Forces to the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) on 14 June 1982, the text of this document reads: ‘In Port Stanley at 9 O'Clock pm Falkland Islands Time tonight 14th June 1982, Major General Menendes [sic] surrendered to me all the Argentine Forces in East and West Falkland, together with all their impedimentia.
‘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.
‘The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants. God Save the Queen. Signed JJ Moore. Msg ends.’
The Chairman of Bonhams, Robert Brooks, 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 from around the world.’
www.bonhams.com
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