Posted on 11/10/2014 11:42:22 AM PST by SeekAndFind
A recorded conversation between an apologetic Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher over the invasion of Grenada has been published for the first time.
"We regret very much the embarrassment that's been caused to you," the US leader said during the call.
Baroness Thatcher was angered that she was not consulted before the Americans invaded a Commonwealth state.
United States troops were sent to Grenada in 1983 to topple the Caribbean island's Marxist regime.
While US forces were still in action, the president phoned Lady Thatcher to explain the action he had taken.
"If I were there, Margaret," he said, "I'd throw my hat in the door before I came in."
The saying refers to an Civil War-era practice in which a visitor might throw his hat in to a room before entering - if he was unwelcome, it might be thrown out again or even shot at.
"There's no need for that," Lady Thatcher replied.
Reagan continued: "We regret very much the embarrassment that's been caused to you, and I would like to tell you what the story is from our end."
He explained that military commanders only had "a matter of hours" to mobilise the troops and that he was prevented from discussing it with her sooner because of security fears.
"We were greatly concerned because of a problem here - and not at your end at all - but here. We've had a nagging problem of a loose source, a leak," he told her.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
The telephone call is on UK Daily mail just now
Ronnie very apologic he seem he was in Thatcher doghouse for while LOL!
isn’t it nice to see a grown-up in the WH take responsibility for a change rather than blame everyone else??
The stark reality really sets in of how far we have fallen as a nation when you compare Reagan to the POS we now have as Potus...
Almost brings tears to my eyes....
“We’ve had a nagging problem of a loose source, a leak,” he told her”
I wonder if that leak was Ted Kennedy? or John “F”n Kerry (not sure if he was a Senator then)
Are you kidding me?
I felt much safer under Reagan back then, than I do now under this BOZO!
"It's all George Bush's fault!"
Oh, wrong president....
It wasn’t an apology for the invasion. It was an apology for lack of consultation prior to the invasion.
Reagan said he was dealing with a leak.
She said she had to deal with the same type of thing during the Falklands Invasion.
This was conducted by two adults who respected each other.
Again, this WAS NOT an apology for the invasion of Granada and resultant actions.
Exactly.
Thanks Cicero.
I met a cab driver in Granada that had been briefly detailed by the US Marines during the invasion. Pretty cool bragging rights if you ask me. He seemed pretty amused by it.
detailed? the marines cleaned his cab??
It is very likely the leak was on the UK end, and he was being nice to blame us.
The current poser would have studied it for months before acting. Reagan saw an opening and pounced. Sorted out the consequences later. What a contrast in leadership. Sad.
With a toothbrush, mister! Until it SHONE!
Or Patrick "Leaky" Leahy.
Colonel Oliver North had a lot to do with too.
She curtseyed to him beside his casket at the funeral...................
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.