285. Memorandum From Secretary of State Haig to President Reagan1
SUBJECT
- British Landing on Falklands May 21
Nicho Henderson has just given me a readout on the results of the operation today in the Falkland Islands.
As of 7:30 p.m. this evening, Henderson reports the following Argentine losses: Nine Mirages, Seven A–4s; two Pucara close ground support aircraft and two helicopters. British losses from a substantial Argentine air effort were: One Harrier, two Gazelle helicopters and five vessels damaged, including two frigates which were hit seriously but are now under tow.
The British, according to Henderson, are optimistic. They consider their losses as minimal given the high risks they ran with this operation. A beachhead, with a large force, has been established on East Falkland Island at San Carlos Cove where they now plan to operate their Har [Page 603] riers. (San Carlos is on a sheltered bay and has a 600-meter grass airstrip.)
Heavy Argentine air attacks are expected tomorrow on the British Task Force.
- Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Latin America/Central, Argentina (05/21/1982–06/15/1982). Confidential. Reagan initialed at the top right-hand corner of the memorandum, which was received in the White House at 11:41 p.m.↩