Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

Reagan apologizes to Thatcher for Grenada invasion in new tapes

-

Former US president Ronald Reagan personally apologized to Margaret Thatcher after US troops in 1983 secretly invaded Grenada, a Commonwealth island state in the Caribbean, according to newly-released tapes.

The US president apologized for any "embarrassment" caused to the British premier, who was not informed in advance about the mission to topple the island state's Marxist government.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the Commonwealth, a grouping of nations which includes several Caribbean island states such as Grenada.

"We regret very much the embarrassment that's been caused to you," the US leader said during the call in which the famously close leaders referred to each other by their first names.

"If I were there, Margaret, I'd throw my hat in the door before I came in," he said to Thatcher, using an old US saying based on a visitor throwing his hat inside a home in case he was unwelcome and it was thrown out.

"There's no need for that," Thatcher replied in the 10-minute conversation.

The conversation was disclosed in archive tapes released by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Former US President Ronald Reagan shakes hands with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ...
Former US President Ronald Reagan shakes hands with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at his home in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 1995
Mike Guastella, AFP/File

The call was apparently made as the military invasion was still underway. "We think that the military part of it is going to end very shortly," Reagan said at one point.

Explaining the need for utmost secrecy about the 1983 operation, Reagan said they were concerned about Cuban authorities getting wind of the invasion plan.

"We were greatly concerned because of a problem here ... we've had a nagging problem of a loose source, a leak here," he said.

There were some Cuban military forces on the island who did battle with the invading US forces during several days of heavy fighting.

The US invaded Grenada as part of its Cold War fight against the spread of Communism around the world.

The invasion was launched after a revolt within the Marxist government that Washington said put US students on the island in danger. A western-friendly leader was installed after the US victory.

The Reagan conversation ended on a cordial and upbeat note.

Thatcher asked after Reagan's wife Nancy, saying "Give her my love" -- and then said she had to get back to a "tricky" House of Commons debate.

"Go get 'em. Eat 'em alive," said the US president as the pair signed off.

Former US president Ronald Reagan personally apologized to Margaret Thatcher after US troops in 1983 secretly invaded Grenada, a Commonwealth island state in the Caribbean, according to newly-released tapes.

The US president apologized for any “embarrassment” caused to the British premier, who was not informed in advance about the mission to topple the island state’s Marxist government.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the Commonwealth, a grouping of nations which includes several Caribbean island states such as Grenada.

“We regret very much the embarrassment that’s been caused to you,” the US leader said during the call in which the famously close leaders referred to each other by their first names.

“If I were there, Margaret, I’d throw my hat in the door before I came in,” he said to Thatcher, using an old US saying based on a visitor throwing his hat inside a home in case he was unwelcome and it was thrown out.

“There’s no need for that,” Thatcher replied in the 10-minute conversation.

The conversation was disclosed in archive tapes released by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Former US President Ronald Reagan shakes hands with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ...

Former US President Ronald Reagan shakes hands with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at his home in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 1995
Mike Guastella, AFP/File

The call was apparently made as the military invasion was still underway. “We think that the military part of it is going to end very shortly,” Reagan said at one point.

Explaining the need for utmost secrecy about the 1983 operation, Reagan said they were concerned about Cuban authorities getting wind of the invasion plan.

“We were greatly concerned because of a problem here … we’ve had a nagging problem of a loose source, a leak here,” he said.

There were some Cuban military forces on the island who did battle with the invading US forces during several days of heavy fighting.

The US invaded Grenada as part of its Cold War fight against the spread of Communism around the world.

The invasion was launched after a revolt within the Marxist government that Washington said put US students on the island in danger. A western-friendly leader was installed after the US victory.

The Reagan conversation ended on a cordial and upbeat note.

Thatcher asked after Reagan’s wife Nancy, saying “Give her my love” — and then said she had to get back to a “tricky” House of Commons debate.

“Go get ’em. Eat ’em alive,” said the US president as the pair signed off.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

Tech & Science

Under new legislation that passed the House of Representatives last week, TikTok could be banned in the United States.

Social Media

Wanna buy some ignorance? You’re in luck.

Life

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest often suggest travel destinations based on your likes and viewing habits.

Business

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier was reviewing recent incidents and would redouble safety initiatives as needed - Copyright AFP Logan CyrusUnited...