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Today in 1982, the surrender of the large Argentine garrison at Port Stanley to the British military concluded the Falkland Island War.

As I recall the original invasion of the Falklands was an attempt by the Argentine government to bolster support among their population.  Their loss caused the collapse of military rule after a ten year period and democratic elections in 1983.

You can easily find details online.

I have always wondered about American support for Britain.

U.S. Secretary of State Haig announced that the United States would prohibit arms sales to Argentina and provide material support for British operations. Both houses of Congress passed resolutions supporting the U.S. action siding with the United Kingdom.

The U.S. provided the United Kingdom with 200 Sidewinder missiles for use by the Harrier jets, eight Stinger surface to air missile systems Harpoon anti-ship missiles and mortar bombs.  The United States also supplied over two million gallons of fuel to the Brits

The U.S. passed on satellite imagery (which it publicly denied) and weather forecast data to the British Fleet

President Ronald Reagan approved the Royal Navy's request to borrow a Sea Carrier-capable ship if the British lost an aircraft carrier. The Navy developed a plan to help the British man the ship with American military contractors, likely retired sailors with knowledge of the ship's systems.

Historically our actions concerning Europe and the Western Hemisphere were based on the Monroe Doctrine.  Was this a departure or simply a matter of convenience?  





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