2
Such a visit would almost certainly have been reported in the media and I think would have gone down well. We are all very much aware of Mrs. Thatcher's proposed visit to H.K. and China in September. Perhaps she could spare a few moments during her tour here to meet the widows and say a few words? This would be a lot more than what might be dreamed of by those concerned! Nevertheless, I note from Mr. Wiggins that all next of kin have been visited and I am very happy to learn this.
4
Perhaps, at this stage, Mr. Wiggins might wonder why I should be so anxious concerning the U.K. Government's image in the H.K. media. Our papers are quite widely distributed over the S.E. Asian area, not
From time to time just H.K., and therefore receive a good readership. U.K. does receive adverse criticism in the press over matters affecting H.K. e.g. the British Nationality Act and the increasing trade protectionism
The criticisms levelled at U.K. over the treatment practised by the E.E.C.
I feel it is of Chinese seamen in the Falklands were also quite harsh. important for our trade, as well as many other considerations, that the U.K. is seen by all in this part of the World to be fair, just and honourable. It is for this reason that I have approached you from time to time on matters which have showed us in an unfavourable light.
5
I now refer to paragraph 6 of Mr. Wiggins' letter in which he said the ships of the Task Force performed a remarkable role under adverse conditions, which enabled a successful landing ashore for 10,000 men with their equipment. I note he does agree there are lessons to be learned in the area of battle damage control. I think we all agree that the performance of our Armed Forces, at all levels, was magnificient probably one of our proudest victories. However, certain events took place, which must be carefully analysed:-
(1) An Exocet missile fired from 29 miles distance hit
one of our most up to date ships with pin-point accuracy and destroyed it.
(2) Although many enemy aircraft were shot down, a large
number of bombs hit our ships, but did not explode (reasons are currently unknown). If they had exploded we might have lost ten or more ships, plus many lives.
(3) Our ships were not designed to withstand the kind of
punishment that was meted out to them. The steel sides of our ships are very thin, the superstructures are of aluminum, in some cases, and the overall design is too light and frail to withstand a pounding.
(4)
The 'Falklands' type of battle is rather unique and is unlikely to be repeated in future.
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