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Falklands War surrender telex sold for £7250 at auction

A historic telex which spelt the end of the Falklands War has sold at auction for £7250- more than double the total it was expected to fetch.

Sent to the Government by commander of the British land forces, Major General Jeremy Moore, the telex declared that Argentine troops had surrendered. Britain formally declared an ending to hostilities six days later.

The item has been sold to an American buyer, who has opted to remain anonymous.


Maj Gen Moore’s message read:  “HQ LFF1 Port Stanley. In Port Stanley at 9 O'Clock pm Falkland Islands Time tonight 14th June 1982, Major General Menendes (sic) surrendered to me all the Argentine Forces in East and West Falkland, together with all their impedimentia.

“Arrangements are in hand to assemble the men for return to Argentina, to gather in their arms and equipment, and to mark and make safe their munitions. The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants. God Save the Queen. Signed JJ Moore. Msg ends.”


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The sale comes as thousands in Argentina and Britain remembered the 907 victims of the war, which begun 30 years ago this week.


Chairman of Bonhams auctioneers, Robert Brooks, said: “I am delighted that this rare historical document has excited such interest from around the world and has sold for a terrific price. Not since the Second World War had British territory been invaded by foreign force and then liberated following military action.

"Between April and June 1982 the world was thus mesmerized by the unexpected and extraordinary events unfolding in the South Atlantic," he added. "This remarkable document encapsulates perfectly the very moment of total surrender by Argentina's 12,000-strong occupying forces in the Falklands. The demand and eventual selling price for this slip of paper demonstrates well the power and value of provenance."

Bonhams said that the telex came to them from a “naval-related source”.