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Archive (Reagan Library)

Cold War: Thatcher letter to Reagan (inaugural congratulations) [unclassified]

Document type: Declassified documents
Venue: 10 Downing Street
Source: Reagan Library: NSA Head of State File (Box 35)
Editorial comments: Published elsewhere on this site (under "Speeches, etc"). Several sources record that President-elect Reagan was touched by the warmth of this message (eg, the diary of Sir Nicholas Henderson, British Ambassador to Washington).
Importance ranking: Key
Word count: 107 words
Themes: Foreign policy (USA), MT contacts with Ronald Reagan
Unclassified

Dear Mr. President,

May I send you my congratulations, and those of my colleagues in the British Government, on your inauguration as President of the United States. You face a formidable task of leadership at a dangerous time. But your inauguration is a symbol of hope for the Alliance, and you can depend on our confidence and support as we work together to meet the challenges of the 1980s.

I look forward to renewing our friendship when we meet in Washington next month, and to consolidating the close relationship between our two countries.

With best wishes
Warm personal regards,
Yours sincerely
Margaret Thatcher