HC Deb 29 November 1982 vol 33 cc18-9W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister to what extent, during the Falklands campaign, prepared ministerial and official statements were vetted to ensure that even an idiomatic translation into Spanish would not give a misleading impression in that language.

The Prime Minister

Statements by British Ministers and officials during the Falklands campaign were drafted with a view to achieving clarity in English and as far as possible in any other language into which they might be translated. Doubtless the hon. Gentleman will take into account the speed at which we were required to operate.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister what information about Argentine willingness to withdraw from the Falkland Islands and abide by United Nations Security Council resolution 502 was made available to Her Majesty's Government by the United States Government in the light of the meeting of the Argentine Army Committee in the evening of Saturday 1 May.

The Prime Minister

The details of our communications with the American Government during the Falklands crisis remain confidential. But it is a fact that the Argentines did not abide by Security Council resolution 502.