LONDON.- A copy of the original Falklands War Surrender Telex, announcing the laying down of arms by the Argentine Forces under General de Brigada Mario Menendez in June 1982, is to be sold at Bonhams Marine Sale on 3 April 2012. The auction takes place immediately following the 30th anniversary of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands (2 April 1982).

Sent by the commander of the British land forces, Major-General Jeremy Moore on 14 June 1982, the text of this document reads:

“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.”

The Chairman of Bonhams, Robert Brooks, says: “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. This remarkable document encapsulates perfectly the very moment of total capitulation by Argentina's 12,000-strong occupying forces in the Falklands - it is a rare find of great historical importance and will excite considerable interest from around the world."