MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

1982 'MAN OF THE MATCH' returns to the Falklands.

Major General Julian Thompson, who as Brigadier Thompson played an important role in the recovery of the Falklands in 1982, told interviewers in Port Stanley recently that President Leopold Galteiri had taken a great 'gamble' in invading the Islands and not expecting a British response.

Major General Thompson who was declared 'Man of the Match' for his leadership qualities by Major General Jeremy Moore, who commanded the British land forces in 1982, returned to the Falklands for a 2 weeks visit, during which time he re-visited many of the battle sites made famous during the 10 weeks War.

Asked if he had any doubts that the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher would respond to the Argentine invasion, Major General Thompson said that he was 'convinced' that she would react in the way that she did.

In true Military fashion he said that he 'did not blame the Argentine soldiers who occupied the Islands in 1982 but blamed the people in Buenos Aires who sent them here'.

He reiterated the words of successive British Governments since 1982 saying that 'the sovereignty issue (of the Falklands) is not on the table for discussion'.

Major General Thompson who was accompanied by his wife Mandy on his recent Falklands visit, was hosted by Governor Donald Lamont and his wife to a special 1982 reunion dinner at Government House, to which several War veterans were invited. He also visited the King Penguin Colony at Volunteer Point.