The Thatcher-Carrington Partnership

Abstract

Until Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in the spring of 1982, Thatcher gave no sign of being anything but a very ordinary prime minister as far as foreign affairs were concerned. Certainly, she enjoyed the reputation for having some robust opinions about world affairs, but they were indistinguishable from those of many ordinary Conservative party supporters and, arguably, just as cheaply held. The economy remained Thatcher’s priority, and she was content to leave foreign policy matters to the foreign secretary, Lord Carrington. This arrangement was widely judged, by herself included, to have been a great success.¹ Had not Carrington taken formal responsibility for the loss of the Falklands by resigning, it is likely that he would have continued as foreign secretary for a considerable period. After all, Geoffrey Howe held the position for a long time, even after his relationship with Thatcher had deteriorated.