May 24, 1982 – CBS World News Roundup – Gordon Skene Sound Collection –
May 24, 1982 – The Falkland Islands conflict/war. As Number 10 Downing Street put it: “All Diplomatic options are out and all Military options are in”.
As British troops came ashore, taking up positions and moving forward, fighting was now underway. Both sides were claiming victory and the war of words was in full throttle. The Military Junta of General Leopoldo Galtieri was claiming victories, turning back British forces and inflicting considerable casualties. London was reporting little opposition, numerous prisoners and complete occupation of the Falkland Islands within days.
The U.S., somewhere in the middle of all this, but since Galtieri refused U.S. efforts to mediate, turned their material support to the UK, was reporting British gains but also British losses in the form of sinking ships from Argentine air strikes. The news of the lost ships became a sobering indication that war was indeed taking place.
On this day, reports that British troops were moving south from the Beach head at San Carlos towards Darwin and Goose Green, with reports that the airfield at Goose Green had already been recaptured, but those reports were unconfirmed. In the latest action officially reported, The Defense Ministry reported at least 7 Argentine aircraft were shot down during raids on the British fleet the day before, with one British serviceman killed and 5 wounded. The BBC were reporting from the ground that British troops on shore at San Carlos were well dug-in and that it would be practically impossible for Argentine forces to counter that. Meanwhile, the news from Buenos Aires claimed the Argentines were continuing to beat back the British on the Falklands. The “Colonial Forces” as they were called were suffering setbacks and a great loss of lives. A Communiquè from the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Argentine forces had damaged two British Frigates and a transport ship, with reports that only one Argentine plane had been lost the day before. The Official News agency reported that ground forces had begun a large offensive against British troops who had gained a foothold at San Carlos. The Argentine news Agency Diario y Noticias reported a ship with wounded British soldiers had asked permission to enter the harbor at Montevideo Uruguay with claims the number of wounded were at least 100.
And the war of words and reports continued.
All that, and a lot more news from other places in the world on this May 24, 1982 as reported by The CBS World News Roundup.
