THATCHER MARGARET: (1925-2013) British Prime Minister 1979-90. T.L.S., Margaret Thatcher, one page, 4to, London, 24th March 1970, to Mr. B. Mason, on the printed stationery of the House of Commons. Thatcher informs her correspondent that she has been in touch with Board of Trade and summarises her discussions with them in four points, ‘(i). The flight was not properly authorised. (ii). A.E.A.S.A. had been warned repeatedly but appeared to take no notice of the warnings. (iii). There came a point of time when the warnings had to be put into operation. (iv). The Board of Trade is continuing to make efforts to trace A.E.A.S.A., through the link organisations, because of its allegedly illegal action. If and when they are successful, the documents will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for him to decide what action should be taken.’ In concluding Thatcher also adds that she has consulted with the Foreign Office and remarks ‘The release of the passport can, of course, be secured by repaying the debt to the Foreign Office’. Accompanied by four contemporary copies of letters and newspaper articles relating to a charter flight from New York to London in September 1969 which was cancelled by the Board of Trade, resulting in some students being stranded with little money and having to apply to the British Consulate for repatriation at a cost of £87.10.0 each and the surrender of their passports. A couple of small stains to the upper left corner of Thatcher’s letter, otherwise VG €125-150