STATECRAFT, A MEMORABLE PRESENTATION/ASSOCIATION COPY INSCRIBED BY MARGARET THATCHER TO NEW ZEALAND'S BELOVED PRIME MINISTER

THATCHER, Margaret. Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World. (London): HarperCollins, (2002). Octavo, original black paper boards, original dust jacket.

First edition of the former Prime Minister's third book, a memorable presentation/association copy inscribed by her in blue ink on the title page to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, who served from 1984-89, "To David Lange, Margaret Thatcher," a fine copy.

Statecraft reaffirmed and expanded upon Thatcher's "long-held beliefs in a strong military, resolute statecraft, and alliance partnership with America." She shared with Ronald Reagan "a strong moral commitment to democracy, liberty, the rule of law, and other Western ideals" (Foreign Affairs).

This presentation/association copy is inscribed by Thatcher to David Lange, who served as prime minister of New Zealand from 1984 to 1989, and died in 2005. Lange is especially remembered for placing "New Zealand on the international map in a fashion which finally put paid to any lingering notion of dominion status. He turned on France, confronted the U.S., and grinned at Margaret Thatcher's threats. His country loved him for it" (Scotsman). "On assuming office, one of Lange's declared aims was an 'independent international affairs policy, made in Wellington, not in Washington or London.' Under the terms of the Anzus pact between Australia, New Zealand and the U.S., America had to gain New Zealand's permission for access to its ports by vessels that were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed. Lange supported the pact in principle; but when, in 1985, the Americans sought permission for a visit to New Zealand by USS Buchanan… he refused to allow the ship to dock because he was unable to gain assurances that the ship carried no nuclear weapons… In Britain, Thatcher criticized Lange's stand, but promised that trade with New Zealand would not be affected" (Telegraph). With 13 maps and eight pages of color photographic illustrations. Issued in English and American trade editions the same year. Recipient David Lange served as prime minister of New Zealand from 1984 to 1989, and died in 2005. Lange is especially remembered for placing "New Zealand on the international map in a fashion which finally put paid to any lingering notion of dominion status. He turned on France, confronted the U.S., and grinned at Margaret Thatcher's threats. His country loved him for it" (Scotsman). "On assuming office, one of Lange's declared aims was an 'independent international affairs policy, made in Wellington, not in Washington or London'" (Telegraph).

A fine copy.