Reagan apologizes to Thatcher in newly released tape

LONDON -- So sorry we kept it a secret. That was Ronald Reagan's message to Margaret Thatcher when U.S. troops invaded Grenada in 1983 without telling the British leader first.

The American president called the British prime minister as the invasion unfolded to apologize for keeping her in the dark, saying "I'm sorry for any embarrassment we caused you."

He said in a secret White House tape made public Monday that he feared possible leaks on the U.S. side that could have endangered the operation.

Reagan goes out of his way during the conversation to assure Thatcher that he had not shut her out over fears the British would leak the information.

He said the caution came about because of a "nagging problem" with leaks in the U.S.

"If I were there, Margaret, I'd throw my hat in the door before I came in," a contrite Reagan told Thatcher, according to the recording, which was posted on the Margaret Thatcher Foundation website.

The saying refers a 19th-century practice in which a visitor would toss his hat before entering a room to gauge whether he was welcome or not.

The British prime minister seems understanding in the call while accepting Reagan's apology.

"The action is under way now and we just hope it will be successful. There is a lot of work to do yet, Ron," Thatcher said.

In the end, Reagan's charm seems to have carried the day. Thatcher thanked him profusely for the call, and asked about his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Thatcher ended the call because she had to return to a "tricky" debate in the House of Commons.

"All right," Regan said. "Go get 'em, eat 'em alive."