A copy of the original telex announcing to the British government that Argentina had surrendered in the Falklands War is to go under the hammer.

Sent by the commander of the British land forces, Major-General Jeremy Moore, it states that the junta’s forces have laid down their arms and the Falkland Islands are “once more under the government desired by their inhabitants”.

The document is expected to sell for between £2,000 (€2,410) and £3,000 (€3,616)when it is auctioned by Bonhams on April 3, a day after the 30th anniversary of the start of the war.

It reads: “In Port Stanley at 9 o’clock p.m. Falkland Islands time tonight 14th June 1982, Major General Menendes (sic) surrendered to me all the Argentine Forces in East and West Falkland, together with all their impedimenta.

“Arrangements are in hand to assemble the men for return to Argentina, to gather in their arms and equipment, and to mark and make safe their munitions.

“The Falkland Islands are once more under the government desired by their inhabitants. God Save the Queen. Signed JJ Moore.”

The message was sent via special forces to the government communications headquarters on June 14, 1982 – six days before the hostilities officially ceased. It came to the auctioneer from what was described as a naval-related source.

Bonhams chairman Robert Brooks said: “This remarkable document encapsulates perfectly the very moment of total capitulation by Argentina’s 12,000-strong occupying forces in the Falklands.

“It is a rare find of great historical importance and will excite considerable interest from around the world.”