BBC has published recording of the BBC Radio 4's the Today program when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher phoned in to comment on Mikhail Gorbachev’s decision to cancel his visit to Britain.  

Iron Lady contacted BBC Radio following the reports that Armenia earthquake (1988 earthquake in Spitak) prompted Gorbachev to cancel his visit.

Thatcher said they understand Gorbachev’s decision to go home amid the tragedy in Armenia.

“Mr.Gorbachev had to go home. Anything else would be unthinkable,” she said.