The Reagan Diaries

by Ronald Reagan

  Tuesday, November 9

  Most of the day spent in preparing for budget discussions. More than 3 hours. A long NSC meeting also. Geo. Shultz has worked out the agreement with our allies re the Soviets—trade, credits etc. This is more effective than our pipe line sanctions so I’m going to lift those sanctions. The agreement is what we tried for before the sanctions—the sanctions have done their job.

  Lunched with V.P.—he and Barbara are off for Africa to visit a few states we need to handhold a bit.

  Wednesday, November 10

  Bud. Meeting—1st Drew Lewis on subject of 5 cent gas tax pledged to repair of hi ways and bridges. Then Dick Schweiker on medicaid and medicare. Hospital care is still on an inflation rate of 15%. These programs must be reformed or in a few years they will dominate the budget. In the afternoon 2 hours of preparing for press conference. Then at 5 P.M. Nancy and I went to the Nat. Cathedral where all day the reading of the names of those who died in Vietnam was going on. It was a moving experience—the familys, parents, widows and orphans go at the time they know the name of their loved one will be read.

  [Ceremony honoring Marine Corps anniversary. Thursday, November 11, Veterans Day: presented medal to holiday activist; budget session, more interest in new highway program; Phil Habib to return to Lebanon; report that Brezhnev died; Regan and Shultz presented plan for budget; press conference.]

  Friday, November 12

  A busy day. Met with an assorted group of families—wonderful people in the state dining room to sign the proclamation of family week—Nov. 21–28.

  Meeting in the Oval office with P.M. Ali of Egypt. He brought a good letter from Pres. Mubarak. The letter makes it plain that relations between Egypt & Israel are badly strained. My meeting with Begin had better result in his agreement to stop being so intractable.

  Lunch with Jack Kilpatrick. He tried to tell me of his visit to the new Vietnam Vets. memorial and started to cry. Had a meeting in the East room with a group of youth volunteers from all over the country. They were wonderful kids & lifted my spirits.

  Spent most of afternoon in another budget meeting. It’s going to be a battle but we must make deeper budget cuts.

  Rcvd. a warm message from Margaret Thatcher about the agreement we think we’ve reached with our allies re East-West trade. If nothing happens between now and tomorrow noon, I will announce the agreement—also the lifting of the pipe line sanctions.

  The Soviets have told us our funeral delegation should only be 3 people. So it will be the V.P., Secretary of State and our Ambassador. Incidentally, our allies have followed my lead—no heads of state will attend.

  Saturday, November 13

  To the Soviet Embassy to sign the condolence book for Pres. Brezhnev. There’s a strange feeling in that place—no one smiles. Well that is except Amb. Dobrynin. Back to the Oval office to do the Sat. broadcast. Then an emergency. With all 7 nations agreed on a uniform policy on E-W trade, something we’ve been after for a year and a half—we get word that Mitterrand has some objection. My script was written as an announcement of our agreement and that as a result I was lifting the pipeline sanction. The State dept. chickened and wanted me to go with a backup script on crime. I put in a call to Mitterrand—he was unavailable. I had in my hand Chancellor Kohl’s and Margaret Thatcher’s messages of joy over the agreement. I said to h--l with changing and did the announcement. Maybe Francois Mitterrand will get the message—& maybe the striped pants types at State will, too.

  Now we are off to Chi. for the memorial service to Loyal by the Am. College of Surgeons.

  It was a nice ceremony with several former associates, students etc. of Loyal’s speaking of him. It wasn’t easy for Nancy. […] Got word that George Shultz had swallowed something that stuck in his throat. He was hospitalized but word is he is alright. Also received word—Reuters is running a story that France has repudiated the E.W. trade agreement we’ve all (including France) just agreed to.

  [Sunday, November 14: watched morning panel shows; read Lou Cannon’s book, caught “a pot full of inaccuracies. All in all though his editorializing was friendly”; anticipated visit from German chancellor Helmut Kohl.]

  Monday, November 15

  More flack from Paris but we’re not answering. We’ve told them if they are reneging for any reason about the E.W. Trade agreement take it up with all of us—not just the U.S.

  Briefing for the Kohl visit. This will be my 5th meeting with him but now he is Chancellor of the Fed. Repub. of Germany.

  We had the full ceremonial on a raw, windy day. Our meeting was good. He is entirely different than his predecessor—very warm and outgoing. Mrs. Kohl is the same and very charming.

  We did hit it off and I believe we’ll have a fine relationship. No state dinner but a dinner for about 40 upstairs in our dining room. They felt very good about that and accepted it as something special.

  During the day I sandwiched in meetings with Lyn N. and another with John Tower re the MX. No doubt we’re going to have trouble—the Dems. will try to cancel out the whole system. It will take a full court press to get it. If we don’t I shudder to think what it will do to our arms reduction negotiations in Geneva.

  Tuesday, November 16

  A busy morning and then off to New Orleans to address the Nat. Savings and Loan convention. But 1st a briefing by Geo. Shultz on his meeting with Andropov at the Brezhnev funeral. He agrees now I was right not to go.

  [Flew to Miami. Wednesday, November 17: meeting with Florida supporters; cited Coast Guard and civic anti-drug efforts; returned to W.H.]

  Thursday, November 18

  Met with Senator Baker and Rep. Bob Michel. They weren’t as upset as I was prepared to see them re the ec. situation and the election. Still they predicted tough going for much of what I feel we have to do in view of the continuing unemployment & the projected budget deficits.

  Then an N.S.C. meeting about the MX and its basing mode. I know what my decision is but if I reveal it there will be a leak (d--n it) so I’ve taken it under study.

  Had my yellow fever shot for the S.A. trip after Thanksgiving.

  Friday, November 19

  Another budget review then met with members of the “General Advisory Comm. of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.” It was more ceremonial than anything—Judge Clark swore them in. I then told them we would not settle for an arms treaty just to have a treaty. If it wasn’t a good one, I’d told our team to walk away & leave it. Went over to the Chamber of Commerce studio & did one of their hook-ups (satellite TV) to 37 meetings across the country of builders & industrial leaders. Spoke to them and then took questions from several of the groups—all had to do with unemployment.

  Back to a Cabinet meeting on the budget. Our deficits are structural as well as recession caused. We have a built in increase in the budget which is automatic—we must deal with it. Finished up talking about trade and the coming G.A.T.T. meeting in Europe. There is a threat of protectionism widespread here & abroad. We must oppose it & strive for free trade.

  Ended the afternoon (early) on the S. Lawn with an exhibition by riders from the Spanish Riding School in Austria—with those beautiful and especially trained Lippizaner horses.

  One a stallion was presented to me—I accepted on behalf of the Am. People. The Austrian Ambas. & his wife & the Pres. of the Austrian C. of C were on hand. The Pres. of C. of C. Mr. Salinger is the actual donor of the horse. The whole thing was televised live to Austria.

  I felt sorry for the trooper whose horse I was accepting. The rider & horse are permanently assigned to each other so this has been his horse for almost 8 yrs.

  We then left for Camp David—had to finish the trip by car because of fog. Saw Clint Eastwood’s picture, “Honky tonk man.” He dies of T.B. in the end. Sat. night saw a picture in which the little girl dies at the end of Leukemia. It’s still too early for Nancy to be seeing things like that—the wound hasn’t healed. On my Saturday broadcast or before it I should say I did a voice che
ck & remarked the economy was in a h--l of a mess. The mike was opened to the press room—I’d been told it wasn’t. That night on the news—there I was being quoted on NBC, even played a sound tape. It was a cheap shot on their part.

  [Sunday, November 21: read most of the day; returned to W.H.]

  Monday, November 22

  A hectic day probably because I’m leaving tomorrow for Thanksgiving at the ranch. Nancy left today to spend a couple of days in Phoenix. I’m lonely.

  Started the day with last details on MX statement. Met with Cong. bi-partisan leadership on MX. Only outspoken against was Rep. Addabbo. He’ll cause trouble if he can. Tip was non-committal but Dem. Sen’s. like Scoop Jackson were supportive. We’re going to base the missile in Wyoming in what’s called Dense Pack.

  [Meeting regarding Reagan scholarships at Eureka College; televised speech on peace and arms reduction.]

  Tuesday, Nov. 23 is getaway day for ranch but before going I have asked our people to look into the 10% inc. tax cut slated for July 1st and see if I could order (without Cong.) cutting withholding by 5% on January 1st as an economic stimulant. It wouldn’t change the tax cut but would get some of it in the people’s hands early. Chase Manhattan lowered prime rate to 11½.

  Tuesday, November 23–Monday, November 29

  Off to the ranch. Nancy is in Phoenix—will join me Wednesday. Got to the ranch—it had rained but seemed to be clearing. Up Wednesday for a ride—had to stay on the roads—ground soft from rain. Nancy late getting to ranch—about 4 P.M. The day had been beautiful. Rode Thurs.—stayed on the roads again but the day was beautiful. Moon & Bess, Maureen & Dennis came for Thanksgiving dinner—no fireworks. Rode Fri. & Sat. mornings then Dennis LeBlanc & Barney and I worked in the afternoons cutting up a downed tree & splitting wood—lots of it. Sunday turned up foggy and wet—no ride—more wood cutting. Mon. sun came out but we were on our way to Wash. after I spoke to Nat. League of Cities in L.A. Sun. night Clint Eastwood came to ranch with a man named Gordon Wilson who is part of a small group trying to get P.O.W.’s out of Laos. Clint has contributed to this. I’m checking the group out with Bill Clark—right now it looks a little questionable.

  Tuesday, November 30

  [Flew to Brasilia, Brazil.]

  Pres. Figuereda was there to meet us with full mil. honors—review the troops etc. The motorcade to the Palacio de Alvarado was interesting. We drove on a deserted boulevard past miles of landscaped open space seeing city lights all around in the distance but no feeling of being in a city of 1½ million people.

  The Palacio was meant to be the President’s residence but he lives at his ranch. I don’t blame him. The Palacio is like a public building, not a home. You could believe it was an insurance co. H.Q.—extremely modern.

  Wednesday, December 1

  To the Palacio de Planalto for the meeting with the Pres. We hit it off very well as I knew we would from our meeting in Washington. Ambassador Motley interpreted. I told the Pres. I was there to seek his advice as to how we could realize my dream of an accord between the nations of S.A. & N.A. He responded instantly. […]

  We moved into a meeting with all his ministers & our Cabinet members. Arranged to have ministerial level meetings re all our problems on trade, nuclear, military, etc.

  Changed into riding clothes & went to his ranch. His home there is modest but his stables and horses are fantastic. He is a collector & showed great ingenuity in displaying sculpture, antique spurs, swords, etc.

  I rode a cross between a T.B. and a German Hanover—18 hands. A great horse—twice Nat. Champion in Brazil. He insists on giving it to me & I’m not about to refuse. Lunch was a B.B.Q. All in all, a great day.

  That night a reception for members of Cong. & then dinner.

  [Thursday, December 2: ceremonies and final meeting with president; flew to São Paulo; addressed business leaders; learned that MX bill passed in congressional committee.]

  Friday, December 3

  Off to Bogota Colombia. Had an advance copy of toast he would deliver at lunch. It was a little harsh with a tone of resentment toward the “Colossus of the North.” He has talked of recognizing Cuba & not being a satellite to U.S. etc.

  [Full honors in reception at airport.]

  At the palace he & I (plus interpreters) met alone. He spoke of previous visits by Am. Presidents (J.F.K. last) and how nothing came of it. This gave me a chance to say I came to ask questions—what were our problems and how could we solve them. Told him of my dream for the western hemisphere: That we had a common heritage of coming to this land from all over the world and that from pole to pole we worshipped the same God. He told me of his poor beginnings and I told him of mine. Then I pointed out—we were now the Presidents of our countries; that I wanted this kind of opportunity for everyone in all the Americas. By the time we did the farewell ceremonies at the airport, I believe we were real friends.

  We flew on to San Jose, Costa Rica. Same formal ceremonies. This was my 3rd meeting with Pres. Monge. I went on to Hotel Cariari where I had a meeting with Pres. Magana of El Salvadore. We spoke of need to emphasize their pursuit of human rights so we could continue to help.

  Saturday, December 4

  Up at 7 A.M. Helicoptered to Casa Presidencial for a very constructive meeting with Pres. Monge. Costa Rica is the oldest real democracy in S.A. They have no armed forces.

  On to Nacional Theatre where we each addressed an audience of civic and governmental leaders. When I started to speak a man in one of the boxes stood up and began to read a speech. The crowd called to him to stop but he kept on. The Pres. told me he was a communist deputy in their Parliament.

  Since I had a mike and he didn’t, I spoke. I told them I understood he was expressing the communist view point and this proved Costa Rica’s devotion to democracy that he could do this but, we, in turn would not be allowed to do the same in any country with a communist government. The crowd cheered and clapped and he sat down.

  The Pres. & I signed a new extradition treaty on stage. Then we went to a very nice lunch. Flew out that P.M. to Honduras where we were met by Pres. Suazo (had met him in Wash.) Had a meeting with him in the Base commanders office (We had landed at an A.F. base). Then he & I read statements to the press.

  Back to office & met with President Rios Montt of Guatemala. They are getting a bum press rap as a mil. govt. which makes it hard for us to help even though they are under constant terrorist attacks.

  I was greatly impressed by his presentation. We are going to give it real study.

  Then—home and mother (3 hrs. & 45 min. later).

  [Sunday, December 5: quiet day; reception for Kennedy Center Awards honoring George Abbott, Gene Kelly, Lillian Gish, Eugene Ormandy, and Benny Goodman.]

  Monday, December 6

  Spent almost entire day in meetings with Congressmen on MX—tomorrow is the day. Patti is here and I promised I’d meet Dr. Caldicott—the lady is a round the clock anti-nuke lecturer & writer. She seems like a nice, caring person but is all steamed up and knows an awful lot of things that aren’t true. I tried but couldn’t get through her fixation. For that matter, I couldn’t get through to Patti. I’m afraid our daughter has been taken over by that whole d--n gang.

  Tuesday, December 7

  The weather turned out fine for the official greeting ceremony for Pres. Zia of Pakistan. We got along fine. He’s a good man (cavalry). Gave me his word they were not building an atomic or nuclear bomb. He’s dedicated to helping the Afghans & stopping the Soviets. After our meetings—spent the day on the phone re the MX. No use—we took a beating 245 to 176—50 Republicans defecting. We had rabbits when we needed tigers. We still have a chance in the Sen. & then a conference committee. I really resent Chmn. Adabbo of N.Y. who honchoed killing the MX. No matter what he says he’s just plain against re-arming the U.S.—unless the weapons are built in New York.

  Then the State dinner—a fine toast by Pres. Zia. All in all a very pleasant evening.

  Wednesday, December 8
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  Had to move out of the Oval office—a van full of dynamite pulled up at the Wash. Monument. A character against nuclear power threatened to blow it up. Security figured the windows here might go so everyone worked in the other side of the building. Held lunch for Bill Veritys task force in the entry lobby of the W.H.

  [Meetings with representatives of the Council on Humanities and later with House Ways and Means Committee regarding the Caribbean Basin Initiative.]

  Watched Cong. on TV—Addabbo couldn’t kill the B-1 but he tried. I’ve never heard such pious hypocrisy from him & his storm troopers—especially Jim Wright. Late word—they killed the man in the van & disarmed the charges. We’ll sleep in our own bed.

  Thursday, December 9

  [Meeting with Dick Wirthlin on public perception of administration; Cabinet Council meeting on a plan to aid farmers using surplus grain.]

  Lunch with Habib—I told him he’d have to let Begin & Sharon know that their intransigence could cost them our long time relationship and support. Lebanon has asked them to leave so there is in effect an occupation army against the wishes of Lebanon.

  [Gave HUD awards to local officials for using partnerships to spawn programs; interviewed by two reporters from People, “Thought they’d be birds of prey—they seemed very nice and it was a pleasant time”; met March of Dimes poster boy; Senate dinner at the Library of Congress.]

  Friday, December 10

  A busy day—signed two human rights proclamations before a group in East Room—rather emotional—one re Poland.

  [Taped a Christmas story before a group of children; met with General Edward Rowny, chief negotiator and head of the U.S. Delegation for Arms Control Negotiations, with Senators Henry Jackson (D-WA) and John Stennis (D-MS) on the MX; group from University of Alabama establishing Reagan chair in communications; press availability; conference with three Republican governors on budget; went to Camp David. Saturday, December 11: spent most of the day in front of the fire; radio broadcast; photo session; watched Sophie’s Choice (1982). Sunday, December 12: phoned speech to Bridgeport, Connecticut; returned to W.H.; attended Christmas show starring Dinah Shore.]