The Reagan Diaries

by Ronald Reagan

  Friday, October 28

  NSC—mainly on Grenada. Our forces have been wonderful & most effective. We’ve captured about 700 Cubans, most of the Grenada military has faded back into the population leaving weapons & uniforms behind. We’ve brought a great many Americans out, particularly our medical students from the St. Georges U. Medical School—they kissed the ground when they reached the U.S.

  We had a preliminary briefing on the upcoming trip to Japan & Korea. Then a budget review. We have only achieved ½ the savings we tried for & now our own agencies are asking for more money than we’d proposed. I think it’s time for a lecture.

  [Left for Camp David. Saturday, October 29: lunched with Marines and Seabees; took ride.]

  Sunday, October 30

  Watched the Sunday talk shows—subject Lebanon & Grenada. The press is trying to give this the Vietnam treatment but I don’t think the people will buy it. They are still whining because we didn’t take them on a guided tour the 1st day we were on Grenada. No mention of the fact that we’ve flown 180 of them onto the Island today. Just got a call—we’ve captured Austin—top villain on Grenada.

  Monday, October 31

  N.S.C.—Subjects Lebanon & Grenada. The attempt at reconciliation in Lebanon began in Geneva. Grenada is almost cleaned up—a little sniping here & there. We’re trying to get Don Rumsfeld to take Buds place in Lebanon.

  [Met with steel executives; signed appropriations bill for Health and Human Services and Department of Labor; report from Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) on his trip to El Salvador and Nicaragua, describing Nicaragua as the villain; social meeting with officers of UPI; videotapings; Maureen arrived for visit.]

  Tuesday, November 1

  Day began with G.O.P. Cong. leadership—a full Cabinet room. Last night the Repub. Sen. very irresponsibly refused to pass an increase in the debt ceiling which is necessary if we’re to borrow & keep the govt. running. After we gave them all a rundown on Lebanon & Grenada we took up the budget & the necessary legislation. I sounded off & told them I’d veto every d--n thing they sent down unless they gave us a clean debt ceiling bill. That ended the meeting.

  [NSC meeting and a brief on upcoming Japan trip; signing ceremony with Mrs. Reagan for National Drug Abuse Week.]

  Stu Spencer came by with a monster book (like an L.A. phone book)—it is the campaign book for if & when I declare. I’m supposed to read it.

  Cab. meeting on budget. I told them to go back & trim their ’85 budget requests some more.

  [Chat with Tom Vail, publisher of Cleveland Plain Dealer; ambassadorial formalities; visit from four-year-old boy with rare disease, let him sit behind the desk in the Oval Office.]

  Our Marines have set sail for Lebanon—from Grenada. On the way they stopped at a tiny island north of Grenada & cleaned out another warehouse filled with weapons & ammunition.

  Wednesday, November 2

  N.S.C.—Grenada is declared at peace. Hostilities officially declared over. The Marines are on their way to Lebanon & a number of Army Units are being withdrawn. On Jamaica, P.M. Seaga has ordered several Soviet diplomats ousted for planning to murder a govt. official there.

  Formal signing ceremony of bill naming Martin Luther King Jr. a nat. holiday. Mrs. King & the children were present as well as sizeable crowd. It went very well.

  [Desk work; met new members of press corps, Jim Hildreth of U.S. News & World Report, and Charlotte Saikowski of Christian Science Monitor.]

  Up to the gym—a massage & work on speeches for Japan & Korea.

  Thursday, November 3

  Don Rumsfeld came in—he will be our new envoy to Lebanon. That’s quite a sacrifice for him to make—a leave from his job as Pres. of Searle Corporation.

  Another briefing on the Asia trip.

  Met with Conservative Repub. Sens. who are playing games trying to come up with amendments to the debt ceiling bill. We must have that bill or govt. checks will start bouncing.

  [Further briefing from Lee Morgan and Dave Packard on Asia; James Roosevelt and others described plan to restore the former presidential yacht Potomac and open it as a museum; met with congressmen behind Radio Marti bill; met with winner of Hoover engineering medal; signed proclamation regarding diabetes; greeted people working regularly through industries organized for the blind, also leaders of International Baptist Movement; spoke to reunion of 1980 campaign.]

  Friday, November 4

  An early start for Camp Lejeune in N. Carolina: A memorial svc. for the Marine dead of Lebanon—the suicide bombing. It was a dreary day with constant rain which somehow seemed appropriate. All the ceremonies were outdoors rain or no rain. It was a moving service & as hard as anything we’ve ever done. At the end, taps got to both of us.

  The only indoor part was a receiving line meeting the families of the deceased. They were so wonderful, sometimes widows or mothers would just put their arms around me, their head on my chest & quietly cry. One little boy, 8 or 9, politely handed me a manila folder saying it was something he’d written about his father. Later when I could read it I found it was a poem entitled “Loneliness.”

  We helicoptered back to Cherry Point & there I addressed a crowd of Marines & families. Before leaving Lejeune I spoke briefly to the families I’d met in the line. That was ad-lib & the Lord was with me—the right words came. We flew back to Wash.—a few meetings & then to Camp David where it was snowing.

  Saturday, November 5–Sunday, November 6

  It snowed most of Sat. but the snow melted as it fell. Spent day on the briefing books for the trip. I think they tell me more than I need to know. A movie Sat. night that was d--n near pornographic. It was embarrassing.

  Sunday we flew out right after lunch. I think Security had some worries about a plot to rocket the M-1.

  [Phoned parents of soldier severely wounded in Grenada; met with Prime Minister Edward Seaga of Jamaica, “a staunch ally in the Grenada action.”]

  Monday, November 7

  [Staff and NSC meetings; assignment of troops to Grenada rebuilding effort; ceremony for Grenada soldiers and students rescued by them, noted, “Ten yrs. ago kids of the students age hated anyone in a uniform—remember Kent State? It was heartwarming, indeed thrilling to see these young people clasp these men in uniform to their hearts”; taped interviews for Japanese media.]

  A long luncheon meeting re contingency plans in event Iran tries to close Straits of Hormuz. All agree we can not let the Straits be closed. Then we touched on a touchy one. We believe we have a fix on a headquarters of the radical Iranian Shiites who blew up our Marines. We can take out the target with an air strike & no risk to civilians. We’ll meet 7 A.M. tomorrow as to whether we order the strike now or while I’m away.

  Long briefing on trip—my mind can’t hold all they are trying to pour into it.

  [Met with Philadelphia Urban Education Foundation; videotapings; packed for Asia trip.]

  Tuesday, November 8–Wednesday, November 9

  Off to Asia. A farewell ceremony in the East Rm., then Marine 1 to Andrews A.F. Base. Began the day however with a short meeting re a possible air strike in Beirut against those who murdered our Marines. Decided we don’t have enough intelligence info as yet.

  On my way, 7½ hours to Anchorage Alaska. There is a 4 hr. time change so it was only 11:30 A.M. but at this time of year it seemed like evening. We met with military & civilians 8,000 of them in a hangar. We were warmly received by the most enthusiastic crowd.

  On our way over the Pacific another 7½ hours to Tokyo. Before we left, U.S. learned that Geo. B. had cast a tie breaking vote in the Sen. to kill an effort to delete Binary (chemical) weapons from Defense bill. Later in flight got word Sen. passed Defense appropriation 86 to 6. We tried the new plan to minimize jet lag. We sacked out for 6 hours—didn’t sleep all of them. Then got up & had a brunch on what would have been lunch time in Tokyo. Arrived there at 2:15. Helicoptered to Akasaka Palace (their guest house) a magnificent French style castle. Hustled into my clam hammer mornin
g suit. The Emperor arrived for formal greeting, then we went to Imperial Palace for visit. Back to Akasaka for meetings with P.M. Nakasone. Day finally ended & had dinner in room, a massage & to bed.

  It was a funny sensation. Having crossed the international date line it was now Wed. & yet it was the same day we had left Washington.

  Thursday, November 10

  [Watched riding exhibition at Meiji Shrine with Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Nori.]

  We then went to the P.M. residence for meetings & a luncheon. Mid-afternoon got back to Akasaka for a nap then up & into White tie & tails. I met with a group of Japanese who have raised $1 mil. for the R.R. scholarship fund at Eureka College. Then stopped by an organization of Japanese & Am. businessmen.

  [State dinner.]

  Friday, November 11

  Addressed the Japanese Diet—1st U.S. Pres. ever to do so. Very well received. P.M. said no other head of state had ever received such applause. Then a reception for Diet leaders. Back to Akasaka for reception for Japanese & Am. press. Then helicoptered across city to the outskirts & landed at a school where we were greeted by 100’s of school children waving Am. flags. From there we motored up into the wooded hills to Nakasone’s hideaway—a tiny, typical Japanese home where we sat on the floor & had a real Japanese lunch.

  Back at Akasaka the Emperor came over to officially say goodbye.

  Our team had a short meeting to compare notes & see if we’d left anything undone regarding the problems we’d come to discuss. Then a meeting with our very fine Ambas. to the Philippines.

  [Taped Saturday radiocast; interviews with Asian media; met with U.S. servicemen and women.]

  The trip was a success. The Japanese had provided the utmost in security—22,000 men.

  Saturday, November 12

  A last goodbye with P.M. Nakasone & his very nice wife. We’re very fond to them. Then it was Marine 1 & Air Force 1 & off to Seoul, Korea—a 2 hour & 5 minute flight.

  [Formal greeting at Kimpo Air Base.]

  President Chun & I then went in one car, Nancy & Mrs. C. in another. Security here was overwhelming because of all the threats against me by the N. Koreans. The drive into town was fantastic—more than a million Koreans lining both sides of the streets waving Korean & Am. flags. Signs that said they loved us & seeing their faces you knew they meant it.

  Ambas. & Ceny Walker had moved out of the embassy residence so we could have it.

  Almost immediately we were on our way to address the General Assembly. There too we were well received. Then back to Blue House for meeting with the Pres. & a luncheon—really Korean. More meetings after lunch. Just a short time for a nap & change into tuxedo then back to Blue House for a State Dinner. On way stopped at Embassy to meet with a group of leading Koreans & Americans. Could only stay a few minutes—we were delayed because one of the bomb sniffing dogs acted up about an elevator shaft. Other dogs were brought in & didn’t act as if there was a problem. On to the State Dinner—a magnificent setting. My partner, Mrs. Chun. She is a most delightful person. She & Nancy buddied up like 2 school chums. Afterward Korean entertainment & it was magic, the grace & beauty of the performers was like nothing we’ve ever seen. I wish I could bring them to America.

  Sunday, November 13

  My day at the D.M.Z. We helicoptered into Camp Liberty Bell for an open air church service. We were less than a mile from N. Korean guns. The choir was made up of little Korean orphan girls. Our G.I.’s support & maintain the orphanage.

  After service we went through the gate into the actual zone—a white flag flying on our car. We went up onto a 500 foot promontory to Post Guard Collier. I met a patrol just going out. The zone is patrolled night & day. We could hear the North Korean loud speakers spewing their propaganda.

  After touring the bunker etc. we returned to Camp Liberty Bell where I addressed the troops. Then into the Mess to lunch with them. I’ve never been so proud. These men are the closest to an enemy of any Am. forces but their morale, their esprit de corps is unbelievable.

  [Drove to Korean base to watch karate demonstration.]

  Back to a worried Nancy for a little nap. I learned later that U.S. & Korean artillery was on alert to fire a barrage if the N.K.’s tried anything funny. Helicopter gun ships were standing by.

  At 6 P.M. went back to Blue House for final meeting between our 2 teams. Then back to the house for dinner & a massage.

  Monday, November 14

  [Met with American businessmen.]

  Then over to Blue House to pick up Pres. & Mrs. Chun. There is no doubt this was a most successful trip. The ride to the airport was again through crowds of more than 1 mil. people. Their happiness & affection was humbling.

  Nancy on Sunday had met 2 small Korean children both requiring open heart surgery. She met them through a wonderful woman, Harriett Hodges, who has found & delivered for the “save a life movement” more than 600 such children. Nancy was bringing them to Am. on A.F.1.

  [Flew home, a seventeen-hour trip.]

  At 2 P.M. a meeting re the same Beirut problem we’d discussed before the trip. We have some additional intelligence but still not enough to order a strike.

  The trip is over but I believe it was a 10 strike for the U.S. Both P.M. Nakasone & Pres. Chun have become fast personal friends & I return their friendship.

  Tuesday, November 15

  Back to the routine. Staff meeting—then G.O.P. leadership for a report by us on trip & then to hear from them on agenda. They are trying to adjourn on Friday but have a h--l of a full plate including passing an extension of the debt ceiling. Without that we face fiscal disaster. Sen. Bill Armstrong is leading the charge & while he’s sincere, he just doesn’t know what the h--l he’s doing.

  [Telephoned Republican Governors Conference.]

  Clarence Pendleton Chairman of Civil Rts. Commission came in re the Congress’s so called compromise to keep me from making new appointments. The boys are playing games but I think I can snooker them. Haircut, then meeting Sens. who are battling to get Tuition Tax Credit—Upstairs to get some mail done.

  Wednesday, November 16

  The Israelis burned Naba Chit known to be a camp of the Iranian Shiites believed responsible for the car bomb attacks. That was one of the targets we were looking at but didn’t feel we had enough information yet.

  Cab. Council meeting on commercial entry into the Space effort. Question should the govt. department in charge of this be Dept. of Transportation or Commerce. Both wanted it. I came down on the side of transportation.

  Rcvd. word Brazil had accepted the I.M.F. terms. That is good news for the world financial markets.

  I’ve OK’d some shifting of our Marines in Beirut. I believe the Lebanese can take over the airport while we move South to an area once controlled by Israel.

  Met with Geo. S. about establishing a pipe line outside the bureaucracy for direct contact with Soviets.

  N.S.P.G. meeting. We’ve contacted French about a joint operation in Beirut re the car bombings.

  Italy Parliament voted—landslide for deployment of I.N.F.’s. F.C.C. withdrew for 6 months its regulation that would have allowed networks to syndicate shows. Good news. Closed day saying a few words at farewell reception for Jim Watt.

  Thursday, November 17

  N.S.C.—Surprise call from France—they were going ahead without us & bombing our other target in Lebanon. They took it out completely.

  Lunched with V.P. Got a call on secure phone—Bill Casey wanted me to call Ted Stevens chairing a conf. comm. of Demos. trying to kill off covert aid in Nicaragua. I told Stevens to fight to the death. Got word late in day he’d stood his ground & we won.

  [Met with newly elected president of the National Council of Catholic Bishops; swearing-in of Susan Phillips as chairman of Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Cabinet Council meeting on Human Resources, noted, “Had a slide presentation of how govt. redistribution of earnings programs etc. have undermined the family. This must be reversed. It’s what w
e came here to do.”]

  Personnel time—some new appointments—a fine group. The leaders of the organization to research & find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease plus Rita Hayworth’s daughter Yasmin presented me with a plaque for helping to publicize their cause.

  [Greeted nine-year-old girl who had written letter about the presidency; met Frederick von Hayek, one of the president’s most admired economists; visit from editor of Phoenix Gazette; videotapings; called father of soldier killed in Grenada.]

  Friday, November 18

  [Staff and NSC meetings; farewell for retiring ambassador to Ireland; met with Senator Laxalt (R-NV) on appropriations bill much higher than administration wanted; met with leader of organization of attorneys general, who supported crime bill.]

  George Shultz & I had a talk mainly about setting up a little in house group of experts on the Soviet U. to help us in setting up some channels. I feel the Soviets are so defense minded, so paranoid about being attacked that without being in any way soft on them we ought to tell them no one here has any intention of doing anything like that. What the h--l have they got that anyone would want. George is going on ABC right after its big Nuclear bomb film Sunday night. We know it’s “anti-nuke” propaganda but we’re going to take it over & say it shows why we must keep on doing what we’re doing.

  A most sobering experience with Cap W. & Gen. Vessey in the situation room—a briefing on our complete plan in the event of a nuclear attack. The Chiefs have been working on it for 2 yrs. in reply to my request in October, 1981.

  [Received word of confirmation of Bill Clark as secretary of Interior, passage by House of International Monetary Fund (IMF) bill and the debt ceiling.]

  Saturday, November 19

  Slept in & it was great. Did radio broadcast. Lunched in the Solarium—1st time in months. Bud McFarlane called on secure phone, has checked with all concerned & consensus is that in view of French bombing in Lebanon we carefully catalogue potential targets & be ready for immediate retaliation in event of another attack on our forces. I agreed but asked that we maintain intelligence efforts to see if we can forestall another attempt.