The Reagan Diaries

by Ronald Reagan

  Tuesday, April 24

  Off to Guam—a farewell ceremony as we left Hickam field. Barry Goldwater & a few other Sens. were there on their way back to Wash. after a trip to Taiwan. Barry is upset about my trip & can’t hide it. He seems to think I’m selling out our friends on Taiwan. He should know better. I’ve made it very plain to the leaders of the P.R.C. that we will not forsake old friends in order to make new ones.

  [Eight-hour flight to Guam, arrived on Wednesday, April 25; large reception at airport.]

  Thursday, April 26

  We left Agana Naval Air Station at 10 A.M. enroute to Beijing. I had scheduled our meals to correspond to China time as part of our anti jet lag program. We arrived at Capital Airport at 2:05 P.M. China time which was 1:05 A.M. Wash. time. We drove directly to the East Court of the Great Hall of the People. We were greeted by Pres. Li & Mrs. Li. The national anthems were played, there was a 21-gun salute—the 1st ever given to an American Pres. Then we reviewed the troops & were greeted by at least 100 costumed children.

  We then had a 30 min. meeting with the Pres. after which we were driving to the Diaoyutai guest house—our home for our stay in Beijing.

  About 7 P.M. we took a 5 min. drive to the Yang Yuan Hall (another bldg. in the guest house compound) for the dinner hosted by Pres. Li. The Pres. is an affable person as is his wife. Here was our 1st go at a 12 course Chinese dinner. We heeded Dick Nixons advice & didn’t ask what things were—we just swallowed them. There were a few items I managed to stir around on my plate & leave. We both did well with our chopsticks.

  Friday, April 27

  A breakfast meeting with my gang at our Villa. We kept a noisy tape going all through the meal to nullify any hidden microphones. We later learned there were such. Indeed Dave Fisher unscrewed the plate on his light switch & removed one for a souvenir. Later 5 were found in our quarters.

  On to the Great Hall of the People for a 90 min. meeting with Premier Zhao. It was a good meeting. We mainly discussed the global situation & I scored some points on what our goals were. I was careful to make it clear that we were not seeking an alliance, that we approved of China’s non-aligned status but that as friends & Pacific Basin neighbors we could contribute to Peace & Stability in the basin.

  Back to the guest house for lunch & then back to the Hall where in the auditorium I addressed a meeting of Chinese leaders—bus. Acad. etc. This was the speech re-played on TV but with some of my lines about the Soviet U.—religion & free economy deleted. Then back to another 90 min. meeting with Zhao. We get along very well. I like him & I think he reciprocates. This time we got into bi-lateral matters having to do with trade, investment etc.

  Following this meeting I had a 1 hr. meeting with Gen. Sec. Hu—the party leader.

  He’s a feisty little man & more doctrinaire about his ideology than anyone I met. He lectured me about removing our troops from S. Korea. I gave it right back to him that there was no way we’d do that, if North Korea wants better relations let them stop digging tunnels under the D.M.Z. etc. I didn’t consider this meeting very important but I invited him to visit the U.S. He jumped at it. I have in mind he might learn something by seeing the outside world.

  That night was the big welcoming banquet at the Great Hall. Somehow this 12 course dinner went down easier. There were the usual toasts & then some interesting musical entertainment.

  Saturday, April 28

  Another breakfast meeting because this was Big Casino day—my meeting with Chairman Deng. Nancy went with me for the informal opening. Deng—who has a sense of humor invited her to come back to China without me.

  Then in our meeting he really waded in critical of our mid-east policy, our treatment of the developing nations etc. & our disarmament failure. He touched a nerve—when it was my turn I corrected him with facts & figures & I meant it. Funny thing happened—he warmed up although he did bring up Taiwan (the only one who did). I told him that was their problem to be worked out—but it must be worked out peacefully. We broke for lunch (he was host) & though it was scheduled to be a working lunch it became a pleasant social event instead.

  After lunch we picked up Nancy & were off to the Great Wall. All the way we waved our arms off at the crowds lining the streets to see us & even in the villages after we got out of the country.

  The Wall has an amazing effect even though you’ve seen photos & movies of it. There is a feeling I can’t describe when you stand on it & see it disappear over the mountains in both directions.

  This evening we hosted a dinner for a mixed group of Americans & Chinese plus Premier Zhao etc. at the Great Wall Hotel which is an American, Chinese partnership venture. The dinner was American—roast turkey.

  Sunday, April 29

  This was our tourist day. We flew in A.F.1 to Xian the ancient capital of China. Then an hour & a half drive to the tomb of the 1st Emperor. This is the great excavation scene where they have uncovered 800 life size Terra Cotta figures of soldiers standing in ranks complete with horse & chariots guarding the Emperor’s tomb. They know there are more than 7000 they haven’t uncovered yet. It is an unforgettable experience. This plus the drive past villages surrounded by endless wheat fields dotted here & there with burial mounds & relics of Chinas ancient past—made for a day we’ll long remember.

  Before we left they had set up an example of a free market. We wanted to see the real thing because it’s part of their departure from communism—individuals selling their wares in the open market for profit. The Chinese said no—for security reasons so they set up a temporary one at the museum locale. Nancy bought some decorative items for our Christmas tree. There was an incident—her bill came to 5 Yuan ($2.50). The poor gal selling didn’t have any change. I’m aware there is no tipping in China but she was so embarrassed & looking to others for help. I said “keep it,” & we moved on. She caught up with us & gave me the change she’d gotten from someone for the 10 Yuan note I’d given her. Our TV press made a big thing of it—that I had committed a blunder & tried to tip her.

  Then back to Beijing & our last night at Diaoyutai.

  Monday, April 30

  To the Great Hall for signing of a nuclear power agreement & other protocols agreed on in our talks. A Champagne toast & the official farewell by Chmn. Zhao & Pres. Li. Then to A.F.1 & on to Shanghai.

  We landed at Honggiao Airport at 12:30. A Big receiving line headed by Mayor Wang. Nancy & I separated. They had a schedule for her & I went to the Shanghai-Foxboro co. It’s a high tech industry & another example of the modernization taking place in China—a partnership between Foxboro of Mass. & China. After a tour of the plant & some ceremonies we went on to the Jing Jiang guest house.

  At 2:35 I left for Fudan U. I was met by a tiny Chinese woman who is Pres. of the U. but who is also a graduate of Smith & M.I.T. First we had a tea with faculty members—half of whom had gone to school in America & most of whom spoke English.

  Then over to a classroom where I did Q&A with students—all of whom spoke English. I wish I could have stayed with them longer. Their questions were very much about America & American students.

  Then to the Auditorium for an address carried live on Shanghai T.V. The audience was a mix of faculty & students. Most understand Eng. & for those who didn’t they had a script of my speech in Chinese.

  I was well received & frankly it was a darn good speech—the students ate it up. Then Pres. Xie presented me with a set of books of ancient Chinese maps by one of the Prof’s.

  That evening the Mayor hosted a dinner in the Shanghai Exhibition Hall. It was an enjoyable evening & the best Chinese food of the trip—for an American that is. There was entertainment that was enjoyable & the evening ended.

  After breakfast met with the consulate staff then went to the Rainbow bridge Commune. The Deputy Commune leader briefed us on the commune—now called a township. Then we toured the township stopping at a child care center where 4 & 5 year olds entertained us with dance & song. They are the cutest children & so full of joy. Then we
visited a private home—a young couple, their little boy & the father & mother of the husband. He (the husband) had built the house himself. He told us how much income they had & how long it took him to save for the house etc. We went out in a field & met some women working there.

  Under modernization they get to keep & sell in the open mkt. everything they can produce over & above the govt’s. quota. That ended our visit to China. We boarded A.F.1 & headed out over the Pacific toward Fairbanks Alaska. We departed at 10:35 A.M., flew for about 8½ hours, crossing the dateline again & landed in Fairbanks at 3:20 A.M. Alaska time. Believe me that can confuse you. We drove to a new home belonging to Sen. & Mrs. Murkowski who haven’t lived in it yet & went to bed until about 11 A.M. but it was still May 1 & still Tuesday. We had juice & coffee & headed for the U. of Alaska for a welcoming ceremony—about 3000 people. The Sen. introduced me & I made a short speech. Some children presented us with gifts—native handcraft.

  Then to the William Wood Student Center for lunch & more remarks. Back to the Murkowski home at 2:30 P.M. & into Pajamas. We saw the midnight sun—it was still up at 11 P.M. We finally got to sleep but it was strange getting away from China time.

  Wednesday, May 2

  We went with about 10,000 others to meet the Pope who was stopping for re-fueling on his way to South Korea. We both spoke briefly to the crowd then went into the airport for a meeting. I briefed him on our China trip. He is anxious to enter into talks with the P.R.C. They haven’t established diplomatic relations because the Vatican has relations with Taiwan.

  Then he saw us off to Wash. where we landed about 10 P.M.

  Thursday, May 3

  Into the office at 10 A.M.—I’m still under a China spell & nothing here seems real yet. Had a photo with the editor of Far Eastern Ec. Review. Then Coach Eddie Robinson of Grambling U. came by with the U. President & the coaches family. He’s quite a guy & his teams have won 300 games (F.B.) but more important he sees that his players go on to make something of themselves. P.M. we went to Camp David.

  Friday, May 4–Sunday, May 6

  Camp David. I spent most of the time in the same chair catching up on homework. Now we’re back in the W.H. & tonite having a dinner honoring Dillon Ripley for his 20 yrs. of service with the Smithsonian. It was a very pleasant affair in the Blue Room.

  Monday, May 7

  An easy day but a bad night. I couldn’t get to sleep until 2 A.M. then I awoke at 6 A.M. Found out most of our China trip party had much the same kind of night.

  [Staff and NSC meetings; Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV) arrived with group from Virginia interested in forming independent campaign support group; lunch for volunteers.]

  Met with German Foreign Minister Genscher who is off to Moscow. Wanted to touch base with us first. He gave a slant that Soviet intransigence might be due to their fear of our power (based on W.W. II memories) & our link with Germany.

  A taping session then a half hour with Holmes Tuttle re Ed Meese. I think he’d like to have me push him overboard. I can’t do that.

  Tuesday, May 8

  [Breakfast with Democratic congressmen inclined to support MX; meeting of bipartisan congressional leaders with briefing on China and Central America; support is tenuous at best; short meeting with International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch on Soviet statement withdrawing its team from the Olympics.]

  We had a lunch in the St. Dining Room observing the 100th B.D. of Pres. Harry Truman. His daughter Margaret was there. She’s quite a lady & I like her very much.

  Later in the day spoke on Central Am. to the Council on the Americas meeting at the State Dept. Ended day with a brief meeting with Lyn N. & Frank Donatelli. They are worried about our confidence among Repubs. So am I.

  Wednesday, May 9

  [Ceremony on behalf of Small Business Association.]

  Then Pres. Masire of Botswana arrived. His landlocked Co. is suffering from 3 yrs. of drought. He has adamantly stood for Free enterprise & democracy in his land. Geo. S. & I met briefly about the Soviets. He’s convinced the freeze including the Olympic boycott is Gromyko’s doing. I think he’s right.

  The observer team I sent to El Salvador came back to report. They are 100% enthusiastic in their support of the election—it’s honesty etc. & the need for us to help in Central Am.

  Two Dem. Congressmen came to see me, Marvin Leath & Beryl Anthony. They are solidly in my corner re the Chemical Warfare bill to indicate if Soviets don’t accept our treaty to eliminate such weapons—we’ll go ahead & produce them as a deterrent. From them I went before a group of Repub. Congressmen who are reluctant about this action. I hope I moved them.

  Then upstairs to wood shed for my speech to the nation. Went on at 8 P.M. explaining the Central American situation. By 9:30—915 to 151 positive phone calls had come in.

  [Thursday, May 10: spoke to small group about MX; met with Japanese official who brought a message from Prime Minister Nakasone (no details recorded); Senator John Tower (R-TX) pessimistic on passage of chemical weapon bill in Senate; presented Enrico Fermi Award to scientists; addressed National Realtors Association, reiterated support for deductibility of mortgage interest; reception for donors; then fund-raising dinner set record, drawing in $5 million.]

  Friday, May 11

  Met with Ambas. Hartman (Moscow). He believes there is friction in the Polit Bureau & Gromyko is much of our problem. He doesn’t feel I could have any success in appealing to the Soviets to come to the Olympics.

  Dropped by a meeting of Several columnists re the ed. situation. Then met with members of the Commission on Excellence in Ed. They have performed a miracle. One year ago they issued their report & now all over the country on their own, parents, teachers, local school boards & state legislatures have started a wave of reforms to eliminate mediocrity in ed.

  [Honored high school students for excellence; awarded medal posthumously to fighter Joe Louis; met Mrs. America Pageant winner; made life member of Italian-American War Veterans.]

  Then a Cabinet Room meeting with conservative leaders re Central Am. They are all pledged to help. George S. & I met with Bud M. It was mainly a report by George on his meetings with Soviet reps.—Ambassador Dobrynin etc. They are utterly stonewalling us. Off to Camp David & a beautiful afternoon.

  [Saturday, May 12: rode, but commented, “My Giminish was fighting his head the whole way—I don’t know what was bugging him.” Sunday, May 13: returned to W.H., stopped for Mother’s Day luncheon at Catholic-run home for the aged; Maureen and Dennis visiting W.H.; learned that W.H. usher had died suddenly.]

  Monday, May 14

  Met with “Sherpa” team who have been preparing (with their colleagues from Europe & Japan) the Ec. Summit meeting in London. Apparently P.M. Thatcher wants to use the informal format we used in Williamsburg.

  A Ceremony on the S. Lawn to honor young Michael Jackson who is the sensation of the pop music world—believed to have earned $120 mil. last year. He is giving proceeds from one of his biggest selling records to the campaign against drunk driving. He is totally opposed to Drugs & Alcohol & is using his popularity to influence young people against them. I was surprised at how shy he is.

  Had a good meeting with Mexican American business & civic leaders from the border area of Texas. They have some good ideas on changes needed in Mexican law to encourage investment etc. in Mexico to provide employment. They want me to take these things up with Pres. de la Madrid tomorrow.

  [Farewell reception for Deputy Counsellor Jim Jenkins, leaving to go into business for himself; participated in ceremony to send torch on its way to L.A.]

  Tuesday, May 15

  Arrival ceremony for Pres. de la Madrid. Weather turned out near perfect. He was visibly impressed. After reception he & I talked for nearly an hour on Central Am. I think our end goals are the same but they have trouble seeing Castro & the Sandinistas as we see them. I think I made a dent. […]

  Then I went to Dan Ruge’s office for an electrocardiogram. It’s part
of my annual physical. I didn’t bother to ask him about it so I guess it’s alright.

  Cab. Council meeting on family affairs. Margaret Heckler opened meeting with prayer. We are doing a lot of study on how we can help strengthen the family. Some ideas require legislation, some things H.H.S. can do by regulation. One important thing is to re-establish adoption instead of abortion for the literally mil’s. of people who are waiting for a chance to adopt.

  Spent most of afternoon meeting with Congress men & women on the MX situation. Tip O’Neill has mounted an all out campaign to kill the MX.

  The State dinner was a huge success. Gloria Loring entertained beautifully. A lot of old friends on hand plus NBC’s Mr. Brokaw who recently dinged me good in an interview. He has voiced regret over that.

  [Wednesday, May 16: staff meetings; continued meetings with congressmen on MX; appearance at gathering of editors of publications for senior citizens; lunch with American Retail Federation; met with Shultz, discussed possibility that a massacre took place near Sidon in Lebanon […]; calls to congressmen regarding the MX; appeared at White House news photographers dinner.]

  Thursday, May 17

  Brkfst. with Pres. de la Madrid & our 2 teams. I think he still does not see Castro & the Sandinistas the way we do but all in all the meetings have been productive. We both appeared before the reps. of the interparliamentary Union.

  [Brief meeting with representatives of the Black Mayors Council; launch of annual summer youth jobs program; visit from former football player and actor Roosevelt “Rosey” Grier and unidentified members of Yankees baseball team; telephoned Regan in Paris regarding Lewis Lehrman’s low estimate of 1984 deficit, noted that “Don thinks it won’t be that good but he says it is going to be less than everyone thinks.”]

  The day got busy. Dick Wirthlin came by with good news & not so good. Poll shows an increased concern by people about foreign affairs. An N.S.P.G. meeting re the trouble in the Persian Gulf. Both Iraq & Iran have been attacking oil tankers. The Gulf states hesitate to ask for help fearing Iran can stir up internal troubles for each of them. It’s a typical Mid East problem.