The Reagan Diaries

by Ronald Reagan

  I watched a TV Press roundtable on their handling of my “illness.” I detected an effort on the part of some—particularly Helen Thomas to use the term “The President has Cancer.” My Dr.’s said use of the present tense is a misstatement. “The President had Cancer—it has been removed.”

  Friday, July 19

  Woke up to a breakfast of Juice, Fruit, Poached egg on toast, Bacon & toast & honey. I feel 1000% better. Good meetings with Don R.—Bud M. & then George S. joined us to report on his literally round the world trip. He says our Assean allies are much more aware of the Soviet threat than they were a short time ago. Our relationship with Australia is solid as a rock. The 2nd term of the arms talks in Geneva has ended with little or nothing to show for it.

  Nancy arrived bringing joy as always plus an announcement that I’m going home tomorrow. Had soup & a hamburger for lunch. Slept most of the afternoon.

  Saturday, July 20

  Last nite my routine was a hike to the bathroom about every 2 hours. Still I managed to get back to sleep between times. But here it is—getaway day. Yes I’m pleased to be going home but I’ve developed a real affection for the people who’ve been caring so well & so cheerfully for me. They’ve been just great—all of them.

  I showered, got dressed, Nancy arrived & I did my radio broadcast from the hospital then it was goodbye time. I walked out of the hospital to meet rank after rank of Navy personnel & the band playing Anchors Away. I was deeply moved. Then it was Marine One back to the S. Lawn where more than 1000 staff & family, the Cabinet etc. were waiting with music, balloons & wonderful signs—many invoking the name of the “Gipper.” This too was moving—I’m a very lucky man. I hope I can be worthy of such affection.

  Upstairs—did some walking then sacked out for a nap. Dr. Smith came up about 5:45—blood pressure was 120 over 80 & temperature 97 degrees.

  Sunday, July 21

  Had a good night & really feel physical improvement. First time I’ve cleaned my plate—breakfast & lunch. Dr. Smith came up & checked my vital statistics—Temp 98.4—Blood pressure 132 over 80—pulse 66. Quiet morning, watched Sun. talk shows. A lot of them were devoted to whether I’ll get some attention from Congress out of sympathy as against, “I’ve lost momentum & am a lame duck.” One suggestion was that I’d not finish out the term.

  Patti phoned. Speaking of phones—I have calls in for 4 Sen’s.; Durenberger, Spector, Heflin & Bentsen. I’m asking them for a parliamentary vote to end Hatfield’s filibuster against the Line item veto bill. Spector [Specter] said yes, Heflin says he’s leaning our way, Bentsen is a no & I’ve yet to hear from Durenberger. All in all a good & restful day.

  Monday, July 22

  “Day by day, in every way.” Don & Geo. B. came by at 9:30 after the Dr. had checked my vital signs & determined I was still alive. We talked “deficit” & made it clear I was desirous of mixing in the fight. Then Bud & John P. came in for a discussion of our strategy with the upcoming Summit. A haircut & manicure—lunch & after a nap (Nancy’s orders). Then some hall walking, home work & reading. Ate a good dinner—probably the biggest yet.

  [Tuesday, July 23: visit from President Li Xiannian of China arrives; formal greeting and then meeting, noted, “Taiwan was 1st on his agenda & I repeated our position—it’s a Chinese problem for them to settle peacefully”; meeting ending at 11 am; rested in the afternoon; state dinner in evening.]

  Wednesday, July 24

  [Meeting with House and Senate leadership budget imperative; lunched on Truman Balcony.]

  Rcvd. top secret word on our Walker spy case.* We have to assume that since 1966 they have completely compromised our Navy communications system & our codes among other things.

  Called Rock Hudson in a Paris Hospital where press said he had inoperable cancer. We never knew him too well but did know him & I thought under the circumstances I might be a reassurance. Now I learn from TV there is question as to his illness & rumors he is there for treatment of AIDS. Usual homework, some reading & so to bed.

  Thursday, July 25

  Another big day—had my vitals checked then climbed into a Sincere blue suit & went to the Oval O. & a cabinet meeting for reports on the success of our visit by Pres. Li, the budget, the farm bill, the tax reform, & the Justice dept. brought us up to date on the effort to prosecute the TWA hi-jackers.

  [Interviewed by Hugh Sidey; changed into robe and pajamas; noted storm hit Washington; Mrs. Reagan returned from trip to Ohio.]

  Friday, July 26

  Staff meetings here in W.H. & then an NSC meeting in the old treaty room. Subject S. Africa. We’ve quietly influenced the S.A. G. to a number of changes benefitting Blacks. Now our Congress yielding to demonstrations, etc. is debating legislation to impose sanctions on S.A. Govt. We’re opposed. It isn’t a solution to the problem of apartheid & it will hurt the very Blacks we’re trying to help. I think we’re all agreed on continuing & even stepping up our present program but resisting the other. We’re off to Camp David. From there I’ll call Margaret Thatcher at George Bushes house—sorry we can’t get together while she’s here.

  Saturday, July 27–Sunday, July 28

  [Mentioned telephone call to British prime minister Margaret Thatcher on Friday; walked in pool for exercise.]

  Sunday A.M. called P.M. Nakasone of Japan. He is sending an emissary (very hush hush) to Iran to put the squeeze on for return of our 7 kidnap visitors in Lebanon. Japan has considerable clout with Iran because of trade. I thanked him & told him how important it was to us. The day was beautiful—more pool walking. Then back to the W.H. for a meeting with Mike D. & Stu Spencer. Both were advising me that I must grab hold & push the budget plan through before Congress breaks for the Aug. recess. There’s nothing I’d rather do & I intend to try it but it’s no easy task. The Demos. are a major part of the problem but our Repub. Sens. are a good part of it also.

  Monday, July 29

  Maureen arrived victorious from Nairobi.

  [Met with Regan on ways to press budget bill through Congress, telephoned Senator Bob Dole (R-KS), who agreed to plan for no tax increase; met with Admiral Bill Crowe, choice for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.]

  Don R. called—Dole was upset even though he was peaches & cream to me on the phone. Pete could hardly conceal his anger Don said when they met. He feels that he stuck his neck out—pitching for a tax increase & then I undercut him. Well he never consulted me before he went public with his tax idea & he’s known for 2 yrs. or more of my opposition to a tax increase.

  [Regan trying to arrange lunch with Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Representative William H. Gray (D-PA).]

  Tuesday, July 30

  A message from Somalia that Maureen’s visit to head of state was the best high level meeting they’ve ever experienced.

  [Met with Republican leadership of House and Senate, then Regan, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), and Representative William H. Gray (D-PA) regarding budget compromise.]

  About noon I stopped by the Dr.’s office. Nancy’s dermatologist cut a little bump off my nose. I think it was aggravated by the tape holding the tube in my nose at the hospital but it’s been evident for quite awhile although not as prominent as it became.

  An early dinner—Nancy was to replace me at the Boy Scout Jamboree. Mermie & I will watch T.V.

  Wednesday, July 31

  Usual staff & NSC meetings after a photo session with Mermie—her supposedly reporting to me on the UN Women’s Conf. in Nairobi.

  [Noted that budget meetings continue; met Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) about an idea to allow courts to handle trade disputes; staff meeting; met with Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV), who said he didn’t want to run for reelection in 1986, commented, “I told him we really needed him & can’t afford to have the Demos. pick up the seat. Of course we’d miss him like H--l. We’ve traveled a long road together”; attended reception for departing budget director David Stockman.]

  George Shultz called from Helsinki on “safe phone.” He reported an inter
esting 3 hr. meeting with Shevardnadze—new Soviet Foreign Minister. Before I could reply we lost the connection. I hope he doesn’t think I hung up on him.

  Thursday, August 1

  A lengthy session with Ec. Policy Council on Farm Bills & the Agric. situation. The coming year appears to be worse than what we’ve just gone through. Half of farming is outside all govt. agri. programs & it’s having no ec. problems. Govt. has led to the present situation for the other half. Having caused the problem, govt. has to help bail out the victims now & then work to return farming to its free mrkt.

  [Addressed members of the religious press; lunch with Vice President Bush; Regan brought news of possible budget compromise; cocktails with Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) and Regan to smooth over contretemps; commented that press was erroneously calling bump removed from nose cancerous.]

  Friday, August 2

  NSPG meeting—updating our situation re security of nuclear weapons—here & in Europe etc. Progress has been & still is being made.

  Met with Geo. S. & Bud. I proposed Mike D. as a possible back door personal channel to Gorbachev. Mike will be making trips to Europe now & then in connection with his business & he certainly would have credibility as a personal emissary of mine. 12:15 off to Camp D. After all the fuss about my nose & our efforts to tell them the truth I learned at Camp D. that a biopsy had been taken & that pimple on my nose was a Basal Cell Carcinoma—same thing Nancy had a yr. or so ago on her upper lip. They are very common, also not dangerous & are the result of too much sun. First I have to give up popcorn & now sunbathing. I’ve been tan virtually year round all my life. I guess we’ll have to square ourselves with the press & correct the statements we’ve been giving out.

  [Saturday, August 3: relaxed by pool, wearing a hat. Sunday, August 4: quiet morning; returned to W.H. Monday, August 5: briefed for short press conference; lunched alone; presided at press conference; went upstairs for a nap but had to work instead.]

  Tuesday, August 6

  Baseball went on strike—they are nuts.

  Staff & NSC meetings—I’m back to going to work at 9 A.M. now. Rumors have it that 5 of our 7 hostages are going to be released. We have no confirmation whatsoever.

  Cap W. & Gen. Vessey came over for a slide presentation & a new plan for responding to an attack. There are 4 different responses for different levels of attack.

  Sen. Byrd came in—he’s taking a bi-partisan group of Sen’s. to Moscow & anticipates a meeting with Gorbachev. I gave him a letter to the Chairman & we discussed topics he could take up.

  [Meeting with executive board of Knights of Columbus.]

  Geo. S. came & we planned a group to start working on the Nov. meeting with Gorbachev. He’s agreed to using Mike Deaver as a back door messenger when I need to get something directly to Gorbachev.

  A haircut & home.

  Wednesday, August 7

  Don R. and I discussed a couple of staff changes. Max F. who has been doing a good (temporary) job with the Cong. relations people must now give it up for health reasons. He’ll return to being Consul General in Bermuda. Bea Oglesby will take over. Ed Rollins wants to go into the Pol. management business & make some money. We’ll move his assistant up.

  At 11 A.M. we had an NSPG meeting on coming up with a new directive & new program for counter espionage. It will involve replacing a lot of Russian employees in our Moscow embassy with Americans & getting a reduction in number of Soviets who are in our country on one pretext or another but who are in reality KGB.

  [Economic Council meeting on countering trade-protection legislation, commented, “Our trade policy must be—free trade”; answered mail, went upstairs early.]

  Thursday, August 8

  Awakened at 6 A.M. by an NSC call. A car bomb at our air base in W. Germany killed an Am. solider & one other believed to be his wife, 17 were wounded, 14 of them Americans. D--n terrorists—h--l is too good for them.

  [Cabinet meeting on budget matters.]

  A signing ceremony for Foreign Assistance Authorization bill. The first one I’ve had since 1981. This is one where I wanted more money than they allowed. They just won’t recognize this is part of our nat. security. Security assistance for example to Turkey—a Turkish soldier only costs $6,000 a year. If we have to replace him with an American it’s $90,000.

  [Lunch with Vice President Bush; relatively bright economic briefing; session to consider appointments; noted Mrs. Reagan away until Saturday. Friday, August 9: quarterly meeting with Joint Chiefs, positive report on readiness.]

  George S. gave me an update on the Middle East peace process. We’re having problems with some of the Palestinians King Hussein wants us to meet with—several are unacceptable to the Israelis.

  [Meeting with Economic Policy Council on dominance of imported shoes, commented, “Options include tariff increase, quotas or rejecting the I.T.C. ruling & doing nothing. On simple Ec. & Nat. Interest this last is what I should do”; autographed photos; went upstairs.]

  Saturday, August 10

  The place is still empty but won’t be this afternoon. Radio B.C. was in observance of V.J. day. Busy packing for Calif. *!!* Nancy is home! The place feels different already.

  Sunday, August 11–Sunday, September 1

  This was our long awaited ranch vacation. We arrived there on Sunday Aug. 11 to beautiful weather. In fact we had such weather (a little on the warm side our last week there) for the entire trip except for one day. That one day was the delayed birthday party for Nancy—Sat. the 17th of Aug. We had fog right down to the ground. Fortunately there was a tent for the 90 guests plus portable heaters. All our family except Moon & Bess & Nancy’s brother Dick were there—both absent by reason of distance. Just about going home time the fog blew away & all those who were at the ranch for the 1st time got to see the beauty of the place.

  [Did light chores and took walks.]

  Then on Tues. the 20th of Aug. we went into Los Angeles & the Century Plaza hotel. That night a family dinner, only Maureen & Dennis absent—they were back in Sacramento. The rest of the kids & our grandchildren were all there & it was a warm, family get together. Nancy had all kinds of errands the next couple of days. I holed up in the suite—had a haircut & a visit from Dr. Bookman for an update on my allergies. But both Wed. & Thurs. evenings were great fun. Wed. was a gathering of 14 at Tom Jones’s place—all old friends. Thurs. night was a drop by & short talk to a Repub. fundraiser at the Century Plaza. We didn’t stay for dinner but went on to Betsy Bloomingdale’s for another old friend’s dinner. Again it was wonderfully warm & pleasant. Incidentally the fund raiser was to raise money for a Repub. State H.Q’s. bldg. It will be named the Ronald Reagan bldg.

  Fri. the 23rd.—back to the ranch by lunch time. Sat. was 6 weeks since my operation & we had our 1st ride—a short one. That was also the day I received a “secret” phone call from Bud MacFarlane. It seems a man high up in the Iranian govt. believes he can deliver all or part of the 7 Am. kidnap victims in Lebanon sometime in early Sept. They will be delivered to a point on the beach north of Tripoli & we’ll take them off to our 6th fleet. I had some decisions to make about a few points—but they were easy to make. Now we wait. From that Sat. through Sun. the 1st of Sept. the days were pleasantly all the same except for Wed. the 28th when we went down to Santa Barbara for the late afternoon Press party.

  [Ranch work. Monday, September 2—Labor Day: flew east; spoke on tax reform in Independence, Missouri; returned to W.H.]

  Tuesday, September 3

  At the office at 9 A.M.—meeting with Don R. & Geo. B.—Somehow this seems like the longest time we’ve ever been away (it was by only a few days) it’s a little strange getting back into harness.

  [NSC meeting included Suzanne Massie, authority on Soviet Union.]

  Had a frustrating meeting with N.S.P.G. on our relationship with Egypt. Pres. Mubarak believes Quadhavi of Libya is a threat to all the N. African countries & mainly Egypt. We’ve been meeting with the Pres. on how we can assist him if Egypt is
attacked. Do we all go out & join in a war & would our people support such a move? There is no doubt Egypt & the Suez canal are very important to our security. Still it’s a complex problem. For now we’ll keep on studying contingency plans with Pres. Moubarak.

  A full Cabinet meeting for an update by Max F. on the legislative agenda, Joe Wright on the budget & George S. on international relations. There is no question but my veto pen is going to be needed in the coming months. The budget resolution passed by Cong. claims about $17 bill. in savings that just aren’t there. Some desk work & a haircut & home to my 1st gym workout in more than 7 weeks.

  Wednesday, September 4

  Staff & NSC meetings concerned with whether to talk about S. Africa on Sat’s. Radio talk—I’m for it. Next subject was a call I’m to get from King Hussein at 2 P.M. He wants a meeting with Ambas. Murphy, himself & some Palestinians. We can’t go for that because 5 of the Palestinians are connected with P.L.O. The Israelis would climb the wall. When call did come all His Majesty talked about was my health. We were on an open line. We’ll send our Ambas. a message for the King for personal delivery.

  Had lunch with Don Regan—we talked about what we want to accomplish in these next 3 yrs. One thing for sure is control of govt. spending, a real arms reduction deal with the Soviets & a real relationship with our Latin neighbors.

  A meeting with Geo. S.—he leans toward my signing the Sanctions bill against S. Africa. I’ve been sure I’d veto but he says the bill isn’t all that harsh. I’ll wait & see.

  Nancy is in N.Y. for the day & night. Ted Graber & Maureen are here.

  [Thursday, September 5: brief talk to federal marshals; flew to Raleigh, North Carolina, for speeches to students at North Carolina State University, received many ovations; returned to W.H.; vetoed South Africa sanction bill, with executive order supporting some parts of it; received good employment report from Regan. Friday, September 6: photo session with new ambassador to West Germany, Richard R. Burt; noted that another nominee was withdrawn due to expressions of racial prejudice early in his career; photo with Federal Reserve Board member Martha Seger; meeting with Wirthlin on possible backlash if vetoes were to be overridden; lunch with female Republican state legislators; videotapings; left for Camp David.]