Reagan Diaries, Volume 1: January 1981–October 1985

VOLUME I

January 1981–October 1985

CHAPTER ONE

1981

Tuesday, January 20

The Inaugural (Jan. 20) was an emotional experience but then the very next day it was down to work. The first few days were long and hard—daily Cabinet meetings interspersed with sessions with Congressional leaders regarding our ec. plan.

Monday, January 26

A meeting on terrorism with heads of F.B.I.—S.S.—C.I.A. Sec’s of St., Defense & others. Have ordered they be given back their ability to function. Next a Cabinet meeting on the deal with Iran. We just may not implement some of the Carter executive orders on grounds they violate our own laws. Hostages will arrive in country tomorrow. It seems some of them had some tough questions for Carter in Germany as to why they were there so long and why they were there to begin with. Rest of day meeting committee chairmen & Sens. on raising the debt ceiling.

Tuesday, January 27

Ceremony on S. Lawn to welcome hostages home. Thousands of people in attendance. Met the familys earlier. Now we had in addition the familys of the 8 men who lost their lives in the rescue attempt. One couple lost their only son. His widow was also here. I’ve had a lump in my throat all day.—Evening 1st white tie reception for the diplomatic corps.

Wednesday, January 28

Visit by P.M. Seaga of Jamaica, his wife & members of his admin. Our 1st state luncheon. He won a terrific election victory over a Cuban backed procommunist.

I think we can help him & gradually take back the Caribbean which was becoming a Red lake.

Thursday, January 29

Nancy had a great triumph with committee which rides herd on White House (to preserve its history) They were enthusiastic about what she has already done to upgrade the 2nd & 3rd floors.

Rcvd. a 6 page cable from Ambassador Mike Mansfield who we’re keeping on as Amb. to Japan. A very scholarly & thorough analysis of our relations with Japan. It could be a model for all our diplomats.

Friday, January 30

More meetings with Cong. leaders on trying to get debt ceiling lifted. If dont we’ll be out of money by Feb. 18. Cong. recessing from 5th to 12th. Must get passage of bill by Fri. the 5th.

Short day in office—left for 1st weekend in Camp David. It was great to be in a house with the knowledge you could just open a door & take a walk outdoors if you wanted.

Saturday, January 31

Had a before lunch walk (it was cold) Spent afternoon in front of fire reading intelligence reports & Briefing papers for visit by Pres. Chun (Korea) We have definite evidence Nicaragua transferring hundreds of tons of arms from Cuba to El Salvador. P.M. ran a movie—Tribute—Jack Lemmon. He is truly a great performer.

Sunday, February 1

A walk in the A.M. then left for White House in a sleet storm.

Monday, February 2

What’s getting to be routine—full day in Oval office.

Tuesday, February 3

The arrival of Pres. Chun, his wife & staff. These meetings through an interpreter which can become a strain. Good meetings though—assured him we would not withdraw our troops from Korea

Wednesday, February 4

Cabinet discussion of grain embargo. I’ve always felt it hurt our farmers worse than it hurt Soviets. Many of our allies?? filled the gap & supplied Soviet. But now—how do we lift it without sending wrong message to Soviets? We need to take a new look at whole matter of strategy. Trade was supposed to make Soviets moderate, instead it has allowed them to build armaments instead of consumer products. Their socialism is an ec. failure. Wouldn’t we be doing more for their people if we let their system fail instead of constantly bailing it out?

Cap Weinberger told me afterwards it was the most substantive cabinet meeting he’d ever attended & he’s been attending for 5 yrs. under 2 previous admins.

Thursday, February 5

Presidents Prayer Brkfst. Some 3000 people from all over nation and possibly 100 other countries. A truly wonderful, spiritual experience. A great male choir from Anderson College in Ind.

Met with Boy Scout leaders and was made honorary Pres. of same. Then out to Rose Garden to meet with more than 100 high school students from 50 states who are brought here each year by Hearst Foundation to spend a week studying or observing govt. at work.

Lots of phone calls—Sen. Robt. Byrd (D) is playing games with bill to raise debt ceiling. Has held vote over til tomorrow.

Friday, February 6

My birthday. Nancy, Tip O’Neil, Paul Laxalt, Tom Evans & Cong. Wright from Texas surprised me (all duly recorded by Cap. Press Corps) with a beautiful cake. Tip gave me a tie & the flag which flew over the Cap. on Jan. 20. We wheeled the cake into another room where it was cut up by about 200 of our staff.

That afternoon received a great present—our own Sens. who had held out on debt. ceiling turned around & we carried the day.

Nancy told me we were having about 20 or so of our Sac. gang on the staff to dinner & because of my birthday doing it black tie. At 8 P.M. we walked down the main staircase & to my complete surprise the 20 had become more than 100 of our Calif. friends, Nancy’s Brother & sister in law, Moon & Bess, Maureen etc.

The East room had become a be-flowered fairy land thanks to Ted Graber. It turned out to be the most enjoyable & memorable dinner dance any of us could remember.

How Nancy could keep it such a secret I’ll never know—except that as I look back she had managed to keep me from reading papers for the last 2 days. Apparently every one in America knew it but me.

P.S. During day discovered my Ambas. appts. were processed by St. Dept. They take forever. I want Bill Wilson cleared by them before 26th so he can meet Pope (he’s to be Ambas. to Vatican) in Alaska. Told Penn James to tell the guy at State that was advising him to get off his A—& do it.

Saturday, February 7

Day off except for official W.H. photos in afternoon. Charley Wicks dinner at Watergate—about 40 of last nights guests—our closest friends. It was wonderfully warm. We are truly blessed.

Sunday, February 8

Thank you letters for gifts we found on 2nd floor Fri. night. It took entire Sat. morning to open. Just had a call from Al Haig. I had asked that we quietly have Swiss […] tell Iranians if they did not free Mrs. Dwyer (Am. woman they had charged with being a spy & imprisoned) we might find it difficult to implement the terms of the Carter hostage agreement. Mrs. Dwyer is coming home. She was turned over to the Swiss. Word […] is that last 2 weeks of hostage negotiations were completely dominated by Iranian fear they’d have to negotiate with our admin. I couldn’t be happier.

Monday, February 9

Started the day learning Mrs. Dwyer did not leave Iran—some snafu with paper work. Hopefully tomorrow.

A Lunch meeting to discuss the tax cuts in our Ec. pckg. Looks like we may have to let Inc. Tax Cuts wait to go into effect July 1. Bud. cuts however I’ve proposed should be retro-active to Jan. 1.

Met with members of Co. Assn. & Nat. Assn of St. Legis. All seemed willing to help get our package passed by Cong. They expressed realization we must get spending under control.

Came home to find the place being painted. Cap. Weinberger sent me bravery citation for Sgt. Benavidez, V.N. War. I’ve signed his award of Cong. Medal of Honor.

Tuesday, February 10

This was a day. I was wired for sound. David Brinkley is doing a day in my life for T.V. showing Fri. His cameras catch me in every meeting etc. and I turn on the sound for those things suitable & turn it off for balance of meetings. Began with Brkfst. with labor leaders who supported me in campaign; Teamsters, Merchant Marine, Marine engineers & Air Controllers.

Then office briefings, cabinet, 18 state Gov’s, & lunch with same. Meeting with Lane Kirkland AFL-CIO, Frazer of U.A.W. & head of United Mine Workers. Most of these meetings to outline what is in our ec. pckg. I’m afraid we’ll get opposition from this latter group.

An early hurried dinner then to Kennedy Center for Harlem Ballet. This group represents effort of one man (Mitchell) to take kids off the streets of Harlem & make something of them and he has. They are really good and it was an enjoyable evening. Cong. Tom Evans & his wife, Cong. Rangel & wife whose district includes Harlem, the Bushes etc. We discovered some of the niceties that go with this job. At intermission in the room behind the Presidential box we found a W.H. usher on hand serving snacks & drinks. Went back stage & met the dancers. Found out no other Pres. had even gone to one of their performances.

Came home to the news that Mike was being charged with fraud in connection with his gas a hol business. I suspect this is plain pol. and aimed at me.

Wednesday, February 11

High spot a Nat. Security Council meeting. We have absolute proof of Soviet & Cuban activity in delivering arms to rebels in El Salvador—Also their worldwide propaganda campaign which has succeeded in raising riots & demonstrations in Europe & the U.S.

Intelligence reports say he [Castro] is very worried about me. I’m very worried that we cant come up with something to justify his worrying.

Thursday, February 12

Failed to make entry & now find I have trouble remembering much about the day—after a long weekend at Camp David. There was a good Cabinet meeting. Our Ec. program is coming together. We have a darn good team. Went to dinner at the Bushes—just the 4 of us & most enjoyable.

Friday, February 13

Short day—a working lunch on ec. progr. the tax portion. Off for Camp David 3 P.M.

Saturday, February 14

Slept in—took a morning walk then spent the afternoon with desk work. We had both sneaked out & bought valentines for each other & believe it or not we did surprise each other. Ran a movie & had Dan Ruge & the others who have to go with us over for it. It was a comedy (Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton & Lilli Tomlin) Nine To Five. Funny—but one scene made me mad. A truly funny scene if the 3 gals had played getting drunk but no they had to get stoned on pot. It was an endorsement of Pot smoking for any young person who sees the picture.

Sunday, February 15

I was at Camp David but I was indoor all day writing my speech for Wed. nite in Cong. Nancy spent the day interior decorating—very well I might add in the other cabins Dogwood—Birch etc. Finished speech by bedtime.

Monday, February 16

Walked to cabins to help Nancy with more picture hanging—an early lunch & back to Wash. A meeting regarding the speech—a few minor changes. Dinner here with Tip & Mrs. O’Neill—Ed, Jim B. & Susan & the Friedersdorf’s.

Dinner caused a near panic for us—the O’Neills arrived and the hour for dinner drew near & there were still only 4 of us. The Bakers arrived—they had the time wrong. Ed it turns out was on a plane—he’d left word but we didn’t get it. Oh—I should have added—the Friedersdorfs (Max & Priscilla) were with the Bakers.

It was a nice evening but maybe Tip & I told too many Irish stories.

Tuesday, February 17

Met with Congressmen & Sens. on grain embargo. Those from farm states want it lifted. I explained we’d made no decision but while I was against the embargo we had to worry about making a concession to the Soviets without some Quid Pro Quo. It might send a wrong message.

Tip had last word & it was a good one. He told me I was Pres. and had to think of all the states. The gist was—was lifting the embargo good for the U.S. and our security vis-a vis the Soviets.

Wednesday, February 18

This was the big night—the speech to Cong. on our ec. plan. I’ve seen Presidents over the years enter the House chamber without ever thinking I would one day be doing it. The reception was more than I’d anticipated—most of it of course from one side of the aisle. Still it was a thrill and something I’ll long remember.

Hardly back at the W.H. when Signal handed me a stack of wires all in support of the program.

Thursday, February 19

A.M. met with editors from all over the country. Took questions. Most seemed supportive. Then into the helicopter for Andrews A.F. base and off to Calif. in Air Force I. Landed at Point Mugu—greeted by about 3000 base personnel. Then to the ranch.

Friday, February 20

Weather was beautiful—rode in the morning. Hauled wood in P.M. It was as if we’d never been away.

Saturday, February 21

Same as Fri. only better. Trev Povah and & wife plus son & his wife came by to deliver a saddle some Rancheros had made for me. It’s too beautiful to ride. Patti was at ranch for morning ride. In the afternoon she went jogging with some of the S.S. agents.

Sunday, February 22

back to Wash.

Monday, February 23

Met with Gov’s.—annual Nt. Govs. Conf. They are mainly supportive of ec. prog. including Dem. Gov. Geo. Busbee of Ga.

Tuesday, February 24

—Great ceremony at Pentagon—awarded Cong. Medal of Honor to Roy Benevidez for an exceptionally heroic act. It was an emotional experience for everyone & very inspiring. Tues. night—1st St. dinner for Gov’s. & wives. Entertainment by cast of Chorus Line. It was a beautiful party and reflected some of the changes Nancy has made—for the better.

Wednesday, February 25

A cocktail reception for the 14 Cong’men. & wives who 1st came out for me and campaigned enthusiastically. Then an evening of trying to catch up with paper work. Maybe our drive to reduce govt. paper work should begin with us.

Thursday, February 26

P.M. Margaret Thatcher arrived. A most impressive ceremony on So. Lawn—review of troops etc. We had a private meeting in Oval office. She is as firm as ever re the Soviets and for reduction of govt. Expressed regret that she tried to reduce govt. spending a step at a time & was defeated in each attempt. Said she should have done it our way—an entire package—all or nothing.

Another State Dinner & even more successful than the 1st. The Harlem Ballet entertained after dinner. During dinner we had the Army Singing Strings. Lee Annenberg is aboard as Chief of Protocol & is a joy. She is also very happy herself.

Friday, February 27

P.M. getting great press. Went up to the hill and was literally an advocate for our ec. program. Some of the Sen’s. tried to give her a bad time. She put them down firmly & with typical British courtesy.

Dinner at British Embassy—truly a warm & beautiful occasion. I believe a real friendship exists between the P.M. her family & us—certainly we feel that way & I’m sure they do.

Saturday, February 28

Saw the Thatchers off at 11 A.M. after coffee together. Mexican Ambassador brought message from Pres. Lopez Portillo to Dick Allen & Jim Baker. The Pres. is willing to go forward (with Venezuela) in trying to negotiate an end to El Salvador problem. I’m all for it. A call in evening reported a boat load of Haitians approaching our shores. I’m all for opening the door to refugees from totalitarianism but this is more complicated. These are just people who believe they can have a better life here. They are in fact illegal aliens. We’ll have to deport them but it’s a long & complicated business due to our own laws.

Had the Wilsons & Smiths to dinner & showed a movie in the family theatre—The Black Stallion.

Sunday, March 1

Day began at 5 A.M. when phone rang to tell us the fire alarm had shown a fire in Nancy’s dressing room. It was a malfunction but S.S. & W.H. Police came in and went up into the ceiling etc.

Church at 11—Nat. Presbyterian—very nice.

Took our 1st walk on W.H. grounds—saw the pool, dog runs & tennis court.

Monday, March 2

Addressed the Nat. Assn. of Local Govts. & Congress at noon—some 3000 in the same room as the Prayer Bkfst. was held. Was a little uptight after hearing reports of unhappiness with our Ec. prog. They couldn’t have been nicer & were very obviously in support of the program. Met later with Sen. Jackson, & 3 others—separately about Ec. & international affairs.

Dick Wirthlin briefed us on poll he’d taken re the prog. 95% support our budget cuts—almost as many the tax cuts. Then briefed for tomorrows Walter Cronkite interview.—Home for dinner.

Tuesday, March 3

Arthur Burns back from China—said no mention of Taiwan at any time. Msg. delivered of Popes greeting to me from Alaska that he prays for me & all Americans. Jerry Ford came by. We had a good talk. He’s very supportive of our ec. plan. Betty spent her time with Nancy. They are leaving on an 11 nation trip—business in 5 of them—the others pleasure. I gave him letters of greeting to heads of state in the countries where he’s not on commercial business.

Had the Bakers (Senator) Meeses, Jim Bakers & Max F. for dinner but first we dropped by reception V.F.W. which was honoring Paul Laxalt.

During day I did a 1 hr. interview with Walter Cronkite—his last for CBS. He spent the 1st 20 min’s. on El Salvador. He didn’t throw any slow balls but the reaction was favorable. Because of our dinner we couldn’t watch the show but I was treated to another W.H. service. They taped the program & played it back to us later in the evening.

Wednesday, March 4

Our wedding anniversary. 29 years of more happiness than any man could rightly deserve. Nancy came down to the office & we met the Easter Seal girl for 1981 Colleen Finn, a charming 6 yr. old in a wheelchair.

Started the day with a breakfast for the freshman class of Repub. Congressmen & women. They are a great bunch—had a resolution supporting our ec. program.

A Pakistani plane was hijacked and landed in Kabul. The Russians are holding it & 3 or 6 of the passengers are American. We haven’t been able to learn which figure is right but we’re going to let the Soviets know we wont put up with their games.

Tonite—a dinner party (old friends from home) at the Jockey Club. I’m really looking forward to it.

Home—a wonderful evening—Alfred & Betts, Smiths, Wicks, Lee A. & Ted G.

Thursday, March 5

Brkfst. with Congressional Dem. Conservative Caucus. Gung ho for our ec. pckg. but went further & gave us their recommendation for 10 Bil. in additional budget cuts.

Photos with Cystic Fibrosis children.

Meeting with La. Sen. Long & several La. congressmen plus Gov. Dave Treen—they want Red river project put back in the budget. They’ll probably get it but I didn’t tell them so. We’ll probably get something such as important support for it.

Lunch with V.P. in his office. Cabinet meeting—announced compromise decision re Jim Edwards nuclear proposals which had been opposed by O.M.B.

Taped a T.V. segment for Acad. Awards—for a business conference & for Red Cross promotion.

Dinner at home & bed. Tomorrow Camp David.

Friday, March 6

Met with 7 Gov’s, on the Automobile Co’s. problems. Jim Thompson, Dick Thornburgh, Jim Rhodes, Gov. Dreyfus, Bob Orr, Pete Dupont & Bill Millken. It was a good meeting & reinforced my belief in Federalism. We’ll do better if we return a lot more authority to the states.

2nd Press Conf. tried questions by lottery. We wont do this again.

Took the Wicks to Camp David and ran a movie that night.

Saturday, March 7

The gals went bowling. I did homework for Canadian trip. All of us took a hike. The Wicks fell in love with the place—all 8 inches of snow too.

Rcv’d word the young bible translator in Bolivia kidnapped in Jan. by terrorists had been executed. He leaves a wife & 3 children. I sent a letter to Bolivian Govt. telling them we would expect every effort to find the cowardly scum who did this and full protection for the bible team who have been threatened.

Sunday, March 8

Another hike and home. Out to dinner at the Silversteins home in Bethesda—cohosts the Weinbergers. A very delightful evening.

During the day watched 2 panel shows, Issues & Answers & Face the Nation. On one the Soviet Consul proved I was right when I said Communists reserved the right to lie. On the other Walter Heller proved ec.’s is the dismal science. He was against our ec. program but had nothing to say about 3 decades or more of his ec. principles had led to the disastrous situation we are in.

Monday, March 9

Interview with Frank Reynolds. It was good to see him. He’s objective and he’s also a Gentleman of great integrity.

Met with the W. German foreign minister Genscher. Good meeting and I think they’ll go along on Theatre Nuclear Weapons.

Had meeting with Jewish Repub. leaders. They were concerned about sale of F-15’s to Saudi Arabia. I think we made it alright when I told them we had discussed the matter with the Israeli foreign minister and that we were going to increase help to Israel.

Meeting in situation room—approved some covert operations. I believe we are getting back on track with a proper approach to intelligence under Bill Casey.

Tuesday, March 10

Off to Canada with Sec’s of State, Commerce, Treasury & Special trade rep. Bill Brock.

Met by Gov. General & wife for ceremony at airport—21 gun salute, troop inspection etc.

It was a warm welcome with Canadians lining the streets cheering & clapping. Quartered at Rideau house which is truly a magnificent old mansion—except that Nancy & I were in separate rooms—1st time in our marriage.

Went to Parliament hill to meet P.M. Trudeau. Discovered I liked him. Our meetings were very successful. We have some problems to be worked out having to do with fishing, energy & environment but I believe we’ve convinced them we really want to find answers.

They put on a gala at the art center—a very enjoyable show with a fantastic group of Ukrainian dancers.

Dinner at Rideau house (where we are staying).

Wednesday, March 11

Met with Consv. leader Joe Clark—then to Parliament for speech which was very well received. Sandy Vanocur called it best summit he’s ever covered.

Stopped by American Embassy to speak to staff there then on to the airport.

In a large hangar faced honor guard while band played the Nat. Anthems of both countries. Somehow the Star Spangled Banner when you hear it in another country brings a tear to the eye. As we turned to leave the band played Auld Lang Syne—then we were really undone.

Thursday, March 12

Breakfast with Repub. Congressional Sophomore Class. They really are a bunch—39 who are here because they want to make this country right. Had lunch with George who has discovered the floor of his office in E.O.B. has a magnificent inlaid parquet now covered by carpet. You wonder who had that brilliant idea.

Helicoptered to Walter Reed Hosp. & visited Sen. Bob Dole. He should be out in a few more days but he’s had a rough time. Wound up the day with a reception for the Nat. Newspaper Assn. Before that however Walter Annenberg presented me with a magnificent set of bronze figures—each one an example of the history of the Western Saddle beginning with a Spanish saddle of 1545.

Friday, March 13

Nancy off to N.Y. I’m to join her there. The Rev. Jesse Jackson announces he’s staging a march on Wash. Mon. demanding help for Atlanta in this 19 month tragedy of the murders of black children which has so far numbered 20 with 1 missing. Atlanta has a financial problem due to $100,000 a month overtime for police. What Jesse apparently doesn’t know is that we’ve already given Atlanta about $1 mil. and have roughly 40 F.B.I. agents in there on the case. Today I went to the press briefing room and read a statement detailing this & then announced we were giving another $1¹/2 million. & that V.P. G. Bush was going personally to Atlanta.

Finished calling a number of St. Dept. Professionals appointing them to Ambassadorial posts—no Pres. has ever done this personally before. I’m enjoying doing some of the things I’m then told Pres’s. haven’t done before.

Flew into LaGuardia then helicoptered around the lower tip of Manhattan and landed on a heli-pad on the lower west side. The usual lengthy motorcade with police closing off intersections and taking us traffic free through town. One thing was unusual and very humbling; the streets were lined with people as if for a parade all the way to the Waldorf. They cheered & clapped and I wore my arms out waving back to them.

I keep thinking this cant continue and yet their warmth & affection seems so genuine I get a lump in my throat. I pray constantly that I wont let them down.

Saturday, March 14—Sunday, March 15

Met with the editorial board of the Daily News. It was a good & friendly meeting concerned mainly with our ec. program.

Then went to lunch in Little Italy with Sen. D’Amato & Cong. Molinari & their wives. It was a wonderful experience—again the streets were jammed. Met with Mayor Koch later and ironed out some misunderstandings about our program. That night saw Sugar Babies. Again a great reception from the people in the theatre & from the cast when we went backstage to see Mickey R. and Ann Miller.

At the final curtain Mickey asked the audience to stay in place until we exited. As we went up the aisle the audience began singing America the Beautiful. We went to supper with Alfred & Betts, Claudette Colbert, Jerry Z. the Cowles etc. & all in all had a wonderful time.

Sunday—went to the Met for the Joffrey Ballet. Ron was flown in from the road company for the performance. I think I held my breath until he finished but he was good. Flew back to Wash.

Monday, March 16

Jerry Lewis came to the Oval office with the M.D. poster girl—a beautiful child who I learned would probably die before the next year ends. What a terrible disease. Jerry has for 29 years worked to raise more than $400 mil. for research of M.D.

Paul Laxalt came by & played Santa Claus with gifts he’d received for me—including the most beautiful western belt buckle I’ve ever seen. He had a letter from an Irishman in Nev. who complained because he didn’t think I knew the R. W. Service poem The Shooting of Dan McGrew. We put in a call to Nevada and after I convinced him I really was who I said I was I recited the poem to him. He’s a Dem. who I think may now turn Repub.

Went to the convention of Assn. of General Contractors & received their man of the year award. Then home and mother.

Nancy had entertained Mrs. Sadat at lunch while I was across the hall lunching with the women members of Cong.

Wednesday, March 18

Greeted Janet Collins of Chadwick School who taught Maureen & Mike. For 30 yrs. she’s been bringing students to Wash. to see their govt. work. Now she’s retiring. The students with her were all from the lower elementary grades.

Then brkfst. with the Senate freshman class. Was visited in Oval office by Cong. Vanderjagt who brought a Mrs. Van Kessler from Holland, Mandy Evans from U.S. & a WGN disc jockey. The latter had staged a letter writing contest asking listeners to write their fantasy desire—Mandy won. Mandy is a lovely Jewish lady who had been saved from the Nazis when she was 10 yrs. old. Mrs. Van Kessler was her savior. WGN reunited them and they are going on a 30 day tour of the U.S. It was truly wonderful to see them and to realize how magnificent & noble human beings can be. Mrs. Van Kesslers husband devoted his life & gave his life rescuing downed allied pilots. Mandy was hidden for a year or more between the decks of Van Kesslers houseboat.

Thursday, March 19

The auto task force met with Cabinet—still some disagreement about any quotas on Japanese imports. Some even with regard to a Japanese voluntary cutback. The V.P. summed it up nicely. He said we’re all for free enterprise but would any of us find fault if Japan announced without any request from us that they were going to reduce their export of autos to America?

There was no dissent. I told them I’d heard enough I would make a decision. Privately I told Al Haig to call Amb. Mike Mansfield and have Mike advice Ito before his visit that we were threatened by a bill in Cong. to set a quota. An announcement by Japan of a voluntary cutback could head that off. We’ll see what happens.

Al then told me he felt he was being undercut by other agencies etc. I worry that he has something of a complex about this. Anyway I’ve arranged that he & I meet privately 3x a week.

Kennedy Center in the evening for Little Foxes starring Liz Taylor. She was darn good—so was the show.

Friday, March 20

Sen. Javits came in re my request that he be our Amb. in Geneva to the U.N. He wants to talk to Al H. & Jeanne Kirkpatrick.

Mr. Fukuda whom we had known as Japanese prime minister of Japan in 1971 came by. He’s scouting as is Ito for P.M. Suzuki’s visit in May. I got in a lick about autos.

Forgot to say in yesterday’s account that I met with Chai the Amb. P.R. of China. With him a man from Beijing. The Amb. got on the Taiwan subject—promised peaceful resolution of the problem, then made it plain he didn’t feel we should sell weapons to Taiwan. I made it just as plain that we had an obligation we would fulfill. No harm done.

Late afternoon (Fri.) did Q&A with about 200 state legislators from 43 states. Then into the Red room for swearing in of Lee Annenberg as chief of protocol. Walter held the Bible & the Chief Justice took the oath.

Then off to the annual Conservative Dinner to be the speaker.

Saturday, March 21

Quiet day at home until 5:10. Then a reception for the entertainers who performed later at Ford Theatre.

Stopped by Georgetown Club a roast being given by press to Jim Brady. Jim is well liked & deservedly so.

On to Ford Theatre for 2 hour benefit for support of the theatre. Our 1st visit—there is a definite feeling when you see the flag draped Presidential Box where Booth shot Lincoln.

Sunday, March 22

Quiet day & evening.

Monday, March 23

East Room in the morning to meet with Jim Roosevelt & all the March of Dimes poster children from the beginning until the present—many of course now grown up. This years little charmer drops her crutches in a second to be picked up and then she promptly kissed me & told me I was cute.

Awarded the Presidential Civilian Award (Medal) to Elmer Staats of G.A.O.—retiring after 42 years. This was the 3rd medal given since it’s inception in 1969.

Ec. Council meeting and meeting with Al Haig. The grain embargo is coming to a head. We shouldn’t lift it unless the Russians show some signs of being decent—still it’s hurting our farmers I fear worse than it’s hurting the Russians.

Tuesday, March 24

Brkfst. with the big 5 Cong. leaders. Tip protested we hadn’t sent enough details up on our ec. pckg. Truth is we are pretty much on schedule and most of the missing will be there in a week or so.

Foreign Minister Ito of Japan is here scouting for the P.M’s. visit in May. I made it plain we did not want to set a quota on Japan auto imports to help us over the Auto. crisis but if Japan voluntary reduction took place it could head off bills to impose quotas now before Cong. I think he gets the point—I hope so.

Nat. Security Council meeting in Situation Room. We adopted a plan to persuade African States of our desire to help settle the Namibian question—an election after a const. is adopted. At the same time we would urge Angola’s govt. to oust the Cubans at the same time we helped Savimbi. Our hope being that with the Cubans out N.A.T.O. & Savimbi could negotiate a peace.

Later in day a call from Al Haig, all upset about an announcement that George B. is to be chairman of the Crisis Council. Historically the chairman is Nat. Security Advisor (Dick Allen). Al thinks his turf is being invaded. We chose George because Al is wary of Dick. He talked of resigning. Frankly I think he’s seeing things that aren’t there. He’s Sec. of St. and no one is intruding on his turf—foreign policy is his but he has half the cabinet teed off.

Wednesday, March 25

Awakened at 7:30 by Mike D.—Al Haig again. He called me I told him to meet me in the Oval O. at 8:45. Mike told me Al was talking resignation etc. He arrived and was very calm—never mentioned resigning but had a statement he wanted me to make. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good. After he left I drafted a statement of my own—short, simple & it did the job.

Met with our volunteer ec. advisors chaired by Geo. Schultz. They are opposed totally to any import limit on Japanese cars.

Went for my 1st horseback ride at Quantico. It felt great. We should do this often.

Thursday, March 26

The Polish crisis grows worse but the Haig issue is behind us. Late afternoon a reception in the East Room for about 400 Y.R.s [Young Republicans]. They were enthusiastic and raring to go out & beat the bushes for our Ec. Program.

Then Dinner with the Broadcast Correspondents. It was fun. Rich Little did an imitation of me holding a press conference. I learned other Presidents only dropped in to say a few words—no dinner.

Friday, March 27

A Honduran plane hijacked—Americans aboard. It landed in Managua Nicaragua—the usual demand—release of some prisoners in Honduras. Nicaragua’s Sandinista govt. has been trying to convince us they’ll quit trying to help the Cuban sponsored revolution in El Salvador. Well now’s their chance.

Hosted a lunch for the Nat. Baseball Hall of Fame. It was wonderful, Bob Lemon, Billy Herman & a lot of players I covered when I was sports announcing. Willy Mays, Roy Campanella etc. etc. etc. Billy Martin had an Athletics (Phil.) warm up jacket & cap sent to me.

Laxalts & Maureen for dinner & a movie—Tess.

Saturday, March 28

A day at the desk upstairs doing remarks for Sat. night—the Gridiron & Mon. afternoon address to the AFL-CIO—Building & Construction Trades. Conf.

The Gridiron was very good and a good time was had by all. I was able to announce the Honduran Hijackers were in custody in Panama & all hostages safe.

Sunday, March 29

Church at St. Johns—a beautiful Spring Day and at the service the Navy Choir from Annapolis. They looked & sounded so right you have to feel good about our country.

Rec’d word the Indonesian hijackers in Bangkok has wounded one of the Americans on board while the other one escaped. No other details.

Ted Graber is back. We did some moving around at the Oval Office.

Monday, March 30

My day to address the Bldg. & Const. Trades Nat. Conf. A.F.L.-C.I.O. at the Hilton Ballroom—2 P.M. Was all dressed to go & for some reason at the last min. took off my really good wrist watch & wore an older one.

Speech not riotously received—still it was successful.

Left the hotel at the usual side entrance and headed for the car—suddenly there was a burst of gun fire from the left. S.S. Agent pushed me onto the floor of the car & jumped on top. I felt a blow in my upper back that was unbelievably painful. I was sure he’d broken my rib. The car took off. I sat up on the edge of the seat almost paralyzed by pain. Then I began coughing up blood which made both of us think—yes I had a broken rib & it had punctured a lung. He switched orders from W.H. to Geo. Wash. U. Hosp.

By the time we arrived I was having great trouble getting enough air. We did not know that Tim McCarthy (S.S.) had been shot in the chest, Jim Brady in the head & a policemen Tom Delahanty in the neck.

I walked into the emergency room and was hoisted onto a cart where I was stripped of my clothes. It was then we learned I’d been shot & had a bullet in my lung.

Getting shot hurts. Still my fear was growing because no matter how hard I tried to breathe it seemed I was getting less & less air. I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn’t ask for Gods help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed up young man who had shot me. Isn’t that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all Gods children & therefore equally beloved by him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold.

I opened my eyes once to find Nancy there. I pray I’ll never face a day when she isn’t there. Of all the ways God has blessed me giving her to me is the greatest and beyond anything I can ever hope to deserve.

All the kids arrived and the hours ran together in a blur during which I was operated on. I know it’s going to be a long recovery but there has been such an outpouring of love from all over.

The days of therapy, transfusion, intravenous etc. have gone by—now it is Sat. April 11 and this morning I left the hospital and am here at the W.H. with Nancy & Patti. The treatment, the warmth, the skill of those at G.W. has been magnificent but it’s great to be here at home.

Whatever happens now I owe my life to God and will try to serve him in every way I can.

Sunday April 12

The 1st full day at home. I’m not jumping any fences and the routine is still one of blood tests, X rays—bottles dripping into my arms but I’m home. With the let up on antibiotics I’m beginning to have an appetite & food tastes good for the first time.

Monday, April 13

I’m beginning to have a work schedule. We meet in the mornings in the treaty room. It feels good to be whittling at the problems. Afternoon is still nap time and bed time follows dinner by about ¹/2 an hour.

Tuesday, April 14

Our astronauts landed and what a thrill that was. I’m more & more convinced that Americans are hungering to feel proud & patriotic again.

The circus came to town and paraded in front of the White House & put on a show. They had a big get well banner. I waved from the biggest window I could find & thank Heaven they saw me.

Wednesday, April 15

Met with our returning Sec’s. of State & Defense. They are greatly encouraged that our allies have a new feeling of confidence in us.

Nancy recv’d. a call from the Queen of Jordan re my health.

Thursday, April 16

Met with Sec. Gen. of N.A.T.O.—Luns. He recalled our meeting with N.A.T.O. high command in 1972 Brussels. He confirms the new spirit of N.A.T.O. and believes we can get Spain involved by Sept. The So. Flank problem (Greece & Turkey) is coming along.

Press is full of news that I pardoned the 2 F.B.I. men who had been trying to keep an eye on the Weathermen during the V.N. war.

Friday, April 17

Good Friday and while representatives of the Nat. Co. of Churches paraded (carrying the cross) in front of the W.H. protesting our effort to help El Salvador Cardinal Cooke of N.Y. came to visit us in the W.H. He’s a good man and doing magnificent work in ed. in the inner cities.

Sometimes I think (forgive me) the Nat. Co. believes God can be reached through Moscow.

Later in the day talked by phone with Billy Graham. He knows the family of the young man who did the shooting. They are decent, deeply religious people who are completely crushed by the sickness of their son.

Saturday, April 18

A nice quiet day—no emergencies, slept in late but still managed an afternoon nap. Wrote a draft of a letter to Brezhnev. Dont know whether I’ll send it but enjoyed putting some thoughts down on paper. 9 P.M. and we’re off to bed.

Easter Sunday, April 19

A beautiful Easter morning. In the afternoon Rev. Louis Evans & his wife called and brought us communion. They made it a most meaningful day.

Watched some T.V. in bed and saw Gloria Steinem take me over the coals for being a bigot and against women. Either she is totally ignorant of my positions which I doubt or she is a deliberate liar.

Monday, April 20

[In the diary, President Reagan wrote 19 or 20th and then crossed out the 19 or and wrote —some place I’ve lost a day.]

30,000 people (familys with children mainly) on the So. Lawn for the Easter Egg Roll. The S.S. said I couldn’t appear but Nancy did. There was music & entertainment and all in all everyone had a good time. We’re told it was the biggest crowd ever.

Ron, Doria and C.Z. arrived—the 1st 2 for dinner, CZ later.

Tuesday, April 21

A busy morning—staff meeting—paper signing—then a half hour of phone calls to Congressmen. Reached one of them while he was on a radio talk show so I ended up on the talk show.

Then an hour meeting with 9 Repub. Governors all of whom are helping on the ec. package.

We can help them too. A Fed. judge has ruled that more than 1 prisoner in a cell constitutes cruel & inhuman punishment. We actually have states unable to send a convicted man to prison unless they release another prisoner in his place. Bureaucracy is still messing things up.

I should know today whether my letter to Brezhnev has passed inspection by the striped pant’s set.

Wednesday, April 22

Won part of the battle with the diplomats. They drafted the letter to Brezhnev along usual lines but included major positions of mine. We sent it back for a re-write including more of mine.

More phone calls to Congressmen. I’m having more luck with Demos. than Repub’s. Asked Tip O’Neill if I could address a joint session next week. He agreed.

Did an interview with AP & UPI on the shooting. Just learned they have to re-operate on Jim Brady. No word yet on what this means to the otherwise optimistic prognosis.

Thursday, April 23

Met with Sen. Baker re the A.W.A.C.S. sale to Saudi Arabia & the fuss being kicked up about it. He made a sound suggestion that we dont present the proposal to Cong. until after next weeks vote on the ec. prog.

I’m disturbed by the reaction & the opposition of so many groups in the Jewish community. First of all it must be plain to them, they’ve never had a better friend of Israel in the W.H. than they have now.

We are striving to bring stability to the Middle East and reduce the threat of a Soviet move in that direction. The basis for such stability must be peace between Israel & the Arab nations. The Saudi’s are a key to this. If they can follow the course of Egypt the rest might fall in place. The A.W.A.C.S. wont be theirs until 1985. In the meantime much can be accomplished toward furthering the Camp David format.

We have assured the Israelis we will do whatever is needed to see that any help to the Arab States does not change the balance of power between them & the Arabs.

Last night watched the NBC special on our first 100 days. If only Bobby Burns had waited for T.V. he would never have written If only we had the gift to see ourselves as others see us.

Attached is a script of letter I wrote to Brezhnev by hand.

My Dear Mr. President

I’m sorry to be so long in answering your letter to me and can only offer as an excuse the problems of settling into a routine after my hospitalization. I ask your pardon.

I won’t attempt a point by point response to your letter because I agree with your observation that these matters are better discussed in person than in writing. Needless to say we are not in agreement on a number of points raised in both my letter & yours.

There is one matter however which I feel I must bring to your attention. All information having to do with my govt’s practices & policies past & present is available to me now that I hold this office. I have thoroughly investigated the matter of the man Scharansky an inmate in one of your prisons. I can assure you he was never involved in any way with any agency of the U.S. govt. I have seen news stories in the Soviet press suggesting that he was engaged in espionage for our country. Let me assure you this is absolutely false.

Recently his wife called upon me. They were married and spent one day together before she emigrated to Israel assuming that he would follow shortly thereafter. I believe true justice would be done if he were released and allowed to join her.

If you could find it in your heart to do this the matter would be strictly between us which is why I’m writing this letter by hand.

While on this subject may I also enter a plea on behalf of the two familys who have been living in most uncomfortable circumstances in our embassy in Moscow for three years. The […] family & the […] are Pentacostal Christians who feared possible persecution because of their religion. Members of that church in America would, I know, provide for them here if they were allowed to come to the U.S.

Again as in the case of Scharansky this is between the two of us and I will not reveal that I made any such request. I’m sure however you understand that such actions on your part would lessen my problems in future negotiations between our two countries.

Sincerely.

Friday, April 24

1st day in oval office. Staff meeting at 9:30 then met with Al Haig & Jack Block about lifting grain embargo. I’m reluctant about it but think it will reassure our allies that while we’re hard nosed about the Russians we aren’t refusing to talk. At 11 A.M. met with Cabinet—1st since shooting. They greeted me with applause and I was very moved. What a team they’ve turned out to be & how proud I am of them. (I told em so) Big issue for discussion was how to fund a strategic oil reserve. No decision yet.

Met with Dick Wirthlin & Paul Laxalt. Dick had some amazing figures on what polls show has happened since the shooting. Most amazing that the dif. between those who identify as Repubs. & those as Demos. which was 20% during election is now only 5%.

Home for lunch & nap. Loyal arrived that afternoon. He’s on his way to Ireland to be made a fellow of their surgical society.

Saturday, April 25

Off to Camp David 1 P.M.—Windy & cool there. Took a walk, a nap, a shower had dinner & saw a movie.

Sunday, April 26

Slept in late then took a walk—much warmer & very beautiful. Worked on speech for Tuesday. Ran a movie.

Monday, April 27

Late brkfst.—A walk and sat in the sun. Two ground hogs came out of the woods onto the lawn. Back to the W.H. after lunch. My carpet is in the study and the new carpeting in the main hall & living room. Brightens things considerably. The Deavers & Ted for dinner—a food taste to pick a menu for Prince Charles dinner.

Tuesday, April 28

Spent the morning in the office—1st time. Met with Congressional (Repub.) leadership. All of us agreed we shouldn’t be over confident.

Rec’vd. a mailgram from the Hinckleys—parents of the boy with the gun.

Evening was the big part of the day. Addressed a joint session of Cong. re the ec. pckg. I walked into an unbelievable ovation that went on for several minutes. Frank Reynolds says the speech was interrupted 14 times (3 of them standing ovations) In the 3rd of those suddenly about 40 Democrats stood and applauded. Maybe we are going to make it. It took a lot of courage for them to do that and it sent a shiver down my spine. Except for that all the applause came from the Repub. side, the Demos. just sit on their hands—except for the greeting.

The response from the public has been overwhelming.

Wednesday, April 29

Again spent morning in the office—returned to residence for lunch & nap. I must be getting better—my naps are getting shorter.

We had a Nat. Security Council briefing (meeting tomorrow) Several situations in the world are worsening—particularly Lebanon.

Donn Moomaw came by & also the Ted Cummings. Recv’d. word that Jules Stein died last night. That is truly the end of our era.

Thursday, April 30

In the office until 2:30. Spent the last 90 mins. meeting individually with a group of Congressmen—Repubs. who are doubtful about the budget cuts. One happy note—Peggy Heckler who really has a problem—she’s being re-districted (Mass. loses 2 rep’s.) and may find herself contending with a lib. Demo. opened her meeting by announcing she was going to vote for our program. She has a due bill on me (and I told her) she can call on me for election help.

This morning the committee for remembering the Holocaust met in the East Room for what is to be an annual April ceremony in remembrance of the Holocaust. It was very moving. Six survivors of Belsen & Auschwitz lit the 6 commemorative candles.

An N.S.C. meeting devoted mainly to charting our course—a double track course of getting N.A.T.O. agreement on installing Theatre Nuc. weapons and opening arms limitation talks with the Soviets. This latter is most important politically to our allies.

Spent evening at home watching Patti on the Merv Griffin Show.

Friday, May 1

More meetings with Congressmen. Highlight was noon visit by Prince Charles. He’s a most likeable person. The ushers brought him tea—horror of horrors they served it our way with a tea bag in the cup. It finally dawned on me that he was just holding the cup & then finally put it down on a table. I didn’t know what to do. Mike escorted him back to the W.H. and apologized. The Prince, I didn’t know what to do with it. Betty Wilson & the Prices came by in the afternoon. Why does that just make me more homesick?

Saturday, May 2

This was the big night—our non-state, upstairs dinner for the Prince—32 in all. It was a great success & I feel everyone present had fun. We had 4 tables (of 8) in the family dining room after cocktails in the Oval room. Then back to the Oval room for music by Bobby Short & a special song by Sammy Kahn.

Lady Henderson at dinner remarked about the great differences she saw in the W.H. since Nancy took over. She’s right Nancy has toiled tirelessly to bring some dignity & class to this Nat. Home and she’s succeeded magnificently.

Sunday, May 3

A quiet day at home. Made one phone call to a Mr. Antonucci (Carpenters Union official) Cleveland Ohio. I was given some clippings and learned for the 1st time that he & a fellow official had been right behind the man with the gun. They jumped him and tried to get the gun away from him. Antonucci was hospitalized for heart palpitations—he is 68 yrs. old.

Gov. Jim Rhodes had honored them at the Ohio St. Capital. I apologized and explained I had known nothing about his effort in my behalf. He was very pleased. Tomorrow I’ll try to get a number on McNamara who apparently moved in a step or two behind.

Monday, May 4

A half day in the office meeting with 4 groups of Demo. Congressmen (28 in all) Good meetings and I have an optimistic feeling we’re going to get our bill.

It was a beautiful spring day. We lunched in the solarium & then I sun bathed for about an hour.

Heard from Haig & Dick Allen—approved closing the Libyan embassy here. One of their officials linked to a terrorist killing in Chi. Our embassy there was burned down & there has never been compensation or rebuilding.

Tuesday, May 5

P. M. Begin sent a letter by way of Israeli Ambass. in answer to my request that Israel hold off on the Syrian Missiles in Lebanon while we tried to bring about a settlement. His letter gave us the go ahead. Then I met with Habib. We asked him to come out of retirement and undertake a special mission to Syria, Lebanon & Israel. He’s on his way.

Al Haig back from a most successful N.A.T.O. meeting in Rome. They have agreed to [5 lines crossed out] accept Theatre Nuclear Weapons on their soil & are convinced we are willing to negotiate with the Russians. Clincher Al said was when he showed them a copy of my handwritten letter to Brezhnev.

Spent rest of my time meeting with Demo. Congressmen.

Wednesday, May 6

More meetings with Cong. These Demos. are with us on the budget and it’s interesting to hear some who’ve been here 10 years or more say it is their 1st time to ever be in the Oval office. We really seem to be putting a coalition together.

Working Lunch with Al, Cap, Ambass. Mike Mansfield, Bill Brock etc. briefing on P.M. Suzuki’s visit. A little friction—Cap wanted a more hard nosed approach about their doing more in defense etc. Al & Mike thought we should not pressure him but try to win his friendship. This time I have to disagree with Cap.

Thursday, May 7

P.M. Suzuki & party arrive—full mil. honors on S. Lawn. I’d been told he was nervous about the visit. He’s not the usual pol. type and is new in the job—that makes 2 of us.

He and I met in the Oval office for more than half an hour. It was a good meeting. I had the interpreter send a copy of my hand written letter to Brezhnev. In the cabinet room later in the larger meeting he told them I had made him feel that he could pick up the phone and call me personally about any problems that might come up. Tonite the State Dinner.

But 1st this was the big day. The Budget bill passed 253 to 176. All the Repubs. stayed together & 63 Demos. voted with us. We never anticipated such a landslide. We felt we were going to win due to the conservative block of Demos but expected R. defectors so that we might win by 1 or 2 votes. It’s been a long time since Repubs. have had a victory like this.

At the Dinner, responding to my toast the P.M. said We have become close buddies. I think the trip was a success.

Friday, May 8

Spent the morning—or most of it—in a meeting with the P.M. his ministers and my cabinet members. We got down to specifics. He opened the whole subject of defense etc. and then stated our position on the Soviet U. and what we intended to do and that we would consult with Japan as our senior partner. There would be no pressure or arm twisting by us—just frank discussion of [how] we can help each other.

Saw him off and then took off for Camp David.

Saturday, May 9

The usual relaxing, walking etc. at Camp David.

Sunday, May 10

Left Camp in a dense fog 10:15 A.M.—the kids & the Wicks are coming for Mothers Day.

Ron, Doria & Patti, Cindy & Doug Wick arrived in time for lunch. Charley & Mary Jane in the evening. Patti had to leave before dinner for a N.Y. rehearsal. We had a nice day & evening.

Monday, May 11

The big part of the morning was a meeting with the task force on Soc. Security. I believe they’ve come up with a plan to resolve the long term imbalance and without reducing any of the benefits for present recipients.

Late afternoon a reception in the East Room for all the House members (Demo. & Repub.) who voted for the budget cuts. I dont think such a meeting has ever been held in the W.H. before. Maybe we are putting together a long term coalition.

Tuesday, May 12

Met with Sen. (Repub.) leaders re the ec. pckg. They seemed enthused & ready to go.

Met with 19 Governors who are concerned about the Cong. being reluctant to go for block grants. I’ve had members of Cong. express concern that State govt. might be less able to properly direct aid if they have the authority under a block grant. On this one I’m with the Governors—it’s the only way to go. These programs will be less wasteful if Gov’s. have the flexibility to set priorities.

Wednesday, May 13

Word from Habib in Israel holds out a little hope that we can avert a nose to nose between Syria & Israel.

Met with group of Dem. Senators & Att. Gen. The Sens. refer to selves as moderate to conservative Dems.—a little akin to the House Dem. Consv. caucus. Spent the entire time on crime & what we can do to help at the nat. level. They have proposed some good bills which I can easily support. A. Gen. Smith told of biggest drug bust in hist. just recently achieved—$150 mil. in drugs & 123 top level arrests. The top man was put on $21 mil. bail. A Fed. judge reduced it to $500,000. He is now free and a fugitive.

Word brought to us of the shooting of the Pope. Called Cardinal Cooke & Cardinal Crowell—sent message to Vatican & prayed.

Thursday, May 14

Cabinet met 90 min.—working lunch. Subject—the way the Bureaucrats are slipping in cost overruns which are increasing the ’81 bud. deficit. There is no question but it is the usual warfare the perm. structure wages to protect it’s turf. Its’