White House Diaries

Friday, January 13, 1989

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Another 10 A.M. start. 1st meeting some talk about Dr. Koop & the mixup of his letter on abortion. It seems he never wanted it made public. Then A. B. came in with regard to the Ollie North trial. The Judge asked that the Attorney Gen. make a formal request to drop charges 1 & 2. The Rep. of Justice Dept. will have in his possession a signed statement by Attorney Gen. in his pocket. Dan Crispen [Crippen] came in with some replys to Dem. charges that I have increased taxes 13 times.

N.S.C.—Very brief—a little talk about our [. . .] artillery based in Germany.

Then desk time. Then at 11:50 Leaders of “Laymans Nat. Bible Assn.” came in for photo & presented me with a bible a replica of my mothers bible. I’m sending it to “Boyhood Home” in Dixon Ill. The joint Chiefs of staff came in to say goodbye & presented me with a magnificent lighted world globe on a stand bearing medals of each branch of the service.

Lunch & over to E.O.B. for meeting with Russian & Am. students, representatives of schools (30 each) in the 2 countries. It is my proposal to Gorbachev for a youth exchange fulfilled.

Then a photo with W.H. Science Council. And scattered through day were numerous photos of departing govt. employees & their familys & friends of friends etc. Day became quite busy. Then it was time for White Tie & tails & off to N.Y. for Knights of Malta dinner. We arrived at the Waldorf Astoria about 6:20. An interview with Peter Grace & Cardinal O’Connor. His eminence has an early morning show on T.V. Then a photo & receiving line with the Board of Councillors of Knights of Malta. Then into the dinner—about 1000 people The program took place before dinner. I was given the Grand Cross of Merit Special Class—the 1st Pres. to ever receive this honor. It was apparent my fight against abortion had much to do with this. Dinner was served & before dessert I was excused & returned to Wash. 11 P.M. at Andrews & 11:15 at W.H. S. Lawn. We were surprised to see all the press gear, cameras etc. at the Dip. entrance but no members of the press. Then we learned there had been a bomb threat & everyone had been cleared out. Upstairs & to bed.