Diary Entry - 04/23/1986
Key Facts
President Reagan meets with a group of Senators to discuss implementing authority for a Canada Free Trade Agreement.
President Reagan addresses guests attending the International Forum of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Began day with a meeting (Cabinet room) with Bob Packwood (Chmn.) and several Dem. & Repub. members of the Sen. Finance Committee. Most of them are opposing our request for the “Fast Track” bill to get negotiations going with Canada on a free trade zone. They weren’t quite as outspoken as Sen. was yesterday about having to block me to get my attention but that was really just under the surface. I hope we’ve got something started.
On another front it’s been decided I should phone Pres. Acquino (Philippines) before I leave on trip & before I phone Marcos. Frankly I’m not happy about it.
Addressed International Forum of Chamber of Commerce at C. of C. bldg. This was on their “Biznet” so my speech was carried to meetings all over the country. All went well. Back to the W.H. for lunch & then photos with 3 news gals from A.S.E.A.N. countries—Singapore, Philippines & Indonesia.
Then a kind of press conf. in Family theatre with Columnists & commentators. They too wanted to talk mainly about Khadafy & the upcoming summit.
Then upstairs for some homework.
