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The Diary of Ronald Reagan
The Diary of
Ronald Reagan

Diary Entry - 05/05/1981

Ronald Reagan's white house diaries for the day of 05-05-1981

Key Facts

  • President Reagan meets with Secretary of State Alexander Haig to discuss the Secretary's successful meeting with NATO to discuss the placement of Theatre Nuclear Weapons in Europe.

  • President Reagan receives correspondence from Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin regarding holding back Israeli strikes in Lebanon while the President works on a peace settlement.

View the President's Schedule
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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.

Ronald Reagan Pen