White House Diaries

Sunday, June 6, 1982

View the President's Schedule

We flew out Wed. morning—I was loaded with briefing books until my head was stuffed with more than I needed to know. Flying into night we arrived in Paris at near midnight their time but only 6 P.M. ours. Met by Van & Bootsie Galbraith our Ambassador plus a welcoming French group. Put up at the Ambassadors residence which is a magnificent palace built in 1840. Suddenly the W.H. looked like an ordinary residence. I had meetings the next day with P.M. Susuzki & Thatcher—plus briefings and that night—Thurs a black tie dinner for Pres. Mitterrand. Fri. visited Mayor Chirac. Every place we drove the streets were lined with friendly crowds. Left Nancy in Paris and flew to Versailles for 1st dinner with the Summit group. Sat. the plenary sessions began. There were differences over East-West trade, Global negotiations and credits to Soviet U. plus how to stabilize currency exchange rates. We more than held our own and I believe came out on top. Sundays meetings were topped with a dinner in the Hall of Mirrors—the table had to be at least 100 feet long—an unbelievably beautiful sight. Nancy had joined me. Then we were entertained by the Paris Opera & later a recital in the Palace Chapel. Up early Mon. morning and off to Rome for meeting with Pope. A group of young American priests broke into song—“America the Beautiful.” Both of us were crying. Lunched with Pres. Pertini—then called on P.M. Spadolini. Met the young men (police) who had saved Gen. Dozier. Again, the streets were lined with cheering people. We were told that had never been done for any other head of state. Flew out for London & helicoptered to Windsor Castle. This was a fairy tale experience. Black tie dinner with the Queen & Prince Phillip plus family—the Queen Mother et al. The next day a ride with the Queen. Nancy & the Prince did a carriage of 4 (horses.) We then left for London—I addressed Joint session of Parliament. First Pres. ever to do so. Lunch with P.M. Thatcher then back to Windsor for a White tie dinner—almost as spectacular as Versailles—1 long table for about 150 guests. Bonn and Berlin were again a series of palaces. The N.A.T.O. meeting was a success in every way. We were housed in an old castle complete with moat. Thurs. night a dinner hosted by Pres. & Mrs. Carstens of Germany—they are very nice. Fri. to Berlin—Checkpoint Charley and a heartwarming welcome by hundreds of our mil. personnel & their familys. Final event a speech in Charlottenberg Castle gardens to 25,000 Germans waving American flags. Almost forgot—1st day in Bonn addressed the Bundastag (Parliament). It was hailed as a great success. While in Bonn learned the House had passed a budget—we’re on our way. Also learned though that Israel had invaded Lebanon. I’m afraid we are faced with a real crisis.