Diary Entry - 06/16/1986
Key Facts
President Reagan addresses a group of supporters of the Nicaraguan Freedom Fighters.
President Reagan participates in a photo opportunity with Afghan Freedom Fighters.
More S. Africa in morning briefing. Later, over to E.O.B. to speak to 200 reps. of various groups who are all gung ho for our effort to help the Contras in Nicaragua. Then a meeting with 4 Afghan leaders who head up something called the Alliance. They would like recognition as a sort of govt. in exile. We cant do that but did let them know we’d keep on helping the resistance. The usual Mon. issues lunch then an interview for 4th of July issue of “People Magazine.” Frankly I thought the Q’s. were kind of flat & of little interest. I wonder what the story will look like. A good meeting with Cap W. he’s all out for my idea of offering a treaty to the Soviets in which we offer to involve them in any testing of S.D.I.—if research develops that our anti-nuc. missile defense is practical. Then we share the system if all agree to eliminate I.C.B.M.’s.
A meeting with Judge Scalia—he will be my appointee to Sup. Ct. as Rhenquist moves up to Chief. We’ll announce the whole pckg. tomorrow.
Then a photo with the new committee to create a museum on the battle of Normandy. It will be housed in the old German H.Q. bunker.
Cong. time—Marjorie Holt brought in the Jacksons—he’s been photographed with every Pres. since F.D.R. Next visitor was Americas Jr. Miss, Valerie Lawrence. Cong. Jim Courter brought in Harvey Friedman Nat. Commander of Jewish War Vets. Sen. Mac Mathias brought in a book of souvenir photos of ’85 Inaugural. And Bob Dole brought in a 7 yr. old boy & parents the Muxlow family. The boy can recite the total roster of Pres’s. in order—name their V.P.’s & tell you the years they served. Then he brought in 2 members of the Stryker soccer team which is going to China—the youngest team to ever make the trip.
A haircut & home. Mermie is back.
