White House Diaries

Friday, August 7, 1987

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A busy little round table—unemployment dropped to 5.9% and total emp. reached it’s highest level yet—62%.

Howard had reached Bill Verity. He’s coming in Mon.—sounds as if he’ll take the Sec. of Commerce job. Brad Holms has been confirmed as head of F.C.C. I’m getting a call from Dick Cheney tomorrow at 1:30.

N.S.C.—Frank C. is back from Europe—had good meetings with Helmut & Margaret. We have some reason to believe the Soviets will back down on the German Pershing 1A missiles. In the P. Gulf we’ll probably move 3 more tankers on the 9th. I’ve written letters to Sen’s. Boren & Cohen—Chmn. & Vice Chmn. of Intelligence committee on policy regarding covert actions. We still protect my right to defer notification of such actions if secrecy is necessary to protect human life etc. Frank C. is a little on edge about Geo. S. & Cap W. being a part of our morning N.S.C. meetings. I’ll let them work this one out.

Then a congressional meeting—a good one. Bob Dornan & the 3 reps who went to Central Am. with him came by to report on trip. They are solidly back of the Contras based on their 1st hand view of what’s going on. It was good to hear them. Bob has been there 11 times.

Became an honorary member of Presidents Chef Club. This is a group of Chefs who have or do serve heads of state including royalty. There were 26 of them—photos with each & all.

A N.A.S.A. informational briefing on Soviet & U.S. space programs. Soviets space program is about 70% military. Lunch, some judge calls & Geo. S.—regular meeting. Then presented letters to Sens. Boren & Cohen in front of press. Upstairs to change clothes & off to Camp David. On way out greeted Bob Johns & about 30 Dr’s.