Diary Entry - 02/24/1988
Key Facts
President Reagan meets with Anibal Cavaco Silva, Prime Minister of the Republic of Portugal.
President Reagan attends a Press Conference, which is broadcast live over radio and television.
A week of tropical rainstorms leaves at least 275 people dead in Rio de Janeiro state of Brazil.
A little talk about Jim Wrights Contra aid bill which is a stinker. Then Colin—just back from Soviet U. came in for N.S.C.—There was some talk of Q’s. I might get at press conf. Then George S. came in for a brief report on his Soviet trip. We’re not going public—but the Soviets spoke about dismantling Krasnoyarsk Radar (big violator of A.B.M. treaty). There was progress on Human Rt’s. and nuc. testing. Also on our effort to get U.N. Security council to come down hard on Iran regarding their refusal to end war. Iraq has already said yes to ending it.
Shevardnadze will be here March 23rd. George is off again tonite this time for Middle East.
Then at 10 A.M. a meeting with members of Cong. both Dem. & Repub. who are on our side on Contra aid. They are opposed to Jim Wrights plan.
Then a briefing for P.M. (Portugal) Silva’s visit. He arrived—usual 3 waves of press—then a plenary meeting in Oval O. winding up in W.H. for lunch. A good meeting—he’s very much along our way of thinking. After departure statements I went over to E.O.B. to address members of “Export Now” team. Then over to Family Theatre for Press conf. practice & finally upstairs. Nancy is in N.Y. Ken D. & Howard B. are going to come up & have dinner with me & then at 8 P.M.—press conf. Well it went OK & everybody was very complimentary.
