Diary Entry - 03/11/1985
Key Facts
President Reagan is awakened at 4am to the news that General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Konstantin Chernenko had died.
President Reagan is informed that Mikhail Gorbachev had been elected to succeed Konstantin Chernenko as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
The President and the First Lady host a private dinner in honor of Queen Sirikit of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Awakened at 4 A.M. to be told Chernenko is dead. My mind turned to whether I should attend the funeral. My gut instinct said no. Got to the office at 9. George S. had some arguments that I should—he lost. I dont think his heart was really in it. George B. is in Geneva—he’ll go & George S. will join him leaving tonight.
Two young couples stopped in for a picture. Mr. & Mrs. Cain & Mr. & Mrs. Able. They are partners in an electrical business called Cain & Able. They started in 1981 with only $1000 between them. They’ll do better than $2 mil. business this year.
Had about 100 regional press & radio people for lunch in the St. dining room. A pleasant time. From there went to the E.O.B. to speak to meeting of Am. Legislative Exchange Council. This is an organization of Conservative State legislators.
Word has been received that Gorbachev has been named head man in the Soviet.
Carolyn & John Kennedy came to see me—they want help on fund raising for the endowment for the J.F.K. Library.
A Haircut & then over to the Soviet embassy to sign the grief book—this is my 3rd such trip.
Tonite dinner—about 40 people for Queen (Thailand) Sirikit. She’s a delightful, shy & lovely lady who does all kinds of good work—helping the poor, the refugees etc. A good time was had by all. Karen Akers—new star on the horizon by way of the N.Y. musical “Nine,” sang for us. She too is a delightful person. George S. & Obie were at dinner & then he left for Moscow.
