Diary Entry - 04/08/1982
Key Facts
President Reagan attends meetings with Prime Ministers of 6 neighboring islands, including Barbados.
In response to the Hama uprising that began in February, Syria closes its border with Iraq.
6 P.M. arrived back at the W.H. Hard to sum up the days since Wed. without writing a book. Wed. we arrived at Jamaica & went right into meetings with P.M. Seaga. Amazed at the warmth of the people and their sincere affection for Americans. Met Gov. Gen. & his lady—a state dinner at his residence. Next morning on to Barbados—again a series of meetings this time with P.M.’s of 6 Island Nations. An evening reception & then to Claudette’s (Claudette Colbert) for dinner. The Buckleys have joined us. Fri. our one really clear day off was great. We went down to Claudette’s—all 4 of us—swam in the ocean, lunched, swam some more & then had dinner. She is a wonderfully warm & charming person. Sat. spent morning on homework. Talked to Al Haig in Buenos Aires on the Falkland Islands problem—did my radio broadcast and then to Claudette’s. The tide was high & the ocean rough with waves—surf breaking right on the beach. I swam anyway. Coming in was a chore against the undertow. Sunday—church at the oldest church in the Caribbean. Lunch again at Claudette’s then back to Wash.
