Diary Entry - 05/22/1988
Key Facts
President Reagan decides to drop indictment charges against General Manual Noriega in exchange for his stepping down and leaving Panama.
Janos Kadar, installed by the Soviet Union as head of Hungary's Communist Party in 1956, is replaced by Prime Minister Karoly Grosz.
A quiet day—caught up on some reading—getting ready for Moscow. Then a phone call from Colin & I end up the day with an 8 P.M. meeting in the Oval Yellow room. The same group—all 10 of us—on the Noriega matter. No ones minds had been changed so I made the decision. Kozak left for Panama & when we get the word from him, I announce that Noriega is stepping down, leaving Panama & we are dropping the indictment against him. Even Nancy is against me on this one but I’m absolutely convinced it’s the only way to go.
