Diary Entry - 12/01/1981
Key Facts
President Reagan meets with President of the Republic of Zaire Lieutenant General Mobutu Sese Seko.
President Reagan addresses the 1981 White House Conference on Aging.
Ronald Reagan signs a presidential order approving covert aid for the Contras - rebels fighting against the leftist Sandinista regime in Nicaragua.
Met with Nat. Teamsters U. Board. They continue to give all out support to all we’re doing. Pres. Mobutu of Zaire came in. We’re trying to help him but his economy is in bad shape—partly due to corruption which he’s promised to clear up. Met in Cabinet room with large group of Repub. Eagles from all over who are planning a fundraising dinner for ’82 campaigns Jan. 20. I guess I’m the speaker. At noon addressed the Conf. on Aging. To my surprise they were most friendly giving me ovations about 6 times during the speech & at the finish. An N.S.C. meeting re Central Am. We’re proceeding with covert activity in Nicaragua to shut off supplies to the Guerillas in El Salvador. [. . .] Ted Graber is back—we were in for dinner.
