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Correspondence – April 1981 (4)
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66327650
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Correspondence – April 1981 (4)
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Records of the White House Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff (Reagan Administration)
Michael K. Deaver's Correspondence Files
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PENDING REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH E.O. 13233
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: Deaver, Michael K.: Files
Archivist: kdb
OA/Box: 7618
FOIA ID: F01-107, McCartin
File Folder: Correspondence - April 1981 (4)
Date: 3/19/07
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE RESTRICTION
NO. & TYPE
Openel 05/18/2008
A. memo
Muffie Brandon to Deaver re Lion of Ireland material, 1p
4/23/81
8K
File
1045 N. 10th ST.
SAN JOSE, CALIF. 95112
CRISTINA WAREHOUSE COMPANY, INC.
PUBLIC WAREHOUSE
PHONE (408) 286-7717
April 24, 1981
Shirley:
Just finished talking to you and realized how busy you are
SO these requests were omitted.
It is very important to Santa Clara County that I talk to
someone in the transportation agency. I would appreciate a few
minutes with Drew Lewis if at all possible, May 8 or 11 are open
days for me there.
Also on Wednesday, May 6, we need a luncheon speaker. Mike
is certainly our Number One choice followed by Nofziger, Senator
Laxalt, or another V.I.P. A half an hour would satisfy every-
one.
to thank using
Also, I need a speaker for Friday, 8 a.m. -- Hilton, break-
fast--Please" Any of this group of V.I.P.'s would suffice.
ten
Hajabacia
Also, I need to contact someone who knows what the Fed's
might need in storage space. Perhaps military or agriculture.
There is a major building available in a depressed area that
would permit storage rates at the lowest rates in existence. It
would re-employ many people if utilized. I don't know where to
go, maybe someone can direct me.
Don't forget, how about dinner for several secretaries on
Thursday or Friday nights. We insist.
Many thanks,
Venn
Vernon J. Cristina
5-4-87 Candy will call.
From the desk of:
VERNON CRISTINA
Mike:
I'm sure you know I've had a helluva lot of
contacts for positions in the administration.
Most were buried or thrown out.
The enclosed seemed most appropriate. I
can't say too much for Kent Harris. He is an
outstanding person. I believe he is equal to
anyone now at cabinet level in the field of
Nuclear Energy or Education. He would like to
move to D. C. Will come for an interview or
whatever.
Jerry Minckley is a hard-nosed type. Only
known him for a short time but he has impressed
me greatly. His only short coming is his name
and he assures me that there is no relationship.
Hopes Washington will understand and I assured
him it was true. I have a few more names to
submit but they will wait until May.
I hope we can have a couple of minutes together
when we arrive. Would greatly enjoy having
dinner, lunch, breakfast or whatever. If not,
I can understand. As I told Shirley, would love
to see the Oval Office as #2 priority. Due to
current circumstances, number 1 priority will be
out of question, RR.
Did not enjoy what I saw on TV last Monday except
your quickness and fast reflexes. So glad you
were spared. All of you are in our constant
prayers. Stay loose and God Bless
Jun
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 23, 1981
MEMORANDUM
TO:
MIKE DEAVER
FROM:
CAROL CMCAIN, DIRECTOR
White House Visitors Office
SUBJECT:
SPECIAL GROUP TOUR
This memorandum will confirm that arrangements have been
made for a special tour of the White House for 75 members
of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce on May 7, 1981.
The members of the group should plan their arrival at the
East Gate on East Executive Avenue at 8:00 a.m.
The Officer on duty will be expecting them.
Please express our best wishes for a most enjoyable visit
to the White House.
Wedn't May call 4-1981
From the desk of:
VERNON CRISTINA
send on
Shirley:
To gay.
I forgot to mention that Lyn Nofyiger is another
person the San Jose Chamber of Commerce group
would like to meet.
Lyn is a product of San Jose State University so
you see why.
I personally would appreciate such a meeting.
Lyn is one of my special people.
Thanks & Regards
Ten
Please include
his secting in our
x food
disiner plan,
Ven
Ty-16-16-
>
may
MRD-1.66
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 24, 1981
Dear Mr. Peven:
Thank you for your letter articulating your support for
the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Your view of the positive impact that NEA programs have had
on your campus is encouraging.
While the President's budget proposals have called for sharp
reductions in many federal programs (including the NEA), the
Administration's proposals go beyond the notion that funding,
per se, should be reduced. Rather, it reflects the conviction
that through targeted efforts, government programs can be
substantially improved to provide better results with fewer
dollars. This is especially true in an area such as the arts,
where government funds may drive out private philanthropy.
Although the President has called for a substantial reduction
in the previously proposed NEA budget for fiscal year 1982,
the proposals do not reflect a negative judgement on the
merits of the activities which the Arts Endowment supports.
Rather they reflect the position that in a time of fiscal
restraint, the Administration has an obligation to establish
relative priorities. In pursuance of this obligation, programs
which meet human needs have been given funding priorities over
other federal programs which, while worthy, do not provide
direct support to the truly needy.
Thank you again for your thoughts on this matter.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER
Assistant to the President
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mr. Michael Peven
Director, Photography Program
University of Arkansas
College of Arts and Sciences
116 Fine Arts Building
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Drafted by Craig Hillier
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 24, 1981
Dear Mr. Kehr:
Thank you for your recent letter concern-
ing the disposition of first panes of new
U.S. postage stamps presented to the Presi-
dent by the Postmaster General. These stamps,
as well as other items of historical signifi-
cance, are being sent to the Archives for
future Presidential collections.
Your interest in these stamps for the Cardinal
Spellman Philatelic Museum is appreciated.
Should a change in policy be adopted, I will
contact you.
Again, many thanks for writing.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER
Assistant to the President
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mr. Ernest A. Kehr
P.O. Box 1
Richmond Hill, NY 11419
File
From the desk of
LORRAINE M. WAGNER
2017 Nester St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19115
April 25, 1981
Dear Mike,
Thanx a heap for passing along the correspondence; it's a good
feeling. And, also for getting back to me. I admit I was a
bit anxious, for even tho you weren't hit directly, I was concerned
with your own psyche. It could not have been easy, that's for sure.
I have no doubts about it being a busy time for all of you, but thank
heaven there's someone like you around to ease the concerns from that
hospital room.
Incidentally, your boss just might like to know that people are
having difficulty getting jelly beans heareabout! Isn't that a riot?
There has been such a demand, thanx to Our President's enjoyment of
them, that stores and specialty shops simply cannot keep them stocked.
Many shopkeepers are bemoaning the siutation.
Also, I just may have to get a scrapbook started for you and Helene
what with all the publicity coming thru. Seriously, it's really
good to see so much of it about you, and Neweek's summary of you
and your relationship with Our President was heartwarming. I'm happy
for you really!
Thanx again, Mike for your decency and consideration in my behalf.
I'm certainly grateful. I hope you know that should there be ANYTHING
you think that I might be able to do in the way of support or input,
you have my assurances in advance. -- I still chuckle over a comment
you wrote a few years back: You'd called about the promotion of a
recording of a compilation of radio transcripts, and I forwarded to
you what info I'd ferreted out. Your reply was, "I should have known
not to push your button before we were ready!" Loved it
and your own
humor.
Always happy to hear from you, about you and all that is pertinent
to Ron and Nancy. I'll feel better still when I hear from him that
all's well, really and honestly well. Anticipating the address on
Tuesday nite too.
Affectionately,
Lorane
HOWARD H. BAKER, JR.
TENNESSEE
United States Senate
OFFICE OF THE MAJORITY LEADER
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
April 27, 1981
Dear Mike,
Attached is the biographical background on Charles
Dean whom Senator Baker and other Tennesseeans request
be nominated as Chairman of the Board of T.V.A.
Thanks for your help.
Sincerely,
Ran
Ron McMahan
Press Secretary to the MAJORITY LEADER
RM/lb
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Charles H. Dean, Jr.
4021 Topside Road, Knoxville, Tennessee
37920
BORN:
October 22, 1925, Knoxville, Tennessee
EDUCATION: Knoxville City Schools: University of Tennessee
(one year), U.S. Naval Academy, B.S. 1947 (letter
in track); After military duty, attended U.T.
Agriculture College several quarters, and while
at KUB took engineering review courses at night.
MILITARY:
After graduation from USNA served in United States
Marine Corps for three years and United States
Marine Corps Reserve for 10: was commanding officer
(major) of 6th Engineers, USMGR.
FAMILY:
Married to former Lottie Lavender. Children are
Helen Dean Bruner, James M. Dean, Camille Dean Glover
(all graduates of U.T.): two grandsons.
CHURCH:
Erin Presbyterian (Choir)
PROFESSIONAL: Licensed Professional Engineer (since 1963)
BUSINESS:
Knoxville Fertilizer Company -- Factory Representative
from 1951-1959: Knoxville Utilities Board from
1959-present - various engineering and administrative
assignments. General Manager since 1971.
CAREER RELATED: President of Tennessee Valley Public Power
Association, 1977: President Elect, Technical
Society of Knoxville: Director of American
Public Power Association from 1977-1980: Member
IEEE, AWWA, NSPE
CIVIC:
President, Knoxville Civitan Club, 1963: President,
Society for Advancement of Management (Knoxville)
1968: President, Knoxville Tourist Bureau, 1976:
Chairman Chancellor's Associates, University of
Tennessee, 1979: Chairman, Dogwood Arts Festival, 1969.
BOARDS-CURRENT: Knoxville College: Knox County Industrial
Land Board:
BOARDS-PAST:
Boys' Club: Red Cross: Dogwood Arts Festival:
Dulin Art Gallery: Chamber of Commerce, U.T.
Development Council.
AWARDED:
Professional Manager Citation, SAM (National), 1975.
CLUBS:
Knoxville Racquet Club (past President and Director)
Club LaConte (Board of Governors).
HOBBIES:
Tennis, Snow and Water Skiing, Boating, Painting.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1981
Pat:
This is a follow-up to our discussion of the letters you
have been holding in your "No-Answers" folder. I have
researched what we have in file on these people and have
included that material with what you sent.
W. A. Bermudez: We would have filed that April 4 copy
since it is a follow-up to the earlier letter which you
sent to NSC which in turn referred it to State.
Charles Van Wagenen: He is a multi-Administration
prolific writer that has very little to contribute.
Examine the quality of his mail that has been acknowledged.
The time that has been spent responding to it could have
been more efficiently spent. This time we will file
his 2/21 letter to Mr. Deaver.
Erich Park: He apparently sends Mr. Meese (and others?)
a copy of the Estonian Aid's frequent releases. Unless there
is something more important than first meets our eyes, these
releases aren't worth retaining or acknowledging. Furthermore,
each concerns a matter that is more appropriately handled by
one of the departments. Why not refer them to the appropriate
department/agency where they will receive whatever attention
they deserve? You can then inform Mr. Park when he next calls
or writes that you have referred his correspondence to the
department/agency that has responsibility for that particular
matter. We will file the release sent to Mr. Deaver this time.
Ralph Gibson: Since Mr. Deaver did acknowledge an earlier
letter which prompted Mr. Gibson's 2/14 letter, we will file
the 2/14 letter.
W. E. Stephens: See any similarity between what he sent to
Mr. Deaver and Mr. Meese? I wonder how many other White House
staffers received the same thing? Our experience has been that
if they send this kind of material to one staffer, they send
it to several/many. We will file the copy sent to Mr. Deaver
this time, but it is the type of "copy" material that we
routinely box.
I hope that this gives you a better idea of our approach to
such material. I might again suggest that before you respond
to public correspondence, you check with us to see if we have
anything in file. It doesn't cost a thing to ask and the
information can be given back to you within minutes if you
are in a hurry.
Jerry Good
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Terry:
These are the letters that I talked
to you about. (We've been holding
on to them but realize they would
be better off in the Central File -
especially in the event someone
else might want info on them.
We request that the ones addressed
specifically addressed to Mr. Deaver
be filed as you indicated by
name SO in the event we may want
to get back to them - we can re-
trieve them.
Call me if you want after you've
looked at them.
Paky
CARDLYN DEAVER
April 27, 1981
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Thank you for your nice letter and the
enclosed information about Gallaudet College.
We are still trying to get settled in Wash-
ington, D.C., however, when time permits I
would be most happy to visit Gallaudet to
learn more about your facility.
Thanks again for your kind offer.
Sincerely,
CAROLYN DEAVER
April 27, 1981
Dear Hilton and Mary Beth:
Thank you for your nice note.
We're all very grateful to have been spared
what initially looked like certain tragedy,
and I'm particularly thankful that Mike had
the good sense to duck when he did.
The President is home, and Jim Brady and the
others are doing very well. Business, Mike
tells me, is returning to normal.
Thanks again for your thoughtful note.
Sincerely,
CAROLYN DEAVER
April 27, 1981
Dear Mr. Humelsine:
We have SO enjoyed the book selections you
sent. We certainly appreciate your thought-
fulness.
The weekend in Williamsburg was memorable,
and you can rest assured that you will see
the Deaver family down there as often as we
can arrange it. Thanks SO much for the very
special attention you showed us. It was great-
1y appreciated.
Sincerely,
CAROLYN DEAVER
April 27, 1981
Dear Tony and Mary:
Thank you for your nice note.
We're all very grateful to have been spared
7.
what initially looked like certain tragedy,
and I'm particularly thankful that Mike had
the good sense to duck when he did.
The President is home, and Jim Brady and the
others are doing very well. Business, Mike
tells me, is returning to normal.
Thanks again for your thoughtful note.
Sincerely,
CAROLYN DEAVER
-April 23. 1981
Dear Margo:
Thank you for your nice note
We reall very grateful to have been
spared what initia By looked like
certain tragedy, 50 and 1 m part cularly
thankful that Mike had the good sense
to duck when he did
The President is home. and Jim Brady
and the others are doing very well
Business, Mike tel Is me- is returning
to normal.
Thanks again for your note Margo.
Sincerely,
CAROLYN DEAVER
April 22, 1981
Dear Virginian
Thank you for your nice note.
We're all very grateful to have been
spared what initially ooked like
certain tragedy, and I'm m par toularly
thankful that Mike had the good sense
to duck when herdid.
The President is home and Jam Brady
and the others are doing very well
Business, Mike tells. me. E3 returning
to normal
Thanks again for your note, Virginia.
Sincerely
CAROLYN DEAVER
April 22, 1981
Dear Mr.*and Mrs. Benson:
Thanks SO much for your nice letter and
for your concern. It is always good to
hear*from you.
We I re all very grateful to have been
spared what in tially looked like certain
tragedy, and I'm particularly thankful
Mike had the good sense to duck when he
did
I'm hoping you'll feel well enough to make
a trip to Washington, D.C. while.we.re
still here.
Sincerely,
CAROLYN DEAVER
April 16, 1981
Dear Onver
Thanks for your note and is you requested
Nancy Reagan has your letter.
We're all ery grateful to have been spared
what initially looked like certain tragedy,
and m particularly thank ful Mike Thad the
good sense to duck when he did.
The President is home. and Uim Brady and the
others are do ng very well Business, Mike
tells me 13 eturning to normal
ippreciated your etter Onyet:
Sincerely
tarolyn
GAROLYN DEAVER
April to, 1981
Dear Lucky
What a beautiful etter Mike and 3 SO
appreciated the sentiments ,Pital the words
of Visdom.
We To all very grateful in have pared
what looked Tive ayedy
is) again have business recumning (i) nor
THAT the #resident home mirac-
minis recover THIS and the not reman md
Secret Service man on there CITY to recovery
Again LUCKY thanks for your lovely letter.
Sincere he
Carrin
MKD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1981
Dear Mr. Davis:
I am forwarding your letter to the White
House Press Office. They may be able to
provide you with a few Press Releases, but
we do not have time to answer the dozens of
questions you have posed. Refer to any re-
cent publication for the answers you seek.
Sincerely,
SHIRLEY MOORE
Staff Assistant to
Michael K. Deaver
Mr. Billy Davis
1118 Morrow Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1981
Dear Mr. Maguire:
Thank you for your nice letter regarding
Lion of Ireland. I am anxious, when time
permits, to read the book that gave President
Reagan SO much pleasure.
I'm sorry that we were not able to join you
for dinner recently, but the press of business
leaves very little time for social endeavors.
Again, thanks for taking the time to write and
good luck with Lion.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER
Assistant to the President
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mr. Charles M. Maguire
3411 Lowell Street, N. W.
Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 244-1414
CHARLES M. MAGUIRE
CONSULTANT
3411 LOWELL STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20016
April 9, 1981
Michael K. Deaver,
Deputy Chief of Staff,
muffi - do? 20 this something to
The White House,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Michael:
I hope you may recall our paths crossing in the transition weeks,
though you were moving too swiftly for anything but brief encounters.
(As Don Regan's man in Washington for ten years, I worked with your
headquarters staff to ease passage to the Treasury.)
The enclosed letter from Morgan Llywelyn, author of Lion of
Ireland, recounts her happy involvement with the President, a direct
and proud descendant of the book's fabled hero, King Brian Boru.
Morgan is a lifelong Republican: sophisticated, charismatic, an eloquent
advocate for the administration. In coming weeks, as the paperback is
released and film plans emerge, she will be appearing on major TV talk
shows and in print. (Good Morning, America, the Post's Style section,
People magazine are all interested.)
I believe you will recognize an exceptional political opportunity
here, a series of "media events" (culminating in a major motion picture)
that dramatize not only the President's kinship with a great king -- a
great warrior and unifier, sprung from the people, delivering them to
nationhood and peace. That in itself has contemporary meaning, political
value. But Lion tells a deeper story, of even greater timeliness and
worth, in drawing from "heroic" themes a moral and a message for modern
government; an inspirational message for the American people as they
bear the burden and the glory of the day.
In that sense, Lion illustrates -- and illuminates -- some of the
richest aspects of the President's character and convictions. The book
is an echo, a rousing and glowing affirmation, of his Inaugural Address.
Nowhere in his magnificent summons was Ronald Reagan more moving, or more
memorable, than in his evocation of the heroic spirit; in his celebration
of the common man as the "everyday hero," in his kinship with those heroes.
These are Morgan Llywelyn's themes. They are woven from the same
cloth -- gold and burlap -- as the President's speeches and, surely,
his dreams. None of it is fable. Brian Boru was a real king. He lives
on in Ireland's memory and history's annals as vividly as Ronald Reagan
will.
The Irish connection is another politically intriguing aspect, one
- 2 -
that you may also turn to good purpose as the President deals with Irish-
American issues, and visits his ancestral homeland in due time. I have
just returned from meetings in Dublin with representatives of the govern-
ment, the Irish Film Board, and the media. To a man, they want the film
made in Ireland. Prime Minister Haughey is familiar with the project; his
government has just passed two bills aimed at enticing film ventures to
Ireland; their tourist industry and job markets, both depressed, need the
lift of publicity and employment. (You will also be aware of the Thatcher-
Haughey summit set for London in June. Brian Boru will also attend, as he
embodies the unification ideal.)
Irish hopes are high, support is strong; both are based in happy
measure on the expectation that the Brian Boru-Ronald Reagan saga will
unite our peoples in a splendid enterprise, even one that history will
record as contributing to the settlement of Ireland's ancient conflicts.
To that end, Sheamus Smith, Managing Director of the Irish Film Board,
will visit with us in Washington next week. Maureen O'Hara, still the Irish
queen of film, will bring her great enthusiasm and influence to our efforts.
We are planning small, informal dinners on Monday the 14th and Tuesday the
15th. It would be our privilege and pleasure to welcome you and Mrs. Deaver
into our company of friends, on either evening.
I recognize the exceptional demands on your time in this difficult
phase of the presidency. Thank God you are there; and that the President
will be back there soon. Should duty bar you from dining with us, I wonder
if you could arrange an office visit with Morgan Llywelyn and Sheamus Smith
(Maureen O'Hara, if you wish) next Tuesday, however briefly?
To oversimplify a many-sided and many-splendored opportunity, one that
fits singularly well within your Washington and Los Angeles experience,
Morgan Llywelyn and Lion of Ireland are political assets in the rough. They
can remain so; but with your guidance they can be as readily polished and
transformed into gems, with a hard cutting edge of gain for the President
and his goals.
On behalf of Morgan and our other associates, I hope we may enjoy your
good counsel, and good company at dinner next week. I will phone your
secretary for a response. Muffy Brandon, an old acquaintance, knows of
this letter and will receive a copy.
You have my personal gratitude for taking the pains of hearing us
thus far; together with our collective relief and gladness that an early
crisis has left you even better equipped to carry on.
Best personal regards,
Charles
Charles M. Maguire
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 23,1981
MEMO:
TO: Michael Deaver
FROM: Muffie Brandon nufliz Brender
RE: Enclosed LION OF IRELAND material.
Having read the enclosed, my reaction is that this
group is trying, gracefully, to exploit the President's
Irish ancestry for their own commercial gain.
It is a grand yarn and the author should be commended.
I would recommend waiting until the film is completed
and then review the situation and perhaps have a special
screen on St. Pat's Day with all the appropriate folks
at the White House.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 7, 1981
TO:
Peter McCoy
Mike Deaver
FROM:
Muffie Brandon
nuffiz Brander
I have just had a call from a Mr. Charles McGuire, who seems
to be very involved concerning a book entitled "Lion of
Ireland" by Morgan Lewellyn, Evidently, according to Mr.
McGuire, the government has encouraged Mr. Lewellyn in his
hopes of making an important film of the book.
Mr. McGuire, Maureen O'Hara, and the head of Irish Films are
meeting next week in Washington about this project. For some
reason, they want me to join them. I explained that a
detailed letter should be sent to Mr. Deaver and Mr. McCoy
apprising you of this project, and once you have had a chance
to review this situation, I would be delighted to participate
with your approval but I don't feel it is appropriate to meet
with this group until you both have had a chance to review
the proposal.
Mr. McGuire will be sending his letter by messenger today or
tomorrow.
M
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 14, 1981
Dear Mr. Maguire:
Thank you SO much for your kind letter
as well as a copy of the wonderful
book, Lion of Ireland.
I am SO very sorry that I was unable
to meet with you this week, but I
wish you and the "Lion" project all of
my very best wishes and good luck.
Very sincerely yours,
mabel H Brndor
Mabel H. Brandon
Social Secretary to
the White House
Mr. Charles Maguire
3411 Lowell Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20016
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1981
Dear Ms. Llywelyn:
Thank you SO much for your eloquent letter.
I'm sorry I was not able to join you and the
others for dinner.
I am aware of President Reagan's interest in
your book and wish only the best for your
project. It is, of course, impossible for
the President to involve himself in any way.
Perhaps when the film is finished we will be
able to celebrate with you and the others in-
volved.
Thanks again for thinking of us, and good luck.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER
Assistant to the President
Deputy Chief of Staff
Ms. Morgan Llywelyn
1112 Lake Heron Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403
April 10th, 1981
Michael Deaver
Deputy Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Deaver,
As you know, President Reagan has expressed a great
personal interest in my novel, LION OF IRELAND: THE LEGEND
OF BRIAN BORU, and was kind enough to urge his friend Alan
Pakula to make it into a feature film.
Now the President's wish is in the process of being
fulfilled, though with another producer, Herbert Wright of
Delos Productions, and there are a number of us in the
Washington area at this time working on the project. One
of those involved, my associate, Charles Maguire, recently
spoke with Mrs. Brandon about the possibility of meeting
with the appropriate members of the White House staff to
arrange for a presentation of a copy of the novel to the
First Lady for her own collection. Mrs. Brandon suggested
to Charles, who is a longtime friend of hers, that I should
communicate directly with you.
I am sending you herewith your own copy of LION OF
IRELAND, which is a biography in novel form of Brian Boru,
the magnificent Irish king to whom Ronald Reagan's own
family line has been traced. As a lifelong Republican, I
was overjoyed by the outcome of the November election and
quite surprised to learn shortly thereafter that my novel
was the only one in print about the new President's heroic
ancestor. It was my privilege to send a copy of the first
edition to President Reagan as my gift to him, a token of
gratitude for his victory.
On Christmas Eve, to my delighted astonishment, Ronald
Reagan himself telephoned me from California to discuss LION.
We had a most enjoyable conversation about heroes, about the
policies and philosophies of Brian Boru. I had been motivated
to write the book by an awareness of our great national hunger
for and need of heroes, and had searched history to find a
real, documentable man who had succeeded in accomplishing
something that appeared to be impossible. If one man can do
it, so can another; that is the heartening message of the
hero. President Reagan struck the same heroic theme in his
brilliant inaugural address.
Next week we will be meeting in Washington to discuss the
film project with Seamus Smith, General Manager of Irish Film
Studios Ltd., and the splendid actress Maureen O'Hara, who has
indicated a strong desire to come out of retirement in order
to play the role of Gormlaith, Brian Boru's last queen. As
- 2 -
Mr. Smith is the representative of a sizeable Irish business
group interested in establishing a bi-national film industry,
and Miss O'Hara is, of course, one of the great ladies of
the screen in both America and Europe, I am hoping it will
be possible for them to have a tour of the White House during
their brief stay in Washington.
We are all dining together on Tuesday night, and would
be so pleased if you and Mrs. Deaver would be able to join
us. I understand that your mother will be in town then, and
we would most heartily like to invite her as well.
I recognize how short time is, and the difficulty you
must all be operating under these days due to the President's
illness; any effort you might make to help us will therefore
be especially appreciated. It would be wonderful if you and
Mrs. Brandon could find a few moments to receive Mr. Smith,
Miss O'Hara and myself on Tuesday and join us later for
dinner.
Enclosed is a preliminary press kit with a little more
information about the film. It is one of those presented on
the occasion of my speech at The National Press Club on
March 13th, and Georgetown University on the 14th.
Now that spring seems to be here at last, and the President
is gaining in strength and health, I think we Americans have a
lot to be thankful for. Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy said
it as well as anyone could: "It's great to be alive and grand
to be Irish!"
Thank you so much for your courtesy and consideration,
and warmest best wishes,
Always,
Morgan lywelyn
encs
CC: Mrs. Brandon
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1981
Dear Mr. Heidt:
Thank you for your recent letter regarding
your list of "Ten Commandments to Prevent
Crime".
I have taken the liberty of forwarding your
letter to the Attorney General, William French
Smith, for his information.
I appreciate your taking the time to write
us about a grave issue.
I have passed on your regards to President
Reagan.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL K. DEAVER
Assistant to the President
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mr. Horace Heidt
14155 Magnolia Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403