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66327862
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Correspondence – May 1982 (5)
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66327862
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Correspondence – May 1982 (5)
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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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66327862
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1985-12-31
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1985
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1981-01-01
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1981
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WITHDRAWAL SHEET Ronald Reagan Library Collection Name DEAVER, MICHAEL: FILES Withdrawer KDB 7/19/2005 File Folder CORRESPONDENCE - MAY 1982 FOIA F01-107/01 Box Number 7619 MCCARTIN 42 DOC Doc Type Document Description No of Doc Date Restrictions NO Pages 1 LETTER FROM M. DEAVER TO A MEMBER OF 1 5/18/1982 B6 B7(C) 128 HIS SECURITY DETAIL 2 LETTER TO M. DEAVER FROM A MEMBER OF 3 ND B6 B7(C) 129 HIS SECURITY DETAIL Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] B-2 Release would disclose Internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial Information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted Invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] B-7 Release would disclose information complied for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial Institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical Information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift. Save William Barnabas McHenry 164 East 72ⁿᵈ Street New York, New York 10021 May 18, 1982 Mr. Michael K. Deaver Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mike: You are a very special person, and those who cherish the arts and humanities of this country owe you an enormous debt of thanks. The President's Committee would never exist but for you. Sincerely, Bamay BMcH: cmz THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 18, 1982 Dear Jack: Thanks for your thoughtfulness in sending your book, Speak Up With Confidence. I really look forward to delving into this one. Maybe I would have projected a different image if I'd had it a year and a half ago. I appreciate it. Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Jack Valenti 1600 Eye Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 18, 1982 Dear A1: Thanks for your thoughtfulness in sending the Troy - Times Record clipping, and many, many thanks for your continued support and loyalty. It's been invaluable. Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff The Honorable Alfonse D' Amato United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 ALFONSE D'AMATO NEW YORK United States Senate WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 May 13, 1982 Thruse dural Mr. Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mike: Enclosed please find the press reports on my recent statements regarding the bud- get impasse. I believe it is critical that we continue to point out to the American peo- ple that it is Tip O'Neill and his gang that are sabotaging a budget compromise. You may be sure I will continue to speak out in defense of the President and his budget policies. Regards, ae Alfonse M. D'Amato United States Senator AMD:jzu Enclosures DATE NEWSPAPER D' Amato: O'Neill sabotages budget talks May 1, 1982 around and hurt the Demo- dent's nose." improved economy would have By DAVID E. LYNCH crats' chances" in the fall D'Amato blamed Republican widened those predicted gains. Record Washington Bureau elections. lawmakers for O'Neill's at- Asked if he thought O'Neill TROY TIMES--RECORD He said the president came titude. "We should have been was lured into a trap by to the meeting with O'Neill and more gracious in victory last attending the meeting with WASHINGTON - New York other congressional leaders will- year. We had people calling Reagan, D'Amato said that if it Sen. Alfonse M. D'Amato has ing to find a solution to the (O'Neill) names and carrying was a trap, ''it didn't accused House Speaker Thom- budget deadlock, and he of- on like little kids jumping up work the Republicans are still as P. O'Neill, D-Mass., of fered to make cuts in defense and down and applauding going to suffer. sabotaging budget negotiations spending and to delay the third themselves." The senator was asked about with President Reagan for the year of the tax cut. But O'Neill He said the collapse in the dairy price support pro- sake of political victories at the and other Democrats "didn't negotiations will hinder econom- gram that is now being NEWSCLIP WORKSHEET polls next fall. want (a compromise) to take ic recovery, something for overhauled by the Reagan "Economic recovery was sac- place, Amato said. which "many incumbents in administration with an eye rificed on the altar of political both parties will share responsi- toward lower the supports. He PAGE The senator said O'Neill, who expedience," D'Amato told re- suffered embarrassing defeats bility for." However, he pre- said, "you're going to see more FILE porters during a breakfast on the tax and budget cut bills dicted, the Republicans, the farms being sold" if the meeting Thursday. last year, "was not willing to party that controls the White support prices are cut. The The Republican said the put his own personal hurt House, will receive much of the high interest rates are at the spèaker "didn't want a aside." He said the speaker blame. The Republicans may heart of the dairy farm pro- (budget) compromise for fear was "looking forward to an pick up 'one or two' seats in the blem, he said. "The answer is the economy would come opportunity to bloody the presi- Senate, D'Amato said, but an to get the interest rates down." NEWSCLIP WORKSHEET BUFFALO NEWS NEWSPAPER FILE April 30, 1982 DATE PAGE D'Amato Points To O'Neill as Major Villain News Washington Bureau WASHINGTON - Republicans could be the biggest loser in the White House-Congress stalemate over the fiscal 1983 budget, but House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, D-Mass., is the major villain. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, R-N.Y., asserted Thursday. He said: "The failure to agree sent a signal, which is probably accurate: there is too much politics and not enough professionalism here. It is viewed by many as a plague on both houses. Speaker O'Neill desperately wants to recoup some of the politi- cal losses he suffered last year. He was looking to scuttle any attempt at any reasonable compromise, and he shares the major part of the re- sponsibility for the failure." Sen. D'Amato conceded that Republicans could end up being blamed by the voters this year. He granted that Mr. O'Neill had cause to be miffed at Republicans after the razzing they gave him in public last year when administra- tion tax and spending-cut proposals won in the Democratic-controlled House. "The Republicans didn't handle that well," he said. "We shouldn't have people calling him names." WITHDRAWAL SHEET Ronald Reagan Library Collection Name Withdrawer DEAVER, MICHAEL: FILES KDB 7/19/2005 File Folder FOIA CORRESPONDENCE - MAY 1982 (4) F01-107/01 MCCARTIN Box Number 7619 42 DOC Document Type No of Doc Date Restric- NO Document Description pages tions 1 LETTER 1 5/18/1982 B6 128 FROM M. DEAVER TO A MEMBER OF HIS B7(C) SECURITY DETAIL Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] B-2 Release would disclose Internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] B-7 Release would disclose Information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift. WITHDRAWAL SHEET Ronald Reagan Library Collection Name Withdrawer DEAVER, MICHAEL: FILES KDB 7/19/2005 File Folder 5 FOIA CORRESPONDENCE - MAY 1982 (4) F01-107/01 MCCARTIN Box Number 7619 42 DOC Document Type No of Doc Date Restric- NO Document Description pages tions 2 LETTER 3 ND B6 129 TO M. DEAVER FROM A MEMBER OF HIS B7(C) SECURITY DETAIL Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted Invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical Information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift. MICHAEL K. DEAVER dear Pam many Thunks for the night hime Buy In amazed at the ABC chiening Thunks guin for your thought Juness. nike American Broadcasting Company 1717 DeSales Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Telephone 202 887-7777 19 May, 1982 Dear Mike: Thanks again for all your help and patience. The video from our April trip looks good and will work well with the additional material. Please do not consider this official Nightline bag a bribe or even a gift that must be reported. It's just that some of us are sentimental. I mean when someone uses lines like: 'my 7-year old really wants one ' how could we refuse! We look forward to seeing you on Nightline. And we're most appreciative of your thoughtfulness and cooperation. Sincerely, Pam Kahn JOSEPH J. KEON, JR. 130 SOUTH JUNE STREET LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90004 file May 19, 1982 Mr. Michael Deaver 4521 Dexter Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 Dear Mike: I so much enjoyed sitting at your table and having the chance to visit with you again. Sally and I couldn't have been more thrilled in spending that very special evening at the White House. We hope to see you and Caroline soon again. We are all so very proud of you. Regards, Joe THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 19, 1982 Dear Kent: Unfortunately, I cannot make an ex- ception. The President must remain neutral in all primaries, and if we do something special for you while we are in California, we would be bending the rules. I am sure you can understand our position. Warm regards, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Kent Lloyd Kent Lloyd for Treasurer Committee 1000 Quail #290 Newport Beach, CA 92660 KENTLLOYD for State Treasurer May 18, 1982 m sorry but Princlar Bragra EXPRESS MAIL Mr. Michael Deaver Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mike: It has been just over six weeks since I resigned from my post as Deputy Undersecretary of Management in the U.S. Department of Education and returned to California to enter the race for the Republican nomination for State Treasurer in the June 8 primary. I am pleased to say that the campaign is going extremely well. I have received the endorsement of a majority of the Republican Congressional, State Senate and State Assembly for my candidacy and am considered to be the front runner against Jesse Unruh for the June election (see materials enclosed). Next Tuesday evening, May 25, the President will be at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles for a Republican fund raising event. At that time candidates will undoubtedly be introduced. Would it be possible, in view of my past 15 months of service with the Ad- ministration as a Presidential appointee, to be recognized by President Reagan in some special way? For example, could I be the President's guest at any pre-receptions that are arranged? Could Tirso Del Junco or other party leaders be notified of my special relationship with the President? I would appreciate any advice and help you might provide on this subject. This will be the last big event before the June 8 primary. Thank you for your assistance. Best wishes, Kent Kent Lloyd KL:d Enclosures Paid for by Kent Lloyd for Treasurer Committee. 1000 Quail #290, Newport Beach, CA 92660 I.D. #821656 Telephone (714) 752-5447 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 19, 1982 Dear Marvin: I received your note regarding press re- lations in the White House. While I may sympathize with your position, I am afraid I had nothing to do with the White House press pool participation. You refer in your letter to "your staff", however, Larry Speakes and the White House press staff do not report to me. I have no line authority over their activities. They report to the Chief of Staff. I am sure you will be hearing from Jim Baker shortly. Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Marvin L. Stone Editor U.S. News & World Report 2300 N Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 BCC: m Balen mr. meese I Giger L.Spephes L. U.S. News & World Report wASHINGTON MARVIN L. STONE 2300 N STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20037 EDITOR May 18, 1982 Mr. Michael Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Deaver: After 16 months of harmonious relations with the Reagan White House, our reporters have run into a situation that is hampering their ability to do their jobs properly. I am referring to the decision of your staff to abolish the tra- ditional magazine pool rotation. We realize that these new rules were imposed in order to bring order to photo opportunities and other events involving the President. But since our magazine reporters were not part of the problem that you were trying to solve, we object to being part of the solution. Some people on your staff argue that pools must be limited to one print re- porter because they have recently been restricted to one broadcaster reporter. These people do not understand the fundamental differences between magazines and newspapers. All broadcast reporters depend on the same thing--a clip of tape. But in covering the President, magazine reporters are not looking for the same thing as newspaper reporters. In fact, people read our magazine because we pro- vide information they do not read in newspapers. Our reporters are looking for themes, analysis and detail that newspaper reporters ignore. This is why maga- zine pools were established in the first place. In addition, we object that this new policy was imposed upon us by your staff without any effort to consult us. We had no opportunity to present our point of view in advance. We hope you will reconsider this new policy, which we think creates a needless point of contention in what has been a good professional working relationship between our magazine and the White House. At the very least, we'd like an opportunity to discuss it with you in person. I am sending a copy of this letter to Messrs. Baker and Meese, lest they wonder why, in the future, newsmagazine coverage of the White House is suffering. Sincerely, Marv Store CC: James Baker Edwin Meese MLS/mlf THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 19, 1982 Dear Marvin: I received your note regarding press re- lations in the White House. While I may sympathize with your position, I am afraid I had nothing to do with the White House press pool participation. You refer in your letter to "your staff", however, Larry Speakes and the White House press staff do not report to me. I have no line authority over their activities. They report to the Chief of Staff. I am sure you will be hearing from Jim Baker shortly. Sincerely, hike MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Marvin L. Stone Editor U.S. News & World Report 2300 N Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 U.S. News & World Report WASHINGTON MARVIN L. STONE 2300 N STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20037 EDITOR May 18, 1982 Mr. Michael Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. Deaver: After 16 months of harmonious relations with the Reagan White House, our reporters have run into a situation that is hampering their ability to do their jobs properly. I am referring to the decision of your staff to abolish the tra- ditional magazine pool rotation. We realize that these new rules were imposed in order to bring order to photo opportunities and other events involving the President. But since our magazine reporters were not part of the problem that you were trying to solve, we object to being part of the solution. Some people on your staff argue that pools must be limited to one print re- porter because they have recently been restricted to one broadcaster reporter. These people do not understand the fundamental differences between magazines and newspapers. All broadcast reporters depend on the same thing--a clip of tape. But in covering the President, magazine reporters are not looking for the same thing as newspaper reporters. In fact, people read our magazine because we pro- vide information they do not read in newspapers. Our reporters are looking for themes, analysis and detail that newspaper reporters ignore. This is why maga- zine pools were established in the first place. In addition, we object that this new policy was imposed upon us by your staff without any effort to consult us. We had no opportunity to present our point of view in advance. We hope you will reconsider this new policy, which we think creates a needless point of contention in what has been a good professional working relationship between our magazine and the White House. At the wer least, we'd like an opportunity to discuss it with you in person. I am sending a copy of this letter to Messrs. Baker and Meese, lest they wonder why, in the future, newsmagazine coverage of the White House is suffering. Sincerely, Marv STORE cc: James Baker Edwin Meese MLS/mlf THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 20, 1982 Dear Dr. Sanjurjo: Thank you for your recent letter. I appreciate your support for President Reagan and your concern for the con- tinued success of his economic program. You can be sure that I will keep your comments in mind during discussions with my colleagues here in Washington. With best wishes, Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff R. R. Sanjurjo, D.D.S. 601 San Antonio Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33146 AREA CODE 305 PHONE 667-7104 R. R. SANJURJO, D. D. S. 601 SAN ANTONIO AVENUE CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33146 May 8,1982 Mr. Michael Deaver The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Deaver: Drexel Burnam's Ad in yesterday;s Wall Street Journal had the painest truth I have seen in a long time. That today's economic problems are blamed on President Reagan is well known / as a political ploy. But all the adversaries are determined that the truth not be known, and at times it seems that the Administration is loosing the propaganda effort. I sincerely hope that this unique opportunity is not lost because of failure to correct a shortcoming. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 20, 1982 Dear Joe: Many thanks for your note enclosing Mrs. Collier's proposal for a 20% tariff on all manufactured goods as a method to control deficits, interest rates and un- employment. I'll review her recommendations carefully and share them with some of our folks. I'm grateful for your bringing her thoughts to my personal attention. Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Joe M. Rodgers P.O. Box 121086 Nashville, TN 37212 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON D-R-A-F-T DK Dear Joe: Many thanks for your note enclosing Mrs. Collier's proposal for a 20% tariff on all manufactured goods as a method to control deficits, interest rates and unemployment. I'll review her recommendations carefully and share them with some of our folks. I'm grateful for your bringing her thoughts to my personal attention. Sincerely, Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Joe M. Rodgers P. O. Box 121086 Nashville, Tennessee 37212 bcc: Weidenbaum Regan Brock Harper Dubation Ken 1 lav 10, 1082 Ms. Shirley Moone Administrative Assistant to Mike Deaver The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Shirley: The attached letter and "nough draft" are self-explanatory. no you think I would be asking too much of Mike to take the time to read these three pages? 11m, of course, not asking support of irs. Collier's recommendation. It would help me if sho knew that ! had reached someone 25 bigh un as Mike to at least Listen to her necommendations. ! will, of course, completely understand if you do not think ! should make this request. If he does read the attached, then it would also be approciated if he could get someone to write Mrs. Collier saying that he had read the information and is taking it under advisement. Thanks for letting me continue to be a best. Look forward to seeing you again. Sincerely, The Joe 1. Rodgers JMR/hf Attachments P.O. Box 121086 Nashville, Tenn. 37212 Phone 615-329-0020 SUBSIDIARY: NATIONAL INDUSTRIES INC. NATIONAL MANAGEMENT, INC. April 28, 1982 Mr. Joe Rogers P.O. Box 121086 Nashville, TN 37212 Dear Joe: Ben and I have made our reservations for the dinner on May 4th and look forward to seeing you there. I was in Washington last week and talked to many of the Congressmen on the trade sub-committee and hopefully I will stay over and testify in some of the hearings on the trade bills in Washington. I was really surprised to find out that there were about 200 different type bills introduced, with most of them being reciprocity or local content. I am enclosing one very "rough" outline that I would propose to ask the President to read rather than me having to fumble through alot of talking. I did speak with Senator Laxalt and gave him copies of these also and he listened very intently and was quite cordial. Needless to say he made no committments but he did question me about Brock and Baldridge and their attitude towards this. I told him that I thought Ambassador Brock and Secretary Baldridge were fantastic cabinet members and would follow the President's lead but if the President's thinking changes, it would have to probably come from someone like him or some of the President's closest friends. I really appreciate the time you spent with us and am sorry I didn't have this brief synopsis when I was there. See you in Washington. Sincerely, NATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC. June M. Collier JMC/1p Enclosure P.O. Box 3528/2745 Gunter Park Drive West/Montgomery, Alabama 36109/(205) 277-1551 THE AMERICAN DILEMMA I. EXISTING MAJOR PROBLEMS 1. High Federal Deficit 2. High Interest Rate 3. High Unemployment Rate With these three conditions existent, they feed upon themselves in the following cycle: High Deficit High Unemployment High Interest We are exporting jobs and importing welfare! Hand-operation productivity is the same world wide. Technology - hardware and software, is extremely portable. You one time buy the "package" to produce your own. "One point of employment is equal to 25 billion dollars worth of deficit". (Ronald Reagan). (1) Low skill level people connot "trickle up" to high tech jobs. (2) Without these jobs, the backbone of our socio-economic structure, we will have a deficit. (3) With this deficit, interest rates will stay high. This cycle must be broken!! JUNE M. COLLIER National Industries, Inc. P. O. Box 3528 Montgomery, AL 36109 Page 2 April 26, 1982 The American Dilemma II. PROPOSED CURES: There are currently three types of bills before the Congress dealing with this problem. Here is why each of will not break the cycle. A. Reciprocity many different kinds. This will not work because it assumes that other nations will buy goods from the U.S. when, in essence, they cannot afford to buy their own products. All of our Congressmen and Senators need to realize that the U.S. is the world market. Can you name a country that likes us or that buys anything from us unless by necessity? B. Local Content Bill - this is the most inflationary bill in that inflation will rise as long as the term of the bill. Local content simply means that a product has to be produced in the United States no matter what the cost. This is wrong, and will clearly cause inflation. C. Restrictions or other limitations - same as local content. It will drive the price up on whatever is restricted. This is definitely not the solution. III. THE SOLUTION - - TARIFFS A 20% tariff on all manufactured goods, not just autos, is the only effective solution. It would be a one time price increase applied only to manufactured goods. With no limitations, restrictions or quotas, U.S. industry will have to work hard, find innovations, modernize, etc. in order to remain competitive while the tariff is in place. This will actually only be "labor parity" for labor intensive industries. A tariff on manufactured goods imported into the United States will achieve a parity between approximately $1.00 per hour and what we think JUNE M. COLLIER National Industries, In. Montgomerv. AL Page 3 April 26, 1982 The American Dilemma is fair for our American Standard of living. (1) The deficit will go down. (2) Interest will go down. (3) Unemployment will fall. Tariffs on manufactured goods tend to be acceptable to our older people and other people on fixed incomes in that these people generally do not buy new homes, new cars, etc. Their chief concern is food, medicine and power bills. Tariffs will be easy to administer and will generate immediately needed revenue. The three other alternatives discussed above would be a bureaucratic blessing and an American nightmare. The tariff proposal should be accompanied by legislation calling for a 40% limitation on non-American ownership so that other nations will not be able to build in the U.S.; taking their capital and corporate profits back to their own country. We must have an America saved for Americans. JUNE M. COLLIER National Industries, Ir P.O. Box 3528 Montgomery, AL THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 20, 1982 Dear Mr. White: Thank you for your recent message. I appreciate the concern which prompted you to write. Administration officials have recently met with represen- tatives of the construction industry regarding possible changes in the completed contract method of accounting. During that meeting industry representatives described what they believed to be the undesirable and unintended consequences of changing the existing law. Officials within the Treasury Department have since undertaken a review of the proposed changes. I was grateful to have the benefit of your comments and suggestions concerning the completed contract method of reporting taxable income. You can be sure that your message will receive serious attention. With best wishes, Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. W. J. White President, Walsh Construction Thorndale Circle Darien, CT 06820 POSTA W.I WHITE, PRESIDENT, WALSH CONST THORNDALE CIRCLE western union Mailgram UNITED SERVICE ® DARIEN CT 06820 U.S.MAIL 1-0325108134 05/14/82 ICS IPMMTZZ CSP WHSA 2036557711 MGM TDMT DARIEN CT 353 05-14 0119P EST MICHAEL K DEAVER, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC 20500 IMMEDIATE AND STRONG ACTION IS NECESSARY TO STOP THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT FROM PROCEEDING WITH ITS PROPOSALS TO ABOLISH THE COMPLETED CONTRACT METHOD OF TAX ACCOUNTING PRESENTLY UTILIZED BY CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES. WE RESPECTFULLY SOLICIT YOUR SUPPORT AGAINST THESE PROPOSALS AND URGE THAT YOU EXERT YOUR EFFORTS TO STOP THESE TREASURY DEPARTMENT PROPOSALS FROM BECOMING EFFECTIVE. FOR OVER 50 YEARS THE COMPLETED CONTRACT METHOD OF TAX ACCOUNTING HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A NECESSARY AND EQUITABLE METHOD FOR CONTRACTORS TO USE TO COMPUTE THEIR TAX RESPONSIBILITIES. THIS HAS BEEN so BECAUSE OF THE UNIQUE NATURE OF INHERENT RISKS IN CONSTRUCTION. PROFIT, IF ANY, CANNOT BE KNOWN UNTIL ALL COSTS ARE FINALIZED. IN ADDITION, RETENTIONS AGAINST PAYMENT BY OWNERS INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HOLD BACK THE PAYMENT OF ANY PROFIT UNTIL THE FINAL PAYMENT. THE COMPLETED CONTRACT METHOD OF TAX ACCOUNTING FOR CONSTRUCTION IS NOT A TAX DODGE, A TAX LOOPHOLE, OR A TAX SHELTER OF ANY KIND. WHAT IT REALLY DOES IS PERMIT A CONTRACTOR TO ONLY PAY ITS TAXES ON PROFITS AFTER THE CONTRACTOR CAN REASONABLY KNOW WHAT THE PROFITS REALLY ARE. TO REQUIRE A CONTRACTOR TO PAY TAXES BEFORE JOB COMPLETION ONLY ADDS TO THE INFLATION SPIRAL FOR IT FORCES A CONTRACTOR TO BORROW MORE MONEY TO PAYS ITS TAXES BEFORE THE CONTRACTOR IS PAID ITS PROFITS, IF ANY. PAYMENT WHICH THE CONTRACTOR RECEIVES PRIOR TO THE FINAL PAYMENT ARE REALLY REIMBURSEMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR OF COSTS HE HAS ALREADY HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT. CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES HAVE IMPROVED TREMENDOUSLY OVER THE 50 YEARS PLUS SINCE THE COMPLETED CONTRACT METHOD OF TAX ACCOUNTING WAS RECOGNIZED. BUT THE REALITIES OF THE UNIQUE INHERENT RISKS OF THIS INDUSTRY ARE STILL THE SAME - NO PROFIT IS EARNED UNTIL THE LAST COSTS ARE PAID - AND THE MONEY IS IN THE BANK. WE URGENTLY SOLICIT YOUR SUPPORT TO DEFEAT THESE TOTALLY INEQUITABLE PROPOSALS OF THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT. SINCERELY YOURS WJ WHITE, PRESIDENT, WALSH CONSTRUCTION CODIV OF GUY F ATKINSON co THORNDALE CIRCLE DARIEN CT 06820 13:25 EST MGMCOMP TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM, SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR WESTERN UNION'S TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBERS THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 20, 1982 Dear Mr. Schneider: Thank you for your recent message. I appreciate the concern which prompted you to write. Administration officials have recently met with represen- tatives of the construction industry regarding possible changes in the completed contract method of accounting. During that meeting industry representatives described what they believed to be the undesirable and unintended consequences of changing the existing law. Officials within the Treasury Department have since undertaken a review of the proposed changes. I was grateful to have the benefit of your comments and suggestions concerning the completed contract method of reporting taxable income. You can be sure that your message will receive serious attention. With best wishes, Sincerely, MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Harvey Schneider Vice President Schreiber Corporation P.O. Box 38119 Detroit, MI 48238 MKB-> (313) 864-4900 schreil oration roofing and sheet metal contractors detroit, michigan 48238 2239 FENKELL, P.O. BOX 38119 SINCE 1916 May 12, 1982 The Honorable Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President The White House Washington, D.C. 22500 Dear Sir; The Schreiter Corporation, roofing and sheet metal contractors, cf Detroit, Michigan is strongly opposed to the elimination of the completed contract method of accounting. We urge you to do all within your power to prevent this traditional method of accounting for the construction industry from teing eliminated for the following reasons: 1. Unknown variables not found in other industries results in an ambiguous profit margin in the construction industry where final financial figures are not known until the job is completed and accepted. 2. Contractors must expend large sums of capital in advance of any contract, therefore, stretching the financing capability of construction contractors on a regular basis. 3. Virtually all construction contracts have retainage provisions. Consequently, the profit element of a construction contract is not received until retainage is released. 4. The completed contract method has worked successfully in the construction industry for over 60 years. Flimination of this option could result in defaults, reduction of a contractor's business operations, or the possibility of forcing a contractor to seek outside financing--an action that may not be economically feasible especially in light of the current economic climate. Thank you fcr ycur cooperation. Yours very truly, SCHRFIBER CORPORATION Harvey Schneider, P.F. Vice President KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL Ronald H. Walker 1825 K Street, N.W. Suite 301 Managing Vice President Washington, D.C. 20006 May 20, 1982 The Honorable Michael K. Deaver Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President The White House file Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mike: It was good to see you last evening, and I know how much it meant to Mike to have you drop by. I'm also very aware of how busy and hectic your schedule must be, and I'm grateful as well. All in all it was a good turnout. Mike saw some old friends and made some new ones, and hopefully it will stand him in good stead as he moves into this new C unity. I know he has his hands full with the current trip in Europe. I wish you, him and the President well. Perhaps when you get back we can have lunch -- I'll take the initiative and call. With warm regards. Sincerely yours, San Ronald H. Walker THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON May 20, 1982 Dear Tom: Thank you for your letter. It was good hearing from you again. I appreciate your concern about the Law of the Sea Conference. The work which that group undertakes will be of great importance both to the development of international law and to the future industrial uses of the raw materials of the ocean floor. We, too, have been concerned since we first came into office. I feel confident that we're on top of this situation. Many thanks. Sincerely mine MICHAEL K. DEAVER Assistant to the President Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Thomas J. Wesley, Jr. Suite 1500 134 Peachtree Street, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30303