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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files
Folder Title: JGR/Presidential Remarks, Statements,
[& Addresses] April 1984
(5 of 5)
Box: 40
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
OZR
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks:
Great Hall of the People/Beijing, China
Richard Darman has asked that comments on the above-referenced
remarks be sent directly to Ben Elliott by noon today. The
lengthy remarks begin with a discussion of the mutual interest
of China and the United States in resisting Soviet expansionism,
and then move to an extended discourse on American values.
The President stresses the importance of economic freedom, and
notes the successes China itself has had in experimenting with
the entreprenuerial spirit. He then discusses how America
stifled this spirit in the 1970's, and how we have enjoyed an
economic renaissance after returning to sounder economic
policies. The remarks conclude by reviewing specific bilateral
initiatives: the industrial and technological accord, expanding
joint economic ventures, the new tax agreement, and the new
plan for cooperation in space.
I have no objection to the President extolling the virtues of
capitalism to the Chinese, although the discussion at the
bottom of page 9 and the top of page 10 about the shift from
the policies of the 1970's to Reaganomics strikes me as a bit
partisan for a foreign address. In particular, the "[w]hen we
took office in January 1981" language should be deleted. I
have no other objections.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR BEN ELLIOTT
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND DIRECTOR OF SPEECHWRITING
Orig. signed by FFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks:
Great Hall of the People/Beijing, China
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
remarks. The last paragraph on page 9 and the first paragraph
on page 10 strike us as too partisan for a foreign address.
In particular, the opening clause on page 10 -- "[w]hen we
took office in January 1981" -- should be deleted.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:ph 4/17/84
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subject
Chron.
ID #
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
JR
0 . OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
I INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
Richard Danman
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Presidential Address Great Hall of the
People / BeijingChina - FRi. April 27, 1984
14/16/84; 7:00 pm)
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code YY/MM/DD
Culture
ORIGINATOR 84,04,17
/
/
Referral Note:
CUAT 18
D 84,04,7
584,04,17
Referral Note:
ASAD
CUAT 17
I 84,04,17
/
/
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
/
/
/
/
-
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A . Appropriate Action
I. Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C : Comment/Recommendatio
R. * Direct Reply w/Copy
B Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F . Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/16/84 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: NOON TUESDAY, 4/17
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE
BEIJING, CHINA
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1984 (4/16/84; 7:00 Pd
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
McFARLANE
MEESE
McMANUS
BAKER
MURPHY
DEAVER
OGLESBY
STOCKMAN
ROGERS
DARMAN
P
185
SPEAKES
FELDSTEIN
SVAHN
FIELDING
VERSTANDIG
FULLER
WHITTLESEY
HERRINGTON
TUTWILER
WIRTHLIN
HICKEY
ROSEBUSH
JENKINS
HENKEL
ELLIOTT
REMARKS:
Please forward any edits/comments directly to
Ben Elliot in room 100 by NOON TOMORROW, TUESDAY,
APRIL 17, with an information copy to my office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
Ext. 2702
1984 APR 16 PM &
(Elliott)
April 16, 1984
7:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE
BEIJING, CHINA
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1984
Thank you very much Dr. Zhou Peivuan, and all of you
distinguished ladies and gentlemen. I am honored to come before
you today -- the first American President ever to address your
nation from the Great Hall of the People.
My wife Nancy and I have looked forward with great pleasure
to visiting the people, places, and treasures of China, of your
great and historic land, the world's oldest civilization. We
have marvelled at the beauty of Beijing's golden roofs and
sweeping vistas, at the bustling work of a city putting on a new
face, and we have felt the warmth of your welcome touch our
hearts. In welcoming us, you pay tribute to the more than
230 million Americans I have the privilege to represent.
Our visit will be fully packed, yet all too brief. I'm
afraid it will be, as a Tang Dynasty poet once said, "Looking at
the flowers while riding a horse." But then, you have another
saying, from the book of Han, which describes how Nancy and I
feel, "TQ_see a thing once is better than hearing about it a
hundred times."
Twelve years ago, former President Nixon arrived in Beijing,
descended from Air Force One, and shook hands with Premier
Chou En-lai. Premier Chou would later tell him, "Your handshake
came over the vastest ocean in the world -- 25 years of no
communication."
Page 2
With one handshake, America and China each turned a new page
in their histories. I believe history beckons again. It is time
to write a new chapter for peace and progress in our histories,
with America and China going forward hand-in-hand. Sye-shou
bing-gin. (Go forward hand-in-hand)
We must always be realistic about our relationship, frankly
acknowledging the fundamental differences in beliefs, values, and
institutions between our two societies. Yes, let us acknowledge
those differences; let us never minimize them; but let us not be
dominated by them. I have not come to China to lecture about
what divides us, but to build on what unites us. I have not come
to dwell on a closed-door past, but to urge that Americans and
Chinese look to the future, because, together, we can and will
make tomorrow a better day.
When Premier Zhao was in the United States he told us,
"China has opened its door and will never close it again." Well,
permit me to assure you today, America's door is open to you.
And when you walk through, we will welcome you as our neighbors
and our friends. We may live at nearly opposite ends of the
world, we may be distinctly different in language, customs, and
political*beliefs, but on the most vital questions of our time
there is no distance between Americans and Chinese -- the hearts
of our people beat as one.
Ask the citizens of your country and mine what they desire
most in this world for their children, and for their children's
children, and the answer, in English or Chinese, will be the
same: We want peace. We want a better life. Their dreams, so
Page 3
simply stated, represent mankind's deepest aspirations for
security and personal fulfillment. I believe helping them make
their dreams come true is what our jobs are all about.
We can work together as equals in a spirit of mutual respect
and mutual benefit. I believe in Chinese you say Hu Jing Hu Hui
(who-jing who-whey). (Mutual respect, mutual benefit)
America and China are both great nations, and we have a
special responsibility to preserve world peace. To help fulfill
that responsibility, the United States is undertaking a major
strengthening of its defenses, which had been neglected for more
than a decade. It is an expensive effort, but the American
people realize it is crucial if we are to deter aggression. We
do not threaten any nation; we seek only to preserve peace.
America's troops are not massed on China's borders; we occupy no
foreign lands; nor do we commit wanton acts, such as shooting
269 innocent people out of the sky for the so-called cause of
sacred airspace. And America and China both condemn military
expansionism -- the brutal occupation of Afghanistan, the
crushing of Kampuchea; and we share a stake in preserving peace
on the Korean peninsula.
Our two peoples have known the trauma of human suffering. I
think they agree there can be only one sane policy to preserve
our precious civilization in this modern nuclear age: a nuclear
war cannot be won and must never be fought. That is why the
Soviet Union must go beyond rhetoric to meaningful negotiations,
why we must negotiate actual reductions, not just controls, and
Page 4
why we must work for the day when nuclear weapons will be
banished from the face of the Earth.
America's attraction to China, our friendship for your
people, and our respect for China's many contributions to the
progress of civilization, dates back to the beginning of our own
history. You might be interested that on the ground floor of the
White House we have a collection of the finest place settings
used by our Presidents for state dinners. The design of George
Washington's, the Father of our country, is Chinese, evidence
indication of his attraction to your country. His admiration was
shared by Benjamin Franklin, one of America's first, and most
beloved inventors, writers, and philosophers.
Now, some Americans might have you believe that I can tell
you this because I was alive nearly 200 years ago, when these
great leaders were eating together at the White House. Believe
me, that's not quite true. But it's a pleasure to visit a
country that's been around as long as yours. For China,
200 years isn't getting old, 200 years is just getting started.
Back in 1784, when the first American trading ship, the
Empress, entered Chinese waters, my country was unknown to you.
We were a*new Republic, eager to win a place in international
commerce. A young, and probably homesick, American sailor
recorded that first day in a letter home.
"My dear Father," he wrote, "If ever you receive this
letter, it will aquaint you that, after a passage of 6 months and
7 days, we came to anchor at Wampoo
The Chinese had never
heard of us, but we introduced ourselves as a new Nation, gave
Page 5
them our history with a description of our country, the
importance and necessity of trade to the advantage of both, which
they appear perfectly to understand and wish. "
Since those early days, our countries have had a long
history of close and beneficial ties, and we have both profited
from a rich exchange of people, goods, and ideas. Chinese
settlers helped tame our continent during the 19th century.
I know many in your country have wondered how America, which
began as an impoverished country and a melting pot attracting
immigrants from every corner of the globe, could somehow pull
together and become the most powerful economic Nation in the
world. How did we go, in so short a time, from living by
candlelight to exploring the frontiers of the universe by
satellite; from each farmer laboring with horse and hoe for an
entire year just to feed four people, to running his farm with
computers and the most modern machinery, producing enough to feed
77 people, and making America the breadbasket of the world?
Well, we are people who have always believed that the
heritage of our past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of
our future. And from our roots, we have drawn tremendous power
from two great forces -- faith and freedom. America was founded
by people who sought freedom to worship God, and to trust in Him
to guide them in their daily lives with wisdom and strength, and
also goodness and compassion.
Our passion for freedom led to the American Revolution, the
first great uprising for independence against colonial rule. We
knew each of us could not enjoy liberty for ourselves unless we
Page 6
were willing to share it with everyone else. And we knew our
freedom could not be truly safe, unless all of us were protected
by a body of laws that treated us equally. George Washington
told us we would be bound together in a sacred brotherhood of
free men. And Thomas Jefferson's noble words in the Declaration
of Independence still inspire us today: All men are created
equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights,
among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
These great principles have nourished the soul of America.
And they have been enriched by values our two peoples share. I
am talking about the dignity of work, the strength of
neighborhood, and the warmth of family. We both see the future
in the eyes of our children. And we revere our elders. To be as
good as our fathers and mothers, we must be better.
Trust the people -- three words that are not only the heart
and soul of American history, but the most powerful force for
human progress in the world today. Those who ignore this vital
truth will condemn their countries to fall further and further
behind in the world's competition for economic leadership in the
1980's and beyond.
Because look around us: The societies that have made the
most spectacular progress in the shortest period of time are not
the most tightly controlled, nor even the richest in natural
resources. No, it is only where people have been allowed to
create and build, only where they have been able to make economic
decisions and benefit from their own risks, that societies have
become more prosperous, progressive, dynamic, and free. Nothing
Page 7
could be more basic to the spirit of progress for a farmer,
laborer, or merchant than economic reward for legitimate risk and
honest toil.
We are seeing the evidence right here in China. A little
over a century ago, President Ulysses S. Grant visited your
country and saw China's great potential: "I see dawning," Grant
wrote, "the beginning of change. When it does come, China will
rapidly become a powerful and rich nation
The population
is industrious, frugal, intelligent, and quick to learn."
Today, China's economy crackles with the dynamics of change:
The restoration of private plots and the incentives for peasants,
workers, and merchants in your new responsibility system; more
disciplined management in terms of profits and losses; improved
methods of market distribution; the opening of your economy to
the world through China's renewed membership in the International
Monetary Fund, the World Bank, your decision to join the GATT,
and through your invitation to trade and invest, especially in
your four Special Economic Zones; and, your commitment to attract
capital and scientific knowledge to create a high technology base
for the future -- all this demonstrates China's new role in the
international economic community and your ability to provide
stronger growth, more opportunities, and a higher standard of
living for your people -- and that spells progress.
Make no mistake, we believe your decision in 1978 to make
modernization China's number one priority, and Chairman Deng's
and Premier Zhao's leadership in meeting that challenge, have
been good for China and good for the world. Unlike some
Page 8
governments, which fear change, fear the future, and fear their
own people -- neglecting their needs to feed a military
Goliath -- China is permitting people to reach out to new
horizons, and we salute your courage.
"Modernization," Premier Zhao told us, "lies in our efforts
to emancipate our thinking in a bold way. -- to carry out reform
with determination, to make new inventions with courage, and to
break with the economic molds and conventions of all descriptions
which fetter the development of productive force. These are
words of vision. We Americans have always considered ourselves
pioneers, so we appreciate such vitality and optimism. Today, I
bring you a message from my countrymen: As China moves forward
toward your new challenge, America welcomes the opportunity to
walk by your side.
Incidentally, I know Premier Zhao has demonstrated mastery
of his subject. When he was directing agricultural policies in
Sichuan, the peasants went from food shortages and forced
imports, to bumper harvests and rising exports. In fact, I'm
told that, because of the work he did, it is said in China, "If
you want rice, go see Zhao."
China's growth is in China's hands. You will choose your
own path to development. But we are not surprised to see that
fresh breezes of incentives and innovation are sweeping many
positive changes across China: A dramatic increase in the number
of commercial and industrial enterprises; the beginning of a
rural housing boom; a sharp rise in agricultural output; and a
big jump in the average income for peasants and factory workers.
Page 9
And behind these statistics are reports of personal success
stories that point to a new spirit of progress: A manager of a
shirt factory in Haiwan County, following the discipline of
markets and using incentives of the responsibility system, has
reportedly quadrupled his production and expanded his workforce
from about 100 to 600.
A group of villagers from Henan Province have become the
first Chinese peasants ever to own their own plane. They
purchased it with funds they and their friends had earned, and
they will use the plane for aerial seeding, and spraying
pesticides and fertilizer on their grain and cotton fields to
increase production.
Chairman Deng has a saying he likes: "Seek truth from
facts. " Well, today in China, the reality of more small
enterprises doing a thriving business, more private plots being
worked for bigger harvests, and more investment in science and
technology, points to a brighter future for all. President John
Kennedy had a term to describe such progress, "A rising tide
lifts all boats. "
In our country, we are remembering that incentives are key
and that free people will build free markets that ignite dynamic
development for everyone. For a time, America's Government had
forgotten that key principle. During the years of the 1970's,
our Government had been penalizing our hardworking citizens.
Taxes were rising at a punishing pace, Government spending was
out of control, too many regulations were stifling risk-taking,
and so our economy had faltered and our people were upset.
Page 10
When we took office in January 1981, we said to the people:
Let us correct past mistakes and, together, make a new beginning.
From now on, if you work harder and earn more than before, your
reward will be greater than it was. We are putting America's
future back in your hands; we know you can reawaken the spirit of
enterprise; we know you can get America moving again.
And they have. In 3 short years, the American people have
transformed a no-growth economy, crippled by high taxes, record
inflation, 21-1/2 percent interest rates, plunging productivity
and a weak dollar, into a dynamic growth economy bolstered by new
incentives, stable prices, lower interest rates, a rebirth of
productivity, and .restored confidence in our currency.
Hope has been reborn. Confidence has returned. America's
future looks bright again. With a strong, expanding
technological base that is pioneering sunrise industries and
modernizing older ones, the United States is beginning an
economic renaissance and helping pull other nations toward
worldwide recovery.
I see America and our Pacific neighbors going forward in a
mighty enterprise to build strong economies and a safer world.
The policies the United States and China have put into place
provide us an historic opportunity: We can expand our economic
and scientific cooperation, strengthen the ties between our
peoples, and take an important step toward peace and a better
life. And there is much we can share. We think progress in four
areas is particularly promising: trade, technology, investment,
and exchanges of scientific and managerial expertise.
Page 11
Bilateral trade, although still small in terms of our trade
with the rest of the world, has become important to both our
countries and shows great promise for the future, particularly in
areas such as machinery, technology, oil equipment, petroleum,
agricultural and manufacturing products.
Last June, I instructed our Government to liberalize
controls over the export to China of high technology products,
such as computers and laboratory instruments. May I emphasize to
the members of the scientific community here today: The relaxing
of export controls reflects my determination that China be
treated as a friendly, non-allied nation and that the United
States participate as much as possible in your modernization.
During Premier Zhao's visit to our country, we took another
step forward, signing the United States-China Industrial and
Technological Cooperation Accord. Our Joint Commission on
Commerce and Trade will discuss implementation of the Accord
during their next meeting in Washington, in May. We will focus
our efforts on the sectors to which China has attached greatest
priority: coal, petroleum, transportation, telecommunications,
and upgrading of your plant and equipment.
Expanding cooperative ventures is another area of promising
growth: American firms have invested approximately $100 million
in joint ventures in China, making the United States your largest
foreign investor. These joint ventures indicate the confidence
of our business community in China's political stability and in
your open-door policy. Our joint efforts range from ventures in
automobiles to scientific instruments, and from hotels to
Page 12
consumer products. Thirteen American firms are participating in
the search for oil off the South China coast. We are also
discussing investment projects aimed at providing raw materials
for Chinese industry and products for world markets.
For your part, China has begun to play a role in our
economy. Thirty-five Chinese firms have established offices or
branches in the United States, and China has invested in several
joint ventures in our country.
We intend to strengthen these trends. Tomorrow our two
countries will sign a bilateral tax agreement, which I am pleased
to report will increase incentives for even closer cooperation
between American and Chinese firms. And we are continuing to
work toward conclusion of bilateral agreements permitting greater
investment and nuclear cooperation between our firms.
There is great potential in our joint efforts to increase
managerial and scientific expertise. As many of you know, our
countries established, in 1979, the Dalian program of management
training for industry, science, and technology. Over 750
graduates have since received training in modern methods of
industrial management.
Today, I am pleased to announce the extension of this highly
successful program, and the start-up 3 days from now of a Senior
Executive Program concentrating on broad economic policy and
management issues. Better management will mean better economic
performance.
We also have exchange programs in 21 specific fields of
science and technology. Under these protocols, we share the
Page 13
benefits of research in medicine, energy, and other technical
fields. Our scientists, for example, are learning a great deal
more about earthquakes from your scientists.
Permit me to share one very exciting piece of news with you.
During our talks, we have agreed, in principle, to embark on a
major program for peaceful cooperation in space science. We can
look forward, within the next 2 or 3 years, to the flight of a
Chinese astronaut, working with our astronauts on our Space
Shuttle, to conduct an initial set of scientific experiments.
Further in the future, we hope to return to space with our
Chinese partners to launch a Chinese-built satellite, carrying
U.S. and Chinese-built instruments to conduct full-scale
scientific research over a much longer period. A joint working
group will begin meeting within the next few weeks to start
defining the details of this exciting new departure in
Sino-American scientific and technological cooperation.
Men and women of vision see already that working in the zero
gravity environment of space offers dazzling opportunities to
improve life on Earth. Experiments done on our space shuttle
have shown that medicines treating heart diseases, stroke, and
diabetes can be manufactured in space with five times the purity
of the same medicines on Earth. And they can be made from 400 to
800 times more rapidly, so one month's production of medicines in
space yields as much as 30 years' production on the ground. The
manufacturing efficiency and cost-reduction of life-saving
medicines can be dramatic.
Page 14
We have also discovered that we can manufacture large
crystals of exceptional purity in space. These crystals are the
basis of the semiconductor chips which run every computer. By
manufacturing them in zero gravity, we can both reduce the cost
of producing computers, and we can make new strides toward
producing much larger and faster computers -- the so-called
supercomputers. If China, the world's oldest civilization, joins
with America, still a young Nation, we can cooperate as powerful
partners for the cause of good. On behalf of over a billion of
our fellow citizens, we can do it, and we should do it.
In the humanities and social sciences, hundreds of American
and Chinese scholars have visited each other's countries to teach
about their homelands, in subjects ranging from law and economics
to poetry and history. For our part, we welcome this new Pacific
tide. Let it roll peacefully on, carrying a two-way flow of
people and ideas that can break down barriers of suspicion and
mistrust, and build-up bonds of cooperation and shared optimism.
The future is ours to build. Surmounting the risks and the
fears of some may be difficult, but I believe the climb is worth
it. You have a saying from a Chinese poem that I like very much:
"On perilous peaks lies beauty in infinite variety."
So often, we see individual actions of courage and love in
everyday life that give us faith to believe in ourselves and hope
for a better future. In 1981, a bright, young American student,
John Zeidman, came here to study China and seek new friends. He
was a boy of great heart and enthusiasm, and riding his bicycle
on Peking's streets, conversing and camping with students and
Page 15
artists, he fell in love with your country. Tragically, he fell
ill on his 20th birthday and later died. But his tragedy brought
forth new life.
John's family and friends have established a Chinese Studies
Program at the Sidwell Friends School, in Washington. Hundreds
have contributed, and the program now attracts young people from
public and private schools and serves a model for other schools
all across America. Earlier this year, Premier Zhao visited the
school. This summer the entire class will come to China as his
guests to meet their student contemporaries.
From the great grief of one boy's death came a seed. And
from that seed has grown a tree of understanding -- a tree that
now blossoms with the beauty of friendship and cooperation. If
all of us could go forward in this same spirit, planting not one
tree, but millions, and then tending each so it may grow tall and
strong -- then the dream of a boy can grow into the golden hopes
of mankind. Ladies and gentlemen, that dream is our challenge --
let us begin.
Thank you very much.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks:
Hispanic Coalition Leadership Luncheon
Richard Darman has asked that comments on the above-referenced
remarks be sent directly to Ben Elliott as soon as possible.
The remarks pay tribute to the contributions of Americans of
Hispanic descent, review the progress of the economic recovery,
and discuss the need for educational reform. The President
notes the need for immigration legislation, and affirms that
any legislation passed by Congress will be applied in a manner
that does not discriminate against Hispanic Americans. The
remarks conclude with a discussion of Central American policy.
I have reviewed the remarks and have no objections. The most
sensitive passage, of course, concerns the immigration bill.
The President's commitment to apply the bill in a non-discrim-
inatory fashion addresses the central objection of Hispanics
to the bill without appearing to give credence to Speaker
O'Neill's fear that the President will veto the bill for
political purposes.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR BEN ELLIOTT
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND DIRECTOR OF SPEECHWRITING
Orig
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING a by FFF
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks:
Hispanic Coalition Leadership Luncheon
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
Presidential remarks and has no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF: JGR:ph 4/17/84
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subject
Chron.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR BEN ELLIOTT
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
AND DIRECTOR OF SPEECHWRITING
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Presidential Remarks:
Hispanic Coalition Leadership Luncheon
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
Presidential remarks and has no objection to them from a legal
perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
ID #.
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
0 . OUTGOING
JR
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Subject: Residential Remarks Hispanic Coalition
leadership Luncheon /Tues. April 117, 1984.
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5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/16/84
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
ASAP
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC COALITION LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1984
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
McFARLANE
MEESE
McMANUS
BAKER
MURPHY
DEAVER
OGLESBY
STOCKMAN
ROGERS
DARMAN
P
SPEAKES
FELDSTEIN
SVAHN
FIELDING
VERSTANDIG
FULLER
WHITTLESEY
HERRINGTON
TUTWILER
WIRTHLIN
HICKEY
FISCHER
CICCONI
JENKINS
ROSEBUSH
ELLIOTT
FAULKNER
REMARKS:
The attached has gone forward to the President. Please
forward any comments/edits directly to Ben Elliott
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in room 100 EOB, and send an
information copy to my office.
Thank you
RESPONSE:
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
Ext. 2702
1984 APR 16 PM O.
(Rohrabacher/BE)
April 16, 1984
7:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: HISPANIC COALITION LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1984
Buenas tardes and welcome to the White House. I am
delighted to have had this chance to break bread with you. I met
with many of the organizations represented today during my first
weeks in office, and I had the pleasure of renewing that
acquaintance at a roundtable discussion in El Paso.
A special word of congratulations to Jose Cano [Ho-zay
KAH-no] and Raul Yzaguirre [Ra-OOL Ee-SAH-gee-raya] for all
they've accomplished in putting this third National Hispanic
Leadership Conference together.
Being a Californian, I've always appreciated our country's
rich Hispanic tradition. Back when I was Governor, I remember
visiting the site of a natural disaster in the Santa Barbara
area. Mudslides had been playing havoc with people's homes. I
came to one place and there. was an elderly American man of
Hispanic descent standing knee deep in mud, the ruins of what
once was his living room all around him. Even amid this great
catastrophe he looked at me, and in all sincerity said, "Mi casa
es su casa." "
I never forgot that old man. It struck me that here was an
individual, amidst all his trials, having just lost so many of
the things he dearly loved, who still maintained his dignity and
composure enough to offer me this most traditional of Hispanic
greetings. This was a tribute to his own upbringing and values.
So, let me too, say welcome. Mi casa es su casa. In the
case of the White House, this really is your house.
Page 2
Americans of Hispanic descent can be proud of the
contributions they have made and are making to our way of life.
The strength of your values, even in the face of discrimination
and hardship, is an inspiring story of dignity and courage. The
emergence of Americans of Hispanic descent in business and
government proves the American dream is alive and well, if we
just give it a chance.
Providing more opportunity to all our citizens, through a
strong and growing economy, has been priority number one of this
Administration.
Four years ago, talk about economic advancement and
increasing opportunity was a cruel hoax. Economic stagnation and
murderous inflation were destroying the dream of a better life.
A spirit of pessimism, not in keeping with the American
character, was rising, and even our leaders were throwing up
their hands, complaining about a malaise.
By stopping people from being mauled by higher and higher
taxes, decreasing the regulatory burden, and bringing down
inflation, we've set this country back on the road to real
economic growth. We've broken the grip stagnation had on our
throats during the 1970's.
From the pit of pessimism, a stronger and more vital America
is emerging. The gross national product was up 6 percent last
year. This year's first quarter growth rate of 7.2 percent
suggests the recovery is continuing at a fast clip.
In the last 16 months, 5.1 million people have found jobs,
bringing employment to its highest level in our history. The
unemployment rate is declining faster than anyone predicted.
Page 3
Of all the job training and employment programs in the
Department of Labor -- and there are many -- some of the most
effective are sponsored by Hispanic organizations.
Ranking among the top in placement and cost effectiveness is
the American G.I. Forum's National Veteran's Outreach Program.
Similar to the G.I. Forum is the well known "SER" [rhymes with
air] -- "Jobs For Progress Program.' In 1982, we passed the Job
Training Partnership Act to help those who need it the most to
develop marketable skills. These two Hispanic organizations,
both of which were helping people even before the legislation,
have used this opportunity to do even more. I want you to know
how much I appreciate and applaud your good citizenship.
Of course, training would be useless, unless jobs are
available. And three out of four new jobs are created by small
business. Well, with the recovery gaining steam, 548,000 new
businesses were incorporated last year. Americans of Hispanic
descent already own some 363,000 businesses, generating about
$18 billion in sales per year. The small business surge is good
news to your community.
I know education, the doorway to opportunity, has always
been a major concern to all of you. When we arrived in
Washington, educational standards had been falling for nearly
20 years. So our Administration appointed the National.
Commission on Excellence in Education, and we have been
mobilizing support across the country to implement its
recommendations. We are beginning to turn the situation around,
and I am absolutely determined to provide opportunities for all
Page 4
American children to develop the skills they need to compete in
this society.
The immigration legislation now being debated on the Hill is
also important to you, and rightfully so. I think we can all
agree on the need to address this serious and growing problem and
to do SO in a way that ends discrimination against illegal
immigrants working and living in this country. Let me assure
you, I will insist that any immigration legislation passed by the
Congress be applied and enforced in a way that prevents
discrimination against Americans of Hispanic descent.
A rising economy and greater opportunities give us
confidence. But America does not exist in a vacuum. Today, a
faraway totalitarian power is committing enormous resources to
change the strategic balance of the world by turning Central
America into a string of anti-American, Soviet-style
dictatorships. If we do not have the courage and political will
to counter this power play, our friends will lose their freedom,
and America's security will be threatened.
We have made an ambitious economic effort in that region
with the Caribbean Basin Initiative and an expanding aid program.
But economic assistance, as much as some people on Capitol
Hill would like to think otherwise, will not overcome the
military threat. Nicaragua -- with the full support of its Cuban
and Soviet allies -- is arming, supplying, and directing an
insurgency operation in El Salvador. If they succeed, it will
set the course for the rest of Central America. The United
States has a balanced policy: supporting democracy, effective
negotiations, economic aid, and security assistance. The focus
Page 5
of our commitment is countering aggression. We face one of the
major challenges to democracy in our time.
Debate on this issue has strayed too far from reality. If
we mean to oppose Communist aggression, then we cannot throw
every possible roadblock in the way of helping our peace-loving
friends defend themselves. We cannot ignore the consequences of
passively watching guerrillas force communist dictatorships down
the throats of the people of Central America. If Central America
is lost, then- our own borders will be threatened -- and that is
why this issue is so important to the security of our people.
There is still time to defend freedom, but to do so we can
not stand as a house divided against itself. We must recognize
our common values. We must take a no-nonsense approach to
protecting our vital interests. President Kennedy demonstrated
this kind of determination when he said "
I want it clearly
understood that this Government will not hesitate in meeting its
primary obligations which are to the security of our Nation!"
We Americans carry a heavy burden. Free people everywhere
look to us. If freedom is to survive, much depends on what we
do, on our courage, and on our strength of character. This, of
course, is not new.
A few weeks ago, I was honored to meet in the Roosevelt Room
with 10 American heroes, Medal of Honor winners who represent the
best of our country. It was a privilege to be in their company.
More than any others I've met here in the White House, I felt
that this was, indeed, their house. They paid for it with their
courage and service, above and beyond the call of duty. Their
valor kept this country free, and I was truly awed by them.
Page 6
It just so happens that these American heroes, each proudly
wearing his Medal of Honor around his neck, were all Americans of
Hispanic descent. Yes, we are all Americans. Together, united
in purpose, we can meet the challenges to our liberty. Together
we can make certain that America fulfills its historic
responsibilities and remains the land of opportunity and freedom
God intended it to be.
I thank you for being here today. God bless you and vayan
con Dios.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 18, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTSQX
SUBJECT:
Remarks: Opening Statement for CCTV
Interview, Beijing (4/17 -- 7:00 p.m. draft)
Richard Darman has asked that comments on the above-
referenced remarks be sent directly to Ben Elliott
by 11:00 a.m. today. The remarks begin with warm greetings
and thanks for the welcome, move to a brief discussion of
American values, and express the hope that China and the
United States will move forward together in a spirit of
cooperation. I have reviewed the remarks and have no
objections.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 18, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR BEN ELLIOTT
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHWRITING OFFICE
Orig. signed by FFF
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Remarks: Opening Statement for CCTV
Interview, Beijing (4/17 -- 7:00 p.m. draft)
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced remarks,
and finds no objection to them from a legal perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:aea 4/18/84
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 18, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR BEN ELLIOTT
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR, PRESIDENTIAL SPEECHWRITING OFFICE
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Remarks: Opening Statement for CCTV
Interview, Beijing (4/17 -- 7:00 p.m. draft)
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced remarks,
and finds no objection to them from a legal perspective.
CC: Richard G. Darman
FFF:JGR:aea 4/18/84
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chron
ID #.
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o . OUTGOING
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Subject: Remarks is Opening Statement for CCTU
interview, Beijing 14/17 - 7:00 P. midraft)
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GIAT 18
D
84/04/18
584,04,17
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CUAT 17
I 84,04,11
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R - - Direct Reply w/Copy
B - Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D Draft Response
S For Signature
F - Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/18/84
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
11:00 TODAY
SUBJECT:
REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW, BEIJING
(4/17 7:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
McFARLANE
MEESE
McMANUS
BAKER
MURPHY
DEAVER
OGLESBY
STOCKMAN
ROGERS
DARMAN
P
SS
SPEAKES
P
FELDSTEIN
SVAHN
FIELDING
VERSTANDIG
FULLER
WHITTLESEY
>
HERRINGTON
ELLIOTT
HICKEY
TUTWILER
WIRTHLIN
JENKINS
HENKEL
REMARKS:
Please provide any edits directly to Ben Elliott by 11:00 a.m. today,
April 18th, with an information copy to my office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
1984 APR 18 AM 7:31
Richard G. Darman
Assistant to the President
Ext. 2702
Receiv SS
(Elliott)
April 17, 1984
1984 APR 17 PM 7:47
7:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: OPENING STATEMENT FOR CCTV INTERVIEW
BEIJING, CHINA
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1984
Thank you and may I say how pleased I am to visit your great
and historic country. As a boy going to school in a small town
in our Midwest, I used to dream of coming here. In those days,
China seemed a million miles away. Today, the miracles of modern
jet travel give us the privilege of seeing China, meeting your
hardworking people, learning more about the progress you are
making, and visiting the many treasures of your civilization --
the oldest in the world.
Permit me, first, to thank you on behalf of Nancy and
myself, for the warmth of your welcome. We journeyed to your
country to make friends, but already you have made us feel that
we are among friends -- and you have touched our hearts.
Our only regret is our visit will be so brief. It's a
little like, as a Tang Dynasty poet once wrote, "Looking at the
flowers while riding a horse." But I mentioned at the Great Hall
yesterday that you have another saying, from the book of Han,
that describes how Nancy and I feel. "To see a thing once is
better than hearing about it a hundred times."
Our visit this year marks the 200th anniversary since the
first American merchant ship called at a Chinese port. Two
hundred years for your civilization seem like the blink of an
eye. But for Americans, they span the entire history of our
Republic.
Page 2
Yes, your civilization is old, while ours is young. And,
yes, we speak different languages, have different customs, and
our Governments hold different political beliefs. But I believe
if you could look beyond labels and into the homes and hearts of
our people, you would find they share many basic values with
your own -- values like the dignity of work, the importance of
opportunity, the love and strength of family, reverence for
elders, the dream of leaving a better life for our children, and
for our children's children, and finally, our simple, heartfelt
desire to be friends, and live together in peace.
Americans are people of peace. It's important you know
that. We pose no threat to China or any nation; we have no
troops massed on your borders; and we occupy no lands. After
World War II, we were the only undamaged industrial power; the
only nation to harness the atom; the only people with the power
to conquer the world. But we didn't conquer anybody. We used
our power to write a new chapter in history by helping rebuild
the war-ravaged economies of both friends and foes.
We love peace and we cherish freedom, because we have
learned time and again, in place after place, that economic
growth and human progress make their greatest strides when people
are free to think, speak, worship God, choose their own way, and
reach for the stars.
We admire the progress your government has made in opening
up China's economy to the world, and in providing more
opportunities for your people to better their lives. We salute
Page 3
their vision and courage. And we have told your leaders that, as
the world's strongest economy, America welcomes the chance to
walk by China's side, to share our technology, and to encourage a
greater flow of people, products, and ideas between our two
countries.
Like China, the United States is a Pacific Nation. We
believe the future is being built in the Pacific. We are now
your Nation's third largest trading partner. We have signed new
agreements to expand investment and technological cooperation.
[And we've agreed to cooperate together to explore and develop
the infinite resources of space.]
Let us resolve that communication, not confrontation, and
commerce, not conflict will always remain the standards that
govern Chinese-American relations. If we do, there is no limit
to the progress we can make by going forward, hand-in-hand.
Sye-shou bing-gin. (Go forward hand-in-hand)
And now, I'd be delighted to answer your questions.