Foundations of Foreign Policy, 1981


48. Address by Secretary of State Haig

Source: Department of State Bulletin, June 1981, pp. 11–12. Haig delivered the commencement address before the graduating class at Syracuse University. Under an April 25 action memorandum, Wolfowitz sent Haig “provisional outlines” for three speeches Haig was scheduled to deliver in May, including the one at Syracuse, writing: “We have attempted to develop the arguments behind the Administration’s new foreign policy directions and to force the debate as much as possible onto our terms (for example, by explaining how our policy is not simply ‘anti-Soviet’, but is the most realistic way to achieve peace and serve other positive goals.” (Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 4/21–30/81) Wolfowitz sent Haig another outline of the Syracuse speech, as well as “a one-page statement of purpose and a one-page outline in brief,” under an April 28 action memorandum, stating: “I call to your attention the question of whether the introductory paradoxes might sound a little too academic. But I think that it is useful to score points by raising surprising and thoughtful questions, which will make your firm and positive answers seem the more striking.” (Ibid.)


51. Memorandum From Carnes Lord of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Allen)

Source: Reagan Library, Carnes Lord Files, Chronological File, Lord Chron 06/06/1981–06/19/1981; NLR–335–1–18–1–4. Confidential; Sensitive. Sent for information. Copies were sent to Pipes, Stearman, Bailey, Schweitzer, Kraemer, and Levine.


53. Memorandum From James Lilley of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Allen)

Source: Reagan Library, John Poindexter Files, Subject File, Foreign/Defense Issues & Objectives (2). Secret. Sent for information. Printed from an uninitialed copy. In a June 26 memorandum to Schweitzer, Bailey, Lilley, and Gregg, Poindexter wrote that “Meese is interested in discussing with Anderson and Allen objectives to be pursued by this administration after the domestic economic initiatives are out of the way.” To that end, Poindexter instructed the addressees and their staffs to review a draft “Foreign Policy Booklet” (not found) and prepare “a list” of “10–15 major objectives,” adding: “Within each of your areas try to put the objectives in some semblance of priority. If we don’t make some attempt at prioritization, somebody else will. The senior level of the administration can only concentrate on a limited number of objectives. In defining the objectives try to be as specific as possible.” (Reagan Library, John Poindexter Files, Subject File, Foreign/Defense Issues & Objectives (1))


54. Memorandum From James Lilley of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Allen)

Source: Reagan Library, Donald Gregg Files, Subject File, 1980–1982, Foreign Policy 06/01/1981–06/30/1981; NLR–221–11–51–11–5. Secret. Outside the system. Sent for information. A stamped notation in the top right-hand corner of the memorandum reads: “RVA has seen.”


55. Information Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs (Burt) and the Director of the Policy Planning Staff (Wolfowitz) to Secretary of State Haig

Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 7/1–10/81. Secret; Sensitive. Not for the system. Drafted by Blackwill. Haig’s stamped initials appear in the top right-hand corner of the memorandum. Bremer initialed the memorandum and wrote “7/15.” He also initialed the top-right hand corner of the memorandum and wrote “7/20.”


56. Address by Secretary of State Haig

Source: Department of State Bulletin, August 1981, pp. 31–34. Haig spoke before the Foreign Press Association. The question and answer session following the address is ibid., September 1981, pp. 31–33. The Department transmitted the text of the address to all diplomatic and consular posts in telegram 183639, July 14. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810327–0450)


58. Memorandum From Secretary of State Haig to the Counselor to the President (Meese)

Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Subject File, [Security Assistance] Foreign Aid, (May 1981–August 1981). Confidential. Also scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XXXVIII, International Economic Development; International Debt; Foreign Assistance.


59. Memorandum From Secretary of the Treasury Regan to President Reagan

Source: Reagan Library, Douglas McMinn Files, Subject Files, Mexico—speeches [3]. No classification marking. Copies were sent to Haig and Allen.


61. Memorandum From Carnes Lord of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Allen)

Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Agency File, Department of State (09/14/1981–01/09/1982). Confidential. Copies were sent to Bailey, Pipes, and Stearman. National Security Council Executive Secretary Allen Lenz initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum.


63. Address by Secretary of State Haig Before the United Nations General Assembly

Source: Department of State Bulletin, October 1981, pp. 1–6. All brackets are in the original.


64. Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Eagleburger) to Secretary of State Haig

Source: Department of State, P Files, Subject File—Lawrence Eagleburger Files: Lot 84D204, Chron—September 1981. Secret; Sensitive. Also scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. VII, Western Europe, 1981–1984.


65. Memorandum From Secretary of State Haig to President Reagan

Source: Reagan Library, Edwin Meese Files, Cabinet and Cabinet Councils Material, Cabinet Matters Files, Cancun Summit Meeting 10/21/1981–10/23/1981—Preparation Materials [2 of 7]. Secret. Also scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations 1981–1988, vol. XXXVIII, International Economic Development; International Debt; Foreign Assistance. On October 5, the President, Haig, Meese, Baker, Deaver, Anderson, Kirkpatrick, Brock, Darman, Fuller, Bush, Allen, Nau, Tyson, and Gergen met in the Cabinet Room from 3:19 until 4:34 p.m. to discuss the Cancun summit. (Reagan Library, President’s Daily Diary) According to Gergen’s handwritten notes of the meeting, Haig stated: “Need finite decision today for bureaucracy to move fwd re Cancun. There are some legitimate differences between depts. 5 initiatives have been developed at the departmental level. Each one alone subj. to criticism but together, very positive. USSR & Cuba have alienated 3rd world. The 3rd world is up for grabs. Should seize the initiative. —If we do less, will leave us in tepid waters. Will isolate us w/3rd world & Europeans will side w/3rd world.” (Reagan Library, David Gergen Files, Subject File, Cancun—[Summit])


66. Remarks by President Reagan

Source: Public Papers: Reagan, 1981, pp. 937–944. The President offered these remarks at a luncheon of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, speaking at 1:50 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Bellevue Stratford Hotel. All brackets are in the original. The Department transmitted the text of the President’s remarks to all diplomatic posts in telegram 275404, October 15. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810487–0567) In his personal diary entry for October 15, Reagan wrote: “Addressed Foreign Relations Council in Phil. The speech was really meant for the nations going to Cancun to plant the idea we weren’t going to buy their idea of a new international bureaucracy empowered to share the wealth. Speech well received. A couple of hecklers got into the balcony—seems they dont like nuclear weapons.” (Brinkley, ed., The Reagan Diaries, vol. I, January 1981–October 1985, p. 75)


67. Briefing Memorandum From the Director of the Policy Planning Staff (Wolfowitz) to Secretary of State Haig

Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 10/11–20/81. Secret. Drafted by Fortier. Haig’s stamped initials appear in the top right-hand corner of the memorandum. In the top right-hand corner of the memorandum, an unknown hand wrote: “Woody tasked Paul W. on this on 10/18/81.” Bremer initialed the memorandum at the top and wrote “10/16”. McManaway returned the memorandum to Wolfowitz and Veliotes under an October 19 covering memorandum, indicating that Haig had agreed with the speech proposal: “The Secretary has indicated a desire to make such a speech before the AWACS vote and has requested a draft outline with the latest on the MFO by COB Tuesday [October 20].” (Ibid.) Under an October 24 memorandum, Wolfowitz sent Haig a “second draft” of the proposed speech. (Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 10/21–31/81) Roche sent Wolfowitz, in Korea, a third draft in telegram 291709 to Seoul, October 31. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810517–0080)


69. Remarks by President Reagan

Source: Public Papers: Reagan, 1981, pp. 1062–1067. The President spoke at 10 a.m. at the National Press Club building. His remarks were broadcast live on radio and television. The Department transmitted the text of the address to all diplomatic posts in telegram 306352, November 18, 1218Z. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810619–0897; D810575–0221; D810546–0823) Documentation concerning the drafting of the speech, including a draft with the President’s handwritten additions and comments, is in the Reagan Library, WHORM: Subject File, Speeches, SP 563, Foreign Policy Address, National Press Club, Washington, DC, 11/18/1981, 050500–050999. In his personal diary entry for November 18, the President wrote: “Today was the big day—the speech to the world at the Nat. press club. It really was to the world. I’m told it was the largest network ever put together—all of Europe, China & I dont know how many other places. It has been wonderfully received worldwide except for Russia—Tass is screaming bloody murder. I asked Russia to join us in total elimination of all medium range nuclear weapons in Europe. Funny—I was talking peace but wearing a bullet proof vest. It seems Kadaffi put a contract on me & some person named Jack was going to try for me at the speech. Security was very tight.” (Brinkley, ed., The Reagan Diaries, vol. I, January 1981–October 1985, p. 85)


70. Memorandum From Henry Nau of the National Security Council Staff to Members of the National Security Council Staff

Source: Reagan Library, European and Soviet Affairs Directorate, NSC Records, Subject File, Presidential Speeches/Interviews; NLR–170–12–16–5–7. No classification marking.


71. Memorandum From Secretary of State Haig to President Reagan

Source: Department of State, P Files, Subject File—Lawrence Eagleburger Files: Lot 84D204, Chron—December 1981. Secret; Sensitive. Drafted by Palmer; cleared by Holmes, Niles, Gompert, and Scanlan. Palmer initialed for all clearing officials. Printed from a copy not initialed by Haig. Eagleburger sent the memorandum to Haig under a December 1 typewritten note, writing: “The attached memo for the President outlines a strategy to sustain the momentum in Europe which his speech helped to generate. It is clear the President can provide a special dimension, particularly in the area of political drama. We have designed the strategy to space four initiatives over a six month period not to overload his schedule.” (Ibid.) Also scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. VII, Western Europe, 1981–1984.


72. Action Memorandum From the Director of the Policy Planning Staff (Wolfowitz) to Secretary of State Haig

Source: Reagan Library, Donald Fortier Files, Subject File, Speeches/Writing/ S/P Memos 08/01/1981–12/31/1981. Confidential. Drafted by Fortier, Tarcov, and Lenczowski; cleared by Palmer. Tarcov initialed for Palmer.


73. Minutes of a National Security Council Meeting

Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Meeting File, NSC 00029 12/08/1981 [Global Negotiations, Libya, Foreign Assistance, Budget, Terrorism]; NLR–750–3–1–11–2. Secret. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room. No drafting information appears on the minutes. The minutes of the morning session on Global Negotiations is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XXXVIII, International Economic Development; International Debt; Foreign Assistance.


74. Memorandum From Secretary of State Haig to President Reagan

Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 12/11–20/81. Secret. Printed from an uninitialed copy. Drafted by Kaplan and Libby on December 15 and cleared by Wolfowitz. Wolfowitz sent the memorandum to Haig under a December 15 covering note. (Ibid.) A November draft of the memorandum, with Haig’s handwritten comments, is in the Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 11/11–20/81. Wolfowitz sent Haig a revised draft, incorporating Haig’s revisions, under a December 5 covering memorandum, indicating that Eagleburger, McFarlane, Veliotes, Hormats, Buckley, and Stoessel had approved in substance the earlier versions of the memorandum. (Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW 12/1–10/81) Adams returned the attached version of the revised draft with Haig’s extensive handwritten revisions under a December 15 covering note in which he requested that Wolfowitz “redo the memo, adding the Secretary’s edits.” (Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Files, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, Pres. Leadership Memo (drafts, etc.)


75. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Bremer) to Secretary of State Haig

Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Alexander Haig Papers, Department of State, Day File, Box CL 62, December 21, 1981. Secret; Eyes Only; Not for the System. A stamped notation at the top of the memorandum indicates that Haig saw it. Haig wrote in the upper right-hand corner: “Amen but alas—so sadly ignored. AMH.”


76. Address by President Reagan to the Nation

Source: Public Papers: Reagan, 1981, pp. 1185–1188. All brackets are in the original. The President spoke at 9 p.m. from the Oval Office. His remarks were broadcast live on nationwide radio and television networks. The Department provided the text of questions and answers prepared for a backgrounder delivered before the President’s address to all diplomatic posts, the International Communication Agency, and the Department of Defense in telegram 339577, December 24. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810613–0115) In his personal diary entry for December 23, the President noted: “Speech went OK—about 14 minutes. First 1/2 hour calls at W.H. running about 6 to 1 in favor.” (Brinkley, ed., The Reagan Diaries, vol. I, January 1981–October 1985, p. 96)