300. Editorial Note
On October 9, 1986, President Ronald Reagan briefly addressed the press from the White House portico before his departure to meet Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik, Iceland. “I’m leaving today for Iceland for a meeting with General Secretary Gorbachev of the Soviet Union,” Reagan stated. “This will be essentially a private meeting between the two of us. We will not have large staffs with us nor is it planned that we sign substantive agreements. We will, rather, review the subjects that we intend to pursue, with redoubled effort, afterward, looking toward a possible full-scale summit. We’ll be talking frankly about the differences between our countries on the major issues on the East-West agenda: arms reduction, human rights, regional conflicts, and bilateral contacts. We’ll be talking about how we can—while recognizing those differences—still take steps further to make progress on those items and to make the world safer and keep the peace.” Reagan concluded his remarks: “I’ve long believed that if we’re to be successful in pursuing peace, we must face the tough issues [Page 1268] directly and honestly and with hope. We cannot pretend the differences aren’t there, seek to dash off a few quick agreements, and then give speeches about the spirit of Reykjavik. In fact, we have serious problems with the Soviet positions on a great many issues, and success is not guaranteed. But if Mr. Gorbachev comes to Iceland in a truly cooperative spirit, I think we can make some progress. And that’s my goal, and that’s my purpose in going to Iceland. The goals of the United States, peace and freedom throughout the world, are great goals; but like all things worth achieving, they are not easy to attain. Reykjavik can be a step, a useful step; and if we persevere, the goal of a better, safer world will someday be ours and all the world’s.” (Public Papers: Reagan, 1986, Book II, pages 1361–1363)
Air Force One departed from Andrews Air Force Base around 9:45 a.m. on October 9, arriving at Keflavik Airport, Iceland, at 7:05 p.m. During his time in Iceland, the President stayed in the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. In his personal diary, Reagan wrote: “Just a long ride in A.F. 1. A little farewell ceremony on the S. Lawn & then about 5½ hours flying into a 4 hour time change. It was dark & raining when we arrived even though it was afternoon. Ambas. Nick Ruwe & Nancy have moved out and given us their home.” (Brinkley, ed., The Reagan Diaries, vol. II: November 1985–January 1989, page 647)
According to the President’s Daily Diary, October 10 consisted of private briefings in preparation for the October 11–12 meetings, aside from a brief visit with the Icelandic President and Prime Minister from 4:30 until 5:15 p.m. (Reagan Library) Jack Matlock, Soviet specialist on the National Security Council Staff, later wrote: “President Reagan held several meetings with his staff on Friday. They dealt mainly with issues other than arms control, which had been thoroughly aired in the briefings in Washington.” (Matlock, Reagan and Gorbachev, page 217) Reagan and Gorbachev were scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. at Hofdi House on October 11.