The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
Tape 654 Part 2 Edited compilation of speeches made by Ronald Reagan during his Presidency. Iran-Contra Affair
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
November 13, 1986 Address to the Nation on the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy (Iranian arms for hostages deal). Ronald Reagan tells the "truth", opting to discuss the "facts" about the secret initiative with Iran before the rumors grew into groundswells; denies allegations about trading arms for hostages or any ransom schemes of the sort; says that those who think we've gone soft on terrorism should consult with Mommar Khadafy. Iran-Contra scandal. "Good evening. I know you've been reading, seeing and hearing a lot of stories the past several days that have been attributed to Danish sailors, unnamed observers at Italian ports and Spanish harbors and especially unnamed government officials of my administration. Now you're going to hear the facts from a White House source, and you know my name. I want at this time to talk with you about an extremely sensitive and profoundly important matter of foreign policy. For eighteen month now, we have had underway a secret diplomatic initiative to Iran. That initiative was undertaken for the simplest and best of reasons, to renew a relationship with the nation of Iran, to bring an honorable end to the bloody six year war between Iran and Iraq, to eliminate state sponsor terrorism and subversion, and to effect the safe return of all hostages. Without Iran's cooperation we can not bring an end to the Persian Gulf war. Without Iran's concurrence there can be no enduring peace in the Middle East. For 10 days now, the American and world press have been full of reports and rumors about this initiative and these objectives. Now my fellow Americans, there is an old saying that 'nothing spreads so quickly as a rumor.' So I thought it was time to speak with you directly, to tell you first hand about our dealings with Iran. As Will Rodgers once said, ' Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth.' So let's get to the facts. The charge has been made that the United States has shipped weapons to Iran as ransom payment for the release of American hostages in Lebanon. That the United States undercut its allies and secretly violated American policy against trafficking with terrorists. Those charges are utterly false... Our government has a firm policy, not to capitulate to terrorist demands. That no concessions policy remains in force. In spite of the wildly speculative and false stories about arms for hostages, and alleged ransom payments, we did not, repeat, did not, trade weapons or anything else for hostages. Nor will we. Those who think we have gone soft on terrorism, should take up the question with Colonel Qaddafi."
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
December 12, 1986 Remarks at a White House Briefing for the American Legislative Exchange Council, regarding the Iranian arms for hostages deal. Ronald Reagan admits that mistakes were made, but says it shouldn't interfere with the business of governing. "Let me just add a few words about the contreversey concerning Iran. Or haven't you heard about it? (laughter) I said in my radio speech last Saturday, there is no doubt mistakes were made. And I'll not be satisified until all the facts are before the Amreican people. That's what we've pledged to do and we can be proud that the Constitutional process is working. But let me say this, we can not and we will not, let this stop us from getting on with the business of governing." (Applause)
The Great Communicator, Vol 1: The Reagan Presidency 1981-1989
March 4, 1987 Address to the Nation on the Iran Arms and Contra Aid Controversy. (Iran-Contra scandal) Ronald Reagan says that as unaware as he was of the disgraceful activities surrounding the scandal, he should still be held accountable for his actions, as well as those under his administration. "First let me say that I take full responsibility for my own actions and for those of my administration. As angry as I may be about activites undertaken without my knowledge, I am still accountable for those activities. As disappointed as I may be in some who served me, I am still the one who must answer to the American people for this behavior. And as personally distasteful as I find secret bank accounts and diverted funds, as the Navy would say, this happened on my watch. Let's start with the part that is the most contreversial. A few months ago I told the American people I did not trade arms for hostages. My heart & my best intentions still tell me that's true, but the facts & evidence tell me it is not. As the Tower Board reported, what began as a strategic opening to Iran deteriorated in its implementation into trading arms for hostages. This runs counter to my own beliefs, to adminstration policy, and to the original strategy we had in mind. There are reasons why it happened. But no excuses. It was a mistake. Now, what should happen when you make a mistake is this. You take your knocks, you learn your lessons, and then you move on. That's the healthiest way to deal with a problem. This in no way diminished the importance of the other continuing investigations, but the business of our country and our people must proceed. I've gotten this message from Republicans and Democrats in Congress, from allies around the world, and if we're reading the signals right, even from the Soviets. And of course, I've heard the message from you, the American people. You know, by the time you reach my age, you've made plenty of mistakes and if you've lived your life properly, so you learn. You put things in perspective, you pull your energies together, you change, you go forward. My fellow Americans, I have a great deal I want to accomplish with you and for you, over the next 2 years. And the Lord willing, that's exactly what I intend to do."