Letters to and from President Ronald Reagan to Nackey Loeb regarding Iran Contra and his televsion announcment of a Special Proscutor, December 1986

The Union Leader NEW HAMPSHIRES DAILY NEWSPAPER UNION LEADER CORPORATION 35 AMHERST ST., P.O. BOX 780 MANCHESTER, N.H. O31O5 603 668-4321 NEW HAMPSHIRE SUNDAY NEWS William Loeb, President and Publisher, 1946-1981 December 1, 1986 Nackey Scripps Loeb, President and Publisher President Ronald Reagan #16691 The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Ron: First of all, of course, you know I am thinking of you and Nancy through some tough times, probably the toughest you as President have had yet. Nevertheless, I think you still can have the love and support of the American people, much more than you have had from those around you. However, the people are waiting and hoping that you can show them that you are still a strong leader. Years ago, my husband, Bill, said that the only fault that you had was that you were too nice for the job. I think that he was right and what worries me, and worries those who would support you, is that you are perhaps too nice to do what has to be done, and to do it quickly. Remember in Nashua, New Hampshire, when you grabbed that microphone and would not give it up. Suddenly the country knew you would fight for what you believed and you turned defeat in Iowa into victory in New Hampshire and on to the White House. A few heads must roll, but that is your only choice if you want to make the Reagan agenda become the agenda for the future. Any president of a company would fire someone like Secretary Shultz for disloyalty in his words and actions after this affair came to light. Any responsible father would turn his kid over his knee for such disloyalty, and that is what people understand. Also, to fail to tell you what goes on is not loyalty--the theory "what he doesn't know won't hurt him"-- doesn' apply when "he" is the President, who must shoulder the responsibility. Replace these people with a Jeane Kirkpatrick or "There Is Nothing So Powerful As Truth" President Ronald Reagan December 1, 1986 Page II a Paul Laxalt, or others who you can trust and who have the confidence of the American people. I will recognize the power plays you are up against, but after all, it is the President who still has the ultimate power. For the good of your administration and the good of your country, uncomfortable as it might be, I hope you will act and act quickly. It is a matter of survival for everything in which we believe. I enclose two of my front page editorials on the subject. This is a long letter, but it is written by a friend, a friend who is very worried at the moment, both for you and for the country. Sincerely, Nackey Nackey NSL:Mrs. S. Raymond Enclosures FEDERAL EXPRESS OVERNIGHT LETTER 6° Mrs. Wm. Loeb P.O. Box 780 Manchester n.H. 03105 Dear Nackey It was good to hear from you. This is first a line to buing you up to date. Evidently my announcement outv Twas Dr. 2nd had something of an impact. some have said it put a ring around the whole offair. On own froels had began to shown a turn around on the previous sunday & by Tues. apternoon were NPP several fabour points after a tremendous node dine, d think most telling was my request for an "Independent Council"- we used to cale them a "Special Prosecutor: They are the same thing - first the 1 title is different. So for we have only the two individuals who knew about the money transfer Ididnt tell me. If the investigation revenes there (Qual) were athers, they then will ger, Nackey me had something general gaing that could have established a relationship with some responsible people in dran. dt THE is a distortion to suggret me were dealing with Kahmeni - we could never du that. Infact the people we were talking to were risking their lines. now all the publicity has destroyed what we were trying is dn of may have destroyed sparme chose people as well. The business of the money transfer was none of are during K a complete suprise to - us. again thanks for writing. Namey sends her best. Sweary Ron To &. Josiah Penberthy Is. 35560 Heretage Lane 7 armington much. 48024 466667 M/ Coo71 ACE PR005-02 December 4, 1986 Dear Nackey: It was good to hear from you. This is just a line to bring you up to date. Evidently, my announcement on TV Tuesday, December 2 had something of an impact. Some have said it put a ring around the whole affair. Our own polls had begun to show a turnaround on the previous Sunday and by Tuesday afternoon were up several points, after a tremendous nose dive. I think most telling was my request for an "Independent Counsel* -- we used to call them a "Special Prosecutor." They are the same thing -- just the title is different. So far we have only the two individuals who knew about the money transfer and didn't tell me. If the investigation reveals there were others, they, too, will go. Nackey, we had something good going that could have established a relationship with some responsible people in Iran. It is a distortion to suggest we were dealing with the Khomeini -- we could never do that. In fact, the people we were talking to were risking their lives. Now all the publicity has destroyed what we were trying to do and may have destroyed those people as well. The business of the money transfer was none of our doing and a complete surprise to us. Again, thanks for writing. Nancy sends her best. sincerely, RON x Mrs. William Loeb Post Office Box 780 Manchester, New Hampshire 03105 RR:AVH:pps RR Dictation RANDWRITING FILE 861205