WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Register, The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- tions prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished There are no restrictions on the republication of material ap- Week Ending Friday, July 6, 1990 Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater The Government and people of the United States are deeply saddened by the deaths of the many Hajj pilgrims near Mecca on the eve of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, this very significant holy day in Islam. On behalf of the people of the United States, the President extends his sincere condolences to the families of those individuals killed in the accident and to King Fahd, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Note: On July 2, over 1,000 Muslim pilgrims suffocated or were trampled to death in a stampede in a pedestrian tunnel near holy shrines in Mecca. Exchange With Reporters July 3, 1990 The President. Smile. [Laughter] Houston Economic Summit Q.a few surprises at Houston, Mr. President? The President. No surprises. I think we're in good shape for that meeting, though those meetings. We'll have a chance to get a preview talking to some of the leaders at the NATO summit about Houston, too-but it will go well. There are some big issues to discuss-trade, particularly. Q. What would you like to see come out of the Houston summit? The President. Well, I'd like to see us move forward on the Uruguay round [international trade negotiations], which means we've got to get moving on the question of agriculture. I've been saying that for some time, and that's very important. We spent a lot of time on that this morning, and it's important work. NATO Q. Have you got any feedback from the allies yet on the language concerning last resort The President. I'm ready to discuss that with them. I talked to the Prime Minister of Belgium [Wilfried Martens] and the Prime Minister of Denmark [Poul Schlüter] just now, and we didn't go into that specific, but I think the general approach that we're proposing seems to be getting wide acceptance. I don't want to comment, Jim [Jim Miklaszewski, NBC News], on that one because we didn't discuss that particular issue. Q. Well, why is it now that we have to assure the Soviets that NATO is a threat? What's different? Or not a threat-I'm sorry [laughter]. The President. Well, I think as things change we want to be sure that everybody understands that NATO is the stabilizing factor that we think it should be and will be. And it's not a question-we don't have to assure them of anything, but I want them to understand the facts. I spent a lot of time working with Mr. Gorbachev when he was here to see that he did understand that a unified Germany in NATO is not a threat to the Soviet Union. And if there are certain things we can do to expand NATO's role that drive that point home, so much the better. Q. Is there anything really different about this last resort? The President. Well, you have to wait and see what comes out of it. You'll notice I'm not even commenting on your question because I told you, I think, yesterday that I wanted to discuss the specifics with our NATO partners. Economic Assistance for the Soviet Union Q. Mr. President, are you going to still reject the Soviet economic aid package in Houston? The President. Well, I've explained to our economic summit partners and to the Soviets and to others that we have specific problems with, you know, giving money to the Soviet Union at this point. So, we'll be discussing that at Houston, and we had a good briefing on that here today. Q. Are you afraid that the money might be wasted? The President. Well, I still feel the same way I did: that economic reform is essential. And to Gorbachev's credit, he's trying to reform the economic system there. Q. What are you proposing on the environmental front? The President. We've tried it the other way, you see, with Poland several years ago and before economic reform, and I think everybody recognizes that that money did not help do what it was intended to. Houston Economic Summit Q. Any proposals on the environmental front in Houston? The President. There will be a good discussion of the environment, yes. Mr. Fitzwater. Thank you, Mr. President. [Laughter] The President. What do you think, Marlin? President Gorbachev of the Soviet Union Q. How do you think Gorbachev handled himself yesterday? He was pretty tough, wasn't he? The President. I haven't gotten a full report on that, so I can't comment on it. Interest Rates Q. How about bringing down interest rates in Houston, worldwide? Is that one of your goals? The President. It's always a goal. I don't think that's a specific agenda item-worldwide interest rates. Golf With the President Q. Mr. Vice President, did you throw the golf game yesterday? There was a story that you went into the tank to purposely lose [laughter] Q. Widely speculated. The Vice President. I went into the tank, and I stayed there. The President won, as he should. The President. I think he played well. Q. Well, he was in the sand all the time. Every time I saw a picture, he was hitting out of the sand. The President. He got five birdies—no, six birdies. That's pretty good golf. Q. You got six birdies? The President. Yes. That's not bad. Q. You started the story then, that you lost. The Vice President. That's because when the camera was there, I double-bogied the 9th hole and I hit it in the sand on the 18th hole-just record it. I wanted the bad part of the golf game recorded The President. Secretary [of the Treasury] Brady's team won the match. Did you get credit for that, Nick? Q. No, he wouldn't tell us. The President. He didn't? They were the victors. Q. I thought you won. The Vice President said you won. The President. No, no. Oh, he was just being pleasant, I'll bet. The Vice President. He won on the first tee. The President. Won one hole. That's what he meant. Well, let's go suit up. Note: The exchange began at 11:20 a.m. at the President's home at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, ME. Marlin Fitzwater is Press Secretary to the President. Proclamation 6155-Idaho Centennial Day, 1990 July 3, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On July 3, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed a proclamation declaring Idaho the 43rd State of the Union. During the succeeding century, Idaho and its people have made substantial contributions to the social and economic development of the United States. Rich in valuable minerals, fertile land, and unspoiled forests, Idaho is truly the "Gem State." It was Meriwether Lewis and William Clark who first charted the rich, mountainous territory that is now Idaho. During their expedition of 1805-1806, they discovered lush valleys, rivers, and forests teeming with fish and wildlife-land that had been cultivated and cherished by generations of Indian tribes, including the Kootenai, Nez Percé, Coeur D'Alene, and Shoshoni. The Lewis and Clark expedition introduced the rest of the Nation to this fertile territory and inspired a long line of explorers and settlers to follow. The story of those who settled and developed Idaho is one of enterprise and discovery, hope and hard work. Close behind Lewis and Clark came fur traders, missionaries, and brave pioneer families making their way west along the Oregon Trail. The discovery of gold in the mid-19th century brought a rush of prospectors to the territory and marked the birth of one of Idaho's most productive industries. Since becoming a State in 1890, the people of Idaho have demonstrated the same vision, strength, and industriousness exhibited by their forebears. In farming, mining, and tourism, they have made effective use of the State's natural resources, bringing progress and prosperity to the region and to the entire country. Today, all Americans continue to benefit from the careful development of Idaho's vast resources, including its minerals, timber, and, of course, the famous Idaho potato. The people of Idaho have also set a wonderful example of environmental stewardship, effectively preserving the breathtaking mountain scenery and pristine rivers explored by Lewis and Clark nearly 2 centuries ago. Each year, thousands of individuals and families visit Idaho to explore its magnificent national forestlands and recreational areas such as Bear Lake and the Craters of the Moon National Monument. From its snowcapped mountain peaks and verdant plains to the deep and winding canyons of the Snake River, Idaho continues to be a land of extraordinary natural splendor and untold promise. Its geographic diversity, its colorful history, and its enviable quality of life make the Gem State one of our Nation's great treasures. This year, as they celebrate a century of statehood, the people of Idaho can be very proud indeed. In recognition of Idaho's contributions to the United States and in commemoration of its Centennial, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 245, has designated July 3, 1990, as "Idaho Centennial Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this date. Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 3, 1990, as Idaho Centennial Day. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. George Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2 p.m., July 3, 1990] London Declaration on a Transformed ISSUED BY THE HEADS OF STATE AND GOV- 1. Europe has entered a new, promising era. Central and Eastern Europe is liberating itself. The Soviet Union has embarked on the long journey toward a free society. The walls that once confined people and ideas are collapsing. Europeans are determining their own destiny. They are choosing freedom. They are choosing economic liberty. They are choosing peace. They are choosing a Europe whole and free. As a consequence, this Alliance must and will adapt. 2. The North Atlantic Alliance has been the most successful defensive alliance in history. As our Alliance enters its fifth decade and looks ahead to a new century, it must continue to provide for the common defence. This Alliance has done much to bring about the new Europe. No-one, however, can be certain of the future. We need to |