Archive

Archive (Reagan Library)

Cold War: Geneva (Reagan-Gorbachev) Summit (tea party between First Ladies) [declassified 2000]

Document type: Declassified documents
Venue: Soviet Mission, Geneva
Source: Reagan Library: Matlock MSS (Box 92137)
Editorial comments: 1600-1715.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 228 words
Themes: Foreign policy (USA), Foreign policy (USSR & successor states)
Declassified F96-087#66
by dlb date 5/14/00

United States Department of State
Washington D.C. 20520

SECRET/SENSITIVE

MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION

SUBJECT: Tea, Hosted by Mrs. Gorbachev for Mrs. Reagan
Date: November 20, 1985
Time: 4:00- 5:15 PM
Place: Soviet Mission, Geneva, Switzerland

PARTICIPANTS

US Side
Mrs. Reagan
E. Arensburger, Interpreter

Soviet Side
Mrs. Gorbachev
Soviet Interpreter

Mrs. Gorbachev led Mrs. Reagan upstairs, where the walls of the first room were hung with children's posters. She explained that they were done by children of the Soviet Union for an exhibition entitled, "What the World Means to Me." She pointed out each poster in detail, noting the theme, as well as the name and age of the child. At the end of the tea, Mrs. Gorbachev presented Mrs. Reagan with the book of these posters.

A lavish Russian tea was served in the second room, with Mrs. Gorbachev explaining each dish and demonstrating the samovar.

The ladies talked about their families, and the busy life each led as the wif~ of the head of the State/Party. Mts. Gorbachev said that besides accompanying her husband on many trips, she continues to teach, keeps up correspondence with her former students, tries to keep up with the literature in her profession, and looks after the family. Her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter live with the Gorbachevs.