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Archive (Reagan Library)

Economy: Reagan letter to Thatcher (unitary taxation) [declassified 2000]

Document type: Declassified documents
Venue: White House
Source: Reagan Library: NSA Head of State File (Box 35)
Editorial comments: Declassified 28 March 2000. MT originally wrote to the President on this subject on 30 August (summary provided elsewhere on this site). A second letter from her on 19 September remains classified.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 205 words
Themes: Taxation, Foreign policy (USA), Law & order, MT contacts with Ronald Reagan

Declassified F96-107#228
By SMF, NARA, Date 3/28/00
[Original document not marked with any classification.]

The White House
Washington

September 23, 1983

Dear Margaret:

Thank you for your recent letters expressing concern about state governments’ use of unitary taxation. I appreciate and fully understand your interest. Your clear and forthright explanation of British views will be taken fully into account as we continue to review the complex set of economic, legal, and constitutional issues involved in unitary taxation.

We will not be filing a motion for rehearing in the Container case, but I have decided to establish an Administration working group, whose task it is to explore with state governors and representatives of the US business and industry the multiple aspects – including the international implications – of this complex matter. We have emphasized to the working group the importance and urgency of the task.

I will be prepared to discuss this thorny issue in more depth when we meet next week. Thank you again for giving me the benefit of your views. I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
Ron