September 3, 1985
We welcome General Secretary Gorbachev's statement that he is prepared to submit serious
proposals at the meeting with President Reagan in November. For the United States, the President
is taking a serious approach to the relationship, and he is willing to meet the Soviets halfway in an
effort to solve problems. The President hopes that the meeting in Geneva will lay the groundwork
to address the issues that face our two nations. Our views of the causes of present U.S.-Soviet
tensions are quite different from that presented by Mr. Gorbachev, but we do not intend to enter
into a debate in the media. Preparations for the meeting in Geneva are best conducted in
confidential diplomatic channels.
We are pleased that Mr. Gorbachev was able to present his views to the American public. The
interview is a prime example of the openness of the American system and the access the Soviets
enjoy to the American media. If President Reagan had a comparable opportunity to present his
views to the Soviet people through the Soviet media, this would doubtless improve our dialog and
indicate Soviet willingness to accept a degree of reciprocity in an important aspect of improving
our relations. Direct access for President Reagan to the Soviet people would go far in improving
understanding between our people. The objective of such an exchange would not be to debate,
but to make clear the views of each side.
Note: Larry M. Speakes read the statement to reporters in the Briefing Room at the White House
during his daily press briefing, which began at 12:08 p.m.