Frank C. Carlucci
Reagan Secretary of Defense

"Margaret Thatcher was up for re-election. I was National Security Advisor. The President bounced into the Oval Office one morning and with a twinkle in his eye, stated he planned to announce his support for "Maggie."

Not knowing whether or not he was serious, I reacted. 'Mr President, if you do that it will kill her.' The President nodded his assent.

Margaret won. That morning the President turned to me and said, 'Now Frank.' 'Now,' I replied, and the congratulatory announcement was made.

The Thatcher-Reagan relationship was truly unique. Two different types, they often seemed to be talking past each other, but such was the mutual respect that it all came together. With all her strength of personality, she would listen respectfully to his point of view and try to accommodate it, and a word that "Maggie would react badly" always served to get the President's attention. It was a great team!"