Ronald Reagan actually said...

He has had a distinguished Foreign Service career and was a major player in the important arena of United States-Soviet relations.

Statement on the Resignation of United States Ambassador Arthur Adair Hartman

12/17/1986

More Ronald Reagan Quotes

I understand this decision is deeply controversial and that some profoundly disagree with what was done.

Any other shipments by third countries were not authorized by the U.S. Government.

There was no deception intended by us.

Believe me, that's about as hypothetical a question as anyone could imagine.