    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [January 29, 1991]
    [Pages 73-74]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters Prior to Discussions With Foreign
    Minister Hans Van den Broek of The Netherlands
    January 29, 1991

        Q. Mr. President, could the third time be the charm here, sir? Could
    we ask you----
        The President. What he doesn't understand is that I don't take
    questions at these photo opportunities. Of course, our guests----
        The Foreign Minister. I've heard that before, Mr. President.
    [Laughter]
        The President. ----although our guests are more than able to. This
    is a new animal that's been added to our repertoire since you've come
    back.
        The Foreign Minister. That's a very interesting one.
        Q. Your aides, sir, are taking bets on whether we'll ask a question,
    sir. [Laughter]
        Q. Could you answer one of ours, please, and prove them wrong?
    [Laughter]
        Q. Mr. President, what do you think about the Dutch support so far?
        The President. You know, I feel very badly I didn't explain to your
    press corps that I don't take questions in the Oval Office. I can
    understand why she would ask. However, let me just tell you that one of
    the reasons I'm delighted to have this meeting is to be able to express
    to you and to Prime Minister Lubbers and others the appreciation on the
    American side for this outstanding cooperation. And I think we've worked
    very closely together. We've noted your statements with great approval
    and appreciation, I might say. And so, I look forward to hearing from
    you any further thoughts you have on the Gulf or any other

    [[Page 74]]

    subject. But I really am grateful to you.
        And that was the main message in why I wanted to grab some of your
    time on this trip--to tell you that. And I'm glad to have a chance to do
    it publicly.
        The Foreign Minister. Thank you very much.

                        Note: The exchange began at 2:50 p.m. in the Oval
                            Office at the White House. In his remarks, the
                            President referred to Prime Minister Ruud
                            Lubbers of The Netherlands.