[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.