May 5, 1984: Secretary Shriver announces another delay of Iran-Iraq peace settlementFollowing a trip to the negotiation site in Geneva, Secretary of State Sargent Shriver returned back to Washington DC and had the “painful duty” of informing the public that negotiations between Iraq and Iran did not meet the original schedule set. A settlement under US and Soviet mediation was scheduled for the spring after more than a year of exhausting talks. According to Shriver, the negotiations will resume at some time in July and may last for a few more months. However, both parties agreed to uphold the ceasefire that was previously agreed upon. The new peace treaty seeks to determine both countries relationships on several issues, including trade and the economy.
The Brown Administration continues to pressure both sides to accept terms proposed by a US-Soviet group of diplomats. If successful before the November election, President Brown could point a major example how his foreign policy works to secure world peace.
May 10, 1984: President Brown proposes new jobs plan, mixed reactionsAmidst a staggering economy, President Brown promptly proposed a new American Jobs Plan to the public. Congressional allies of him intend to introduce the piece of legislation on the House floor before the summer recess. However, observers think it is unlikely to be passed ahead of the presidential election.
In his plan, Brown suggests an additional 300 billion dollars for broad investments in infrastructure, science and technology to boost economic growth after the Q1 economic record showed an increase in unemployment to 6.8% and just 0.2% growth. As already announced, the presidents vows to increase taxes on upper incomes, close tax loopholes and slow the increase in defense spending. Several Republicans already dismissed the plan.
Gerald Ford vows to introduce own jobs plan in JuneMeanwhile, presumptive Republican nominee Gerald Ford immediately responded by announcing an own jobs plan to be presented to the public the following month. He accused the incumbent of “only betting on the government to create growth instead of the private sector” and said Brown would only increase the federal debt even further. “It’s the same he already tried, but didn’t work”.
May 30, 1984: Turmoil in Grenada: President Brown rejects calls for interventionAfter months of turmoil, left-wing Prime Minister Maurice Bishop of Grenada resigned from his post and fled Grenada to Cuba. Having been under pressure from hardliners within his own “New Jewel Movement”, he finally quit his position as General Hudson Austin and Bernard Coard took over.
Voices on Capitol Hill, especially from the Republican side of aisle, demanded an intervention of the United States to oust the left-wing regime. Their presumptive nominee Gerald Ford urged a restore of law and order, but declined to answer how exactly he would handle the situation. “I’m not going to reveal what I might do, especially since I don’t have full access to secret information.”
President Brown on May 31 formally rejected an official intervention. “My administration currently evaluates the situation and will respond accordingly, including with a host of sanctions”, he said, “I am not committing to any military operation.”
Critics accused him of weakness. Ford said ruling out any military action was a blanket check for the regime to commit several human rights violations.
May 31, 1984: New Gallup pollsPresident Brown Job ApprovalApprove: 44% ▲Disapprove: 48% ▼1984 General electionGerald Ford (R): 51%Jerry Brown (D, inc.): 43%50 state poll:
