‘Everything Is All Right’ : Raisa Dismisses Reports of Squabbles With Nancy

Raisa Gorbachev dismissed reports of tiffs with Nancy Reagan today and used a 45-minute tour of the White House to express her wishes for improved relations with the “honest and friendly” American people.

Displaying a confident smile and asking many questions, the wife of Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev toured the executive mansion with Mrs. Reagan. In remarks during the tour, she invited Mrs. Reagan to visit the Soviet Union and discussed her own efforts to learn English, to study such U.S. writers as Mark Twain and Joyce Carol Oates, and to read American history.

Before the tour, Mrs. Reagan told reporters that she found reports that the two first ladies were in a clothes competition or had had tiffs “silly.”

“I assume she feels that way,” Mrs. Reagan added.

“Everything is all right,” Mrs. Gorbachev chimed in. “Mrs. Reagan gave the answer. She is the hostess and that was her word.”

Pat Nixon’s Portrait

Mrs. Reagan, clad in an Oscar de la Renta glen plaid brown and ivory dress, showed the Soviet first lady Pat Nixon’s portrait in the lower hall and then took her on a tour of the State Floor, which includes the State Dining Room, the Red, Blue and Green rooms, and the East Room as well.

The Soviet first lady was more formally dressed, wearing a black crepe dress with a satin collar.

Mrs. Reagan showed her guest the mantel in the dining room, inscribed with one of her favorite sayings by John Adams. “May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof,” it read in part.

“Indeed only the honest and wise should rule the world; they are very good words,” Mrs. Gorbachev agreed.

Hour at National Gallery

The two first ladies talked quietly together. Translators were at their sides throughout the session.