francois mitterrand's a good example. but we had him up to maine--and that's in the book--and the r--i think the reagan administration had a rather chilly relationship with him, as we did on some issues. but he came to maine. barbara was terrified: 'what are you doing having the president of the french republic, formal--very formal, erudite man that he is, coming to our rather--rather informal lifestyle up there?' but he did. we had marvelous chats. general scowcroft was there, jim baker was there, totally--went for walks. i gave him the no-necktie rule. and it helped. it helped later on when we had some huge potential differences with france on domestic--i mean, on desert storm. >> guest: it made an inordinate entrance--difference. us-french relations are always complicated, but never after this meeting--never did the president go to francois mitterrand when he really needed something and get turned down. c-span: i know this is small, but you say that he didn't want anything to do with your boat, fidelity. >> guest: yeah