Paris: US President George W Bush said the death of his predecessor, Ronald Reagan, was a sad day for the United States, a White House official said.

Bush was informed of Reagan's death by White House Secretary General Andrew Card after he had dined in Paris with French President Jacques Chirac last evening.

"It's a sad day for America," Bush responded, according to White House spokeswoman Clare Buchan.

She said Bush would make a statement today.

Journalists accompanying Bush to the Elysee Presidential palace for his dinner with Chirac said he had left 25 minutes earlier than scheduled. When he arrived at the US Ambassador's residence where he is staying, Bush was informed of Reagan's death.

Bush has been in Europe since June 3.