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Foreign Policy, Montgomery, AL, June 18, 1965
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4525852
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Foreign Policy, Montgomery, AL, June 18, 1965
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Speeches
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975
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1965
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The original documents are located in Box D18, folder "Foreign Policy, Montgomery, AL,
June 18, 1965" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
CARDS
MONTOOMERY, ALA,
JUN. 18,1965
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S.
PUBLIC DOCUMENT
Herald R. 3nd
M.C.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Speech cards GOP
Montgomery ala
texas June 18, 1965 MICHIGAN.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Digitized from Box D18 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
"Foreign Policy"
Montgomery, Ala. June 18, 1965
Congressional Republican Leadership will continue to support the President in
his firm and resolute stand against Communist aggression in Vietnam and elsewhere.
We favor measured, meaningful military steps, which have been ordered by the
President, However, we would oppose wild, unbridled expansion of the conflict in
Vietnam to chase an impossible fanatasy of unconditional Communist surrender.
Although everyone hopes for an end to the fighting, bloodshed and death on the
jungle battlefields of Southeast Asia, negotiations on our part from a position of
military weakness would mean surrender without meaning. It would mean American and
South Vietnamese lives had been given in vain. It would mean the United States
toppling from its position of world leadership into the bottomless canyon of
mediocracy and weakness.
*
*
*
*
Most members of Congress--Democrat and Republican--are not expected to have
full knowledge of the inside, secret military day-by-day strategy of the war in
Southeast Asia. Neither the public at large nor Congress has any idea at this time
how far the Administration plans to stretch its military effort.
The combat decision-making rightfully belongs to the President as Commander-in-
Chief. This is among the heavy burdens of his high office.
The President makes the military decisions, including targets to be bombed, the
number of American troops to be committed on land and in the air. It takes a
Presidential order to expand our efforts in Vietnam to a larger-scale ground and
air war. He---and he alone---is responsible for military victories or defeats.
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Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.)
Republicans in the House of Representatives, who are faced with overwhelming
opposition in voting strength on legislation and awesome power in the executive
branch have at least five major duties and responsibilities.
First, we must exert our influence in a positive manner to help guide our
Nation toward freedom, security, peace and well-being within the framework of sound
fiscal responsibility and the Constitution,
Secondly, we should support the Administration when it is right, oppose it
when it is wrong, at the same time presenting constructive alternative proposals.
Our third duty is to expose any failures of the present Administration to Jeep
promises made during the 1964 election campaign.
The fourth responsibility is to strive for a strong two-party system to over-
come the present impalance of power in the legislative, executive and judicial
branches of government.
Finally, we must work with dedication and zeal to maintain and strengthen
unity in the Republican ranks.
*
*
*
Republicans must convince citizens in all segments of our society that we are
concerned with their problems, that we care about them individually and collectively.
*
As a Party we must insist that America regain its leadership in the world. Our
foreign policy should be based on principle, power, patience and perseverance.
Our Nation cannot capitulate to Communist pressure in Viet Nam and we cannot
withdraw. If we retreat our defense line would be at Pearl Har bor. We cannot permit
the Pacific Ocean to become a Red Sea.
* * *
There has been talk of a split in the Republican ranks. I answer this by saying
reunification is already well under way. The division is less sharp in our party
than among Democrats.
It appears that the majority of Republicans believe in the philosophy of the
high middle road of moderation.
By organizing our strength, rallying our forces, creating new ideas and
earning the respect of the American people, we can expect victories in 1966 and a
resurgence of strength.
#####
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Excerpts from a speech by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich)
"Republican Opportunity"
Rumblings of discontent and disenchantment with the way things are going in the
alleged "Great Society" are spreading across the land.
The sounds of unrest, signalling a great awakening of the American electorate,
offer the Republican Perty one of the most important opportunities in years to
regain strength.
For example, millions of Americans are learning with dismay that the Democrat-
controlled Congress has sand-bagged them with more taxes arbitrarily taken from
their paychecks.
Congressional action so far--with Democrats cringing under White House
political whiplashing means Americans will have less money to spend on necessities,
slimmer bank accounts, and more choking federal control of their lives.
*
*
*
The United States as a country, every citizen as a member of a free society,
and our form of government would be in jeopardy if one political party becomes so
strong that it is unchallenged.
Although outnumbered 2 to 1 in Congress, Republicans are a forceful, optimistic,
articulate, and united team that will have more members after 1966 elections.
*
*
*
There is growing national concern about the present imbalance of power in
government. A strong two-party system and more balance of strength are essential to
the protection of the individual and his best interests,
*
The Republican Party to have a resurgence of strength and to win victories must:
recover fumbles made by the Administration be a constructive, responsible force
using new ideas to create better legislative proposals---recruit more members and
enlist more intelligent, articulate and personable candidates establish basic
positions to broaden the base---reassert our principles that demand preservation of
individual freedom and human dignity-- build better communications with the public
at large raise money to finance a strong effort.
*
*
If we fail, we will fail the American people. Winning means contributing in
great measure to the strength, the welfare, the health, the growth, the prosperity,
the well-being of every citizen in the United States and in the society of the free
world nations.
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