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Question and Answer Briefing Sheets - General (2)
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Question and Answer Briefing Sheets - General (2)
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The original documents are located in Box 28, folder "Question and Answer Briefing
Sheets - General (2)" of the John Marsh Files 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. Gerald R. Ford 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Digitized from Box 28 of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Question:
Do you see the Congress acting in such a way as to frustrate and
obstruct your requests, particularly in light of the influence of the
Caucus and the role of the freshmen Democrats?
Answer:
My hope is that Congress will act responsibly. I do not think their
constituents sent them to Congress to either frustrate or obstruct
the President nor to engage in confrontations with the Executive
Branch. In our country, it takes two to govern. Only the Congress
can legislate, and only the Executive Branch can execute the programs
and policies of the government. In the critical times in which we
live, there is nothing to be gained by stalemate, but much to be lost
through no action. I am willing to meet the Congress more than
half-way, and it is my hope they will do their part. I am convinced
the new members of Congress are responsible and intelligent
individuals who want to do the best thing for the country.
JOM
3-24-75
is
FORD
GERALD
wall
Question:
There has been considerable comment about President Nixon's
future in public life. What do you see the former President's
role to be?
Answer:
My first hope is complete and speedy return to a state of good
health for the former President. I believe the former President's
future role will be determined in large measure by his health,
and until he is fully recovered, it is too early to speculate on
what that role might be.
FORDO i CERAMED LIBRARY
JOM
3-22-75
Question:
On February 9 the transition officially ended. What, if any,
relationship will you continue to have with former President
Nixon, in an official sense?
Answer:
There are two statutes in question here. As you observed, the
Transition Act terminated on February 9, six months after my
swearing-in. However, President Nixon, as of that date, came
under the Former Presidents Act, which by law provides him
with certain continuing benefits which include pension, a staff
allowance, office space and limited operational costs. This is
the same statute that has been available to other former Presidents
in recent years.
The number of people who are working with him were substantially
reduced from the transition period. It should be kept in mind,
however, that under separate statutes, he receives Secret
Service protection, and there is some support furnished from
time to time pursuant to Secret Service requirements.
BEBALO FORD LIBRARY
JOM
3-24-75
Question:
What do you think will happen to the Defense program now that
Hebert has lost his Chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee?
Answer:
The question of the Defense program in the Congress is one of
concern notwithstanding who the Chairman is. As you are aware,
Mr. Hebert has long been a strong advocate and great supporter
of the Defense program; however, I have known and served with his
successor, Mel Price, for many years. He too is deeply committed
to a strong National defense, and I believe that he will do everything
he can to promote that cause in his Committee and on the Floor.
FORD & LIBRARY
JOM
3-24-75
Question:
Do you see the Congress acting in such a way as to frustrate and
obstruct your requests, particularly in light of the influence of the
Caucus and the role of the freshmen Democrats?
Answer:
My hope is that Congress will act responsibly. I do not think their
constituents sent them to Congress to either frustrate or obstruct
the President nor to engage in confrontations with the Executive
Branch. In our country, it takes two to govern. Only the Congress
can legislate, and only the Executive Branch can execute the programs
and policies of the government. In the critical times in which we
live, there is nothing to be gained by stalemate, but much to be lost
through no action. I am willing to meet the Congress more than
half-way, and it is my hope they will do their part. I am convinced
the new members of Congress are responsible and intelligent
individuals who want to do the best thing for the country.
JOM
FORD
3-24-75
LIBRARY
Question:
There has been considerable comment about President Nixon's
future in public life. What do you see the former President's
role to be?
Answer:
My first hope is complete and speedy return to a state of good
health for the former President. I believe the former President's
future role will be determined in large measure by his health,
and until he is fully recovered, it is too early to speculate on
what that role might be.
E FORD LIBRARY
JOM
3-22-75
Question:
On February 9 the transition officially ended. What, if any,
relationship will you continue to have with former President
Nixon, in an official sense?
Answer:
There are two statutes in question here. As you observed, the
Transition Act terminated on February 9, six months after my
swearing-in. However, President Nixon, as of that date, came
under the Former Presidents Act, which by law provides him
with certain continuing benefits which include pension, a staff
allowance, office space and limited operational costs. This is
the same statute that has been available to other former Presidents
in recent years.
The number of people who are working with him were substantially
reduced from the transition period. It should be kept in mind,
however, that under separate statutes, he receives Secret
Service protection, and there is some support furnished from
time to time pursuant to Secret Service requirements.
EALD FORD LIBRARY
JOM
3-24-75
Question:
What do you think will happen to the Defense program now that
Hebert has lost his Chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee?
Answer:
The question of the Defense program in the Congress is one of
concern notwithstanding who the Chairman is. As you are aware,
Mr. Hebert has long been a strong advocate and great supporter
of the Defense program; however, I have known and served with his
successor, Mel Price, for many years. He too is deeply committed
to a strong National defense, and I believe that he will do everything
he can to promote that cause in his Committee and on the Floor.
17: FORD LIBRART
JOM
3-24-75
PoA's
April 16, 1975
Questions Most Likely To Be Asked
1.
Farm Bill
Do you plan to veto the Farm Bill approved by the Senate and House
Conferees?
2. Railroad Strike
Do you plan to intervene to block the Railroad strike?
3. Sec. Kissinger
There have been a number of stories lately regarding Henry Kissinger's
position in the Administration. Some stories said that other Presidential
advisors were resisting his influence on your foreign policy speech, and
other stories said he was about to be relieved of his job on the National
Security Council. One newspaper today calls for his resignation.
Exactly what is Secretary Kissinger's status?
One of the charges against Secretary Kissinger is that he and Former
President Nixon gave secret commitments to the South Vietnamese to
come to their aid militarily if North Vietnam violated the Paris Accords.
Were such secret commitments given?
4.
Vietnam funds requests
What is your reaction to the Senate Foreign Relations Committe
compromise bill on your Vietnam requests?
Would you accept this bill as the final American effort for South Vietnam/
In addition to this so-called "contingency fund" do you still expect Congress
to approve military aid?
Have you given orders to Ambassador Graham Martin to evacuate the
Americans faster?
What happens if Congress approves the use of American military forces
only for the evacuation of Americans? Does this mean you would leave
behind the thousands of Vietnamese who have staked their lives on America?
Under what authority did you use American military forces to evacuate
Cambodians from Phnom Penh?
GERALD FORD LIBRAS
-2-
5.
Detente - Southeast Asia
If detente has any meaning at all, why are you not using the supposedly
closer relations with the Soviet Union and China to help bring an end to
the fighting in Vietnam? (Scotty Reston wrote a column along these lines
this morning, and as a panel member he may ask you this question today.)
6. Taiwan
Why didn't you mention Taiwan in your Foreign Policy speech to
Congress? Why was Vice President Rockefeller so tepid in his support
of Taiwan during his trip to the Chiang funeral? What exactly is the
status of American treaties and obligations to Taiwan?
7. Spending Ceilings
Will you accept the Congressional Budget Committee spending ceilings
which are 10-12 billion dollars higher than the $60 billion deficit
that you said was the firm line?
8. Energy Bill and Energy
The 60 days you gave Congress to approve an energy bill expires in just
two weeks. Do you plan to impose another dollar on the Oil Import
tariff May 1?
Do you plan to decontrol the price of oil on May 1?
The Producer-Consumer oil talks in Paris seem to have collapsed.
Where do we go next in trying to present a united front to the producers?
9. CIA - Kennedy Assassination
Can you elaborate on your remarks in San Diego that the Rockefeller
Commission or the Church Committee investigating the CIA would look
into the John Kennedy assassination? Would that mean that you think the
CIa was involved in the assassination?
:
FORD
100
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 7, 1975
Attached you will find the additional
Q & A's added to the original President's
Briefing Book of May 6, 1975.
James B. Shuman/kt
5 FORD LIE
48
IMPACT OF STRIP MINING BILL
ON COSTS OF ELECTRICITY
Question:
The opponents of the strip mining bill are contending that
it will increase the cost of electricity. The supporters
of the bill contend this is not true. Can you tell us
which side is right, how much cost would be increased, and
whether this is a factor you are considering in your decision
of whether you will veto or sign the bill?
Answer:
There is no question but that the strip mining bill would
increase consumer costs, particularly for electricity.
The higher costs will impact electrical rates because most
coal is used in producing electricity. The higher costs
will come from two principal sources:
The bill will reduce domestic coal production and this
lost production will be replaced by foreign oil which
is much more expensive than coal.
The bill will impose other costs that will show up in
either higher prices or taxes. These include:
a. A new excise tax on coal which is expected to cost
about $150 million per year.
b. Higher coal production and reclamation costs in the
neighborhood of $175 million per year.
C. Costs of running the Federal and state regulatory
programs of $90 million per year.
d. Unemployment compensation for those who are put out
of work by the bill.
Follow-up Question:
What will be the impact on an average home-owner's electric
bill?
Answer:
I can't convert these higher costs to an increase in an
electric bill. The impact will vary from one electrical
system to another depending upon how much the system now
relies on coal. Also, the impact would depend heavily on
FORD
whether the production losses -- and resulting imports of
expensive foreign oil -- can be minimized.
GERALD
M. Duval (G.R.S.)
5/6/75
FOREIGN AID
Q. What has happened to the Administration's previous
emergency requests for economic, military and
humanitarian aid for Indochina in FY 1975.
A. The Administration transmitted today new legislation
to provide aid to refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam.
That legislative package also contained proposed re-
ductions of those previous FY 1975 emergency requests,
totaling $989.3 million, to reflect the changes in
Indochina which have taken place since those requests
were submitted to the Congress.
FORD is LIBRARY
5/6/75
Q.
In San Diego you said the war in Vietnam would not be in
vain if we provided assistance to South Vietnam for it to defend
itself. Since that did not happen and South Vietnam has fallen,
do you now think the war was in vain?
A.
We went into Vietnam initially and stayed there because of our Customer
at deep nooted 5en committed
the preservation of individual freedom. Those who fought in
Vietnam and those Americans who supported that struggle
believe deeply, that as I think all Americans do, in that
struggle for individual liberty. While this experience has
ended for the American people there will be other tests in
our future. I am confident that the American people and
its designated leaders, while mindful of our mistakes in the
pursuit of freedom, will continue to offer support and assistance
which Selieve in libily freedom
to other countries consistent with our national desires and Congression
constraints and support those countries who are fighting for
liberty and freedom. Our American ideals will let us do no less.
FOND VIBRARY
THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
AFTER VIETNAM
Q:
Now that our involvement in Vietnam is finished, where do we
go from here? Will we revise our world-wide policies or will
we keep them? Will we avoid other entanglements and reassess
the other commitments we have elsewhere in the world?
A:
There is no question but that American policy has suffered a
setback in Vietnam. It is important that we examine carefully
the conditions emerging in Indochina in the wake of that setback
and reaffirm to our allies in Asia the firm resolve of the United
States to carry on with current policies and actions designed to
resolve the important problem of common concern before us.
No reassessment is required. Events in Indochina do not alter
the validity of U.S. policies elsewhere in Asia and surely not in
the rest of the world.
We have a sound foreign policy structure and we must con-
stantly keep that in mind at this difficult time.
We must play a major role in world affairs; therefore, we
must resolve not to shrink from the duties of leadership on
complex issues of our interdependent world. We must respond
to adversity with dignity and demonstrate to all that we can and
will continue our role as a major force for peace throughout the
world.
THE FORD VIBRARY
- 2 -
There is much to be done: We have allies who have relied upon
our cooperation and support for more than a generation. From a
position of strength we have engaged adversaries in negotiations to
lessen tensions and seek common grounds of cooperation in the
interest of reducing the dangers of war. We must meet the challenges
of hunger and lead the way for applying technology to the benefit of
mankind while preserving the world environment. We must help to
assure that the oceans are used as a basis of peaceful cooperation
rather than conflict. A new order is emerging in which all nations
must have a part and in which, as long as I am President, Americans
will have a leading role.
FORD LIBRARY ares
Q: Mr. President, you asked Congress to postpone action
on a consumer agency and told the Chamber of Commerce
that a consumer agency would create an expensive and
unnecessary new layer of Federal bureaucracy. Yet the
Senate is scheduled to take up the consumer agency
bill tomorrow. Does this mean you will veto a consumer
agency bill if, as expected, Congress passes one?
A: There is legitimate public concern about the need to
increase consumer representation in agency decisions,
but I think this can be done within the structure of
the agencies. I have asked Virginia Knauer, my Special
Assistant for Consumer Affairs, to work with each of the
Executive Branch departments and agencies on ways to
make them more responsive to consumers. I have also asked
each Cabinet Secretary to review their Department's responsiveness
to consumer needs and to report back to me on how they intend
to improve their operations in the near future. I am also calling
a meeting of the chairmen and members of the principal regulatory
agencies to discuss consumer interests with them. I believe that
by instituting reforms within the present system we can avoid
another layer of bureaucracy. This is why I requested the
Congress to postpone action that would set up a new consumer agency.
However, if and when an Agency for Consumer Advocacy bill
comes to my desk, I will review the situation at that time as well
FORD
as the exact character and contents of the bill.
Q: As a Congressman, you voted for a consumer agency a number
of times and your consumer advisor has been a strong supporter
of the concept. What has made you change your mind?
A: As you know, I have stated my belief that this goal can be
accomplished by making existing agencies more
responsive to consumer needs. Also, I said in my
State of the Union Message that I would not ask for new
spending programs and a new agency involves a lot of new
spending at a time when we are trying to hold down
Federal spending. And lastly, Mrs. Knauer strongly
supports the need to make existing government agencies
more responsive to consumer needs and she will head
this effort in the Executive Branch.
R. FORD LIFE -
2
Q
Governor Carey, Mayor Beame and other officials
and bankers from New York City were here today.
We understand that New York City may not be able
to meet its next payroll. Is the Federal Government
going to be able to help?
A
I understand that Secretary Simon, Arthur Burns
and other officials met today at the request of
Governor Carey to discuss New York's problem.
I have not had a report on the meeting. I would
point out that this is essentially a New York
City - New York state problem.
FORD & LIBRARY THE
Q
Governor Carey, Mayor Beame and other officials
and bankers from New York City were here today.
We understand that New York City may not be able
to meet its next payroll. Is the Federal Government
going to be able to help?
A
I understand that Secretary Simon, Arthur Burns
and other officials met today at the request of
Governor Carey to discuss New York's problem.
I have not had a report on the meeting. I would
point out that this is essentially a New York
City - New York state problem.
FORD LIBRARY BERVID
Q
Governor Carey, Mayor Beame and other officials
and bankers from New York City were here today.
We understand that New York City may not be able
to meet its next payroll. Is the Federal Government
going to be able to help?
A
I understand that Secretary Simon, Arthur Burns
and other officials met today at the request of
Governor Carey to discuss New York's problem.
I have not had a report on the meeting. I would
point out that this is essentially a New York
City - New York state problem.
BERRUE FORD LIBRARY
POSITION ON NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVE BILLS
Question
The House Armed Services Committee has attacked the
Melcher bill (H.R. 49) for risking another Teapot Dome
scandal because it would transfer the Naval Petroleum
Reserves to the Interior Department. It has been reported
that you earlier favored the Melcher bill but that you
now support the Hebert bill (H.R. 5919). Did you switch
your support because of the attack on the Melcher bill?
Answer
In view of the difficulties and delays expected in
the Congress with the Melcher bill, I have agreed to
support the Hebert bill if it authorizes up to 300,000
bbls per day production from Elk Hills, if it provides
for production of NPR-4 in Alaska, and if it allows
revenues from Government sales of NPR oil to be used for
a strategic storage program as well as for further work
on the NPR's.
Speed is of paramount importance. The national
interest requires rapid opening of the Naval Petroleum
Reserves to get this domestic oil flowing into our economy
and into a strategic storage program to lessen our
dependence upon foreign oil. Support for a perfected
Hebert bill seems to me to be the fastest way to achieve
the necessary congressional action.
Roy Niemela/OMB/5-5-75
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
POSITION ON NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVE BILLS
Question
The House Armed Services Committee has attacked the
Melcher bill (H.R. 49) for risking another Teapot Dome
scandal because it would transfer the Naval Petroleum
Reserves to the Interior Department. It has been reported
that you earlier favored the Melcher bill but that you
now support the Hebert bill (H.R. 5919). Did you switch
your support because of the attack on the Melcher bill?
Answer
In view of the difficulties and delays expected in
the Congress with the Melcher bill, I have agreed to
support the Hebert bill if it authorizes up to 300,000
bbls per day production from Elk Hills, if it provides
for production of NPR-4 in Alaska, and if it allows
revenues from Government sales of NPR oil to be used for
a strategic storage program as well as for further work
on the NPR's.
Speed is of paramount importance. The national
interest requires rapid opening of the Naval Petroleum
Reserves to get this domestic oil flowing into our economy
and into a strategic storage program to lessen our
dependence upon foreign oil. Support for a perfected
Hebert bill seems to me to be the fastest way to achieve
the necessary congressional action.
Roy Niemela/OMB/5-5-75
FORD i LIBRARY
POSITION ON NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVE BILLS
Question
The House Armed Services Committee has attacked the
Melcher bill (H.R. 49) for risking another Teapot Dome
scandal because it would transfer the Naval Petroleum
Reserves to the Interior Department. It has been reported
that you earlier favored the Melcher bill but that you
now support the Hebert bill (H.R. 5919). Did you switch
your support because of the attack on the Melcher bill?
Answer
In view of the difficulties and delays expected in
the Congress with the Melcher bill, I have agreed to
support the Hebert bill if it authorizes up to 300,000
bbls per day production from Elk Hills, if it provides
for production of NPR-4 in Alaska, and if it allows
revenues from Government sales of NPR oil to be used for
a strategic storage program as well as for further work
on the NPR's.
Speed is of paramount importance. The national
interest requires rapid opening of the Naval Petroleum
Reserves to get this domestic oil flowing into our economy
and into a strategic storage program to lessen our
dependence upon foreign oil. Support for a perfected
Hebert bill seems to me to be the fastest way to achieve
the necessary congressional action.
Roy Niemela/OMB/5-5-75
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Bicentennial
Question
What is happening with the Federal funding Philadelphia feels it has
been promised in support of Bicentennial activities?
Answer
Appropriate people have been going over the Philadelphia funding
requests and Dr. Marrs will be meeting with Pennsylvania repre-
sentatives within the next two weeks.
Background
At the last meeting of the Federal Agency Bicentermial Task Force
you discussed the specific problems of funding applications for the
District of Columbia and Philadelphia. You mentioned that they would
be focal points of our celebration and asked the Task Force to give
help to appropriate programs which followed the proper guidelines as
quickly as possible. You stressed that funds will come from existing
categorical programs.
Under the direction of Dave Meeker, Assistant Secretary of HUD,
we have compiled a summary of Federal Agency support of Philadelphia
Bicentennial funding requests. This summary is being surveyed by
OMB and their recommendation is forthcoming.
After receiving OMB's recommendations, Dr. Marrs will meet with
Senator Scott and representatives of Mayor Rizzo's office to review
the results.
RESALD FORD LIBRARY
Bicentennial
Question
What is the Federal government doing to help the District of Columbia
get through the Bicentennial year and the problems it will face when
millions of tourists descend upon us?
Answer
A subcommittee to the Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force was
recently appointed to coordinate the efforts of various Federal de-
partments and agencies, the District of Columbia government and
neighboring county governments relative to area Bicentennial activities.
It is also charged with keeping abreast of the status of implementation
of D.C. Bicentennial planning in the departments and agencies.
This subcommittee met with Mayor Washington and his representatives
at the White House last week. They will continue to meet and work together
on a regular basis to solve whatever problems may exist.
Background
The Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force was formed in 1973 and
is chaired by Jack Marsh. The Task Force is composed of representa-
tives at the Assistant Secretary or Under Secretary level from each
department and agency and is a policy making body.
In addition to the coordinating subcommittee (which is chaired by
Deputy Assistant Secretary Dick Hite of Interior) there are two other
important subcommittees under the Task Force. The Subcommittee on
Philadelphia and the District of Columbia which facilitates categorical
grant requests to the two cities. The Operations and Logistics Subcom-
mittee provides the parameter of Federal support for operations and
logistics during the Bicentennial.
The coordinating subcommittee is composed of representatives from
the following departments and agencies: Interior, ARBA, OMB, GSA,
Smithsonian, Transportation, Defense and Commerce. In addition to
representatives of the D.C. government the Council of Governments
is also included. Topics discussed at the first meeting included the
logistics of the transportation plan for D.C., status of the visitor's
center, the Great Hall of Commerce and coordination of information.
FORD LIBRARY
5-5-75
GAO Report Concerning the Government's Enforcement
of the Federal Contract Compliance Program
Q. What is the Administration's reaction to the recently
released GAO report to the Joint Economic Committee of
the House of Representatives concerning the Government's
enforcement of the Federal Contract Compliance program?
A. I have not as yet had an opportunity to review the
finding of the GAO report. However, increasing the
effectiveness of the Department of Labor's administra-
tion of the Federal Contract Compliance program is a
matter which Secretary Dunlop will be giving high
priority on behalf of the Administration. This will
include a careful review of the findings of the GAO
report.
FORD 078830 LIBRAR
OMB
C. William Fischer
5/5/75
5/6/75
Fiscal 1975 Budget Revisions
Q.
The Department of the Treasury recently announced revisions
in the budget projections that will reduce the FY 1975
deficit by $5 billion. How do you account for the revisions
and what are the implications for economic policy?
A.
Estimates of Federal receipts and expenditures are subject
to some error. Tax collections in the past couple of months
have exceeded earlier expectations. Final settlements by
individuals on their 1974 taxes were several billion dollars
larger than anticipated and some other Federal receipts were
also larger. An increase in expenditures partly offset the
larger tax revenues.
The revised estimates suggest a deficit of $36 for the
present fiscal year compared with a $41 billion estimate
a month ago (March 31). This is still a large and worrisome
deficit and the deficit for fiscal 1976 will be much larger.
The revised estimates have not changed our view that the
fundamental need is to restrain Federal outlays and to contain
the deficit for fiscal 1976.
Note: Federal revenues for fiscal 1975 are now estimated to
be $7 billion higher and expenditures $2 billion higher than
on March 31.
RALD FORD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 29, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DAVE GERGEN
FROM:
Following are my comments and concerning the Q&As:
JACK MARSH June
General Themes
-- On page 4, do you want to make some mention of the
Mayaguez?
-- At page 5, should there be some reference to the severe
unrest that has gripped Portugal and Lebanon?
-- At page 6, in reference to his Presidency, I would suggest
rephrasing this to read: "He was the first President to
ascend to that office through the 25th Amendment to the
Constitution, 11 rather than referring to him as an "unelected
President. 11 Although I am sure the historical reference is
correct, nevertheless you might wish to check the 100th
year citation.
-- Also at page 6, the second paragraph, I question whether
the President should say that trust in the Presidency is
rising. The manner in which it is stated here seems some-
what self-serving.
Greatest Disappointments of 1975
-- Omit emergency aid to South Vietnam.
-- Add the growing tendency of the Congress to use the Defense
Bill as a target for reducing Federal spending.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-2-
Stalemate in Washington
-- I would suggest avoiding the term "unelected President. 11
-- Under the same subject, on New York City aid, change the
language "standing tough" to read "standing firm. If
Use of Veto Power
-- I would suggest that the initial emphasis address the question
of a veto under the Federal system. It is an Executive tool to
frame and shape legislation. By its exercise, the Executive
Branch can influence the form and substance of legislation
as it moves through the Congress and if unacceptable, its
exercise can frequently produce a compromise more accept-
able to the Executive. This has been true in several instances
in the present Administration, i. e., the Housing Bill and the
recent Tax Bill. The reference to New York City is a very
good one, but I would shorten it and subordinate it to the
above point.
President as Party Leader
-- Strike the first paragraph of the answer inasmuch as the
answer indicates the trips were counter productive politically.
Secondly, point out that the cost of these trips was paid by the
National Committee. Downgrade the amount of money that is
raised and get the two party system up front.
-- Add a paragraph that the President is head of the Party and
has a duty and obligation to the Party to make trips of this
kind.
-- Add a paragraph which states that learning to live in a modern
world is a challenge to the people and will be a guidepost to
other societies as they move into the modern world.
What's Right With America
-- Add a paragraph. In summary we have a sound governmental
structure that has stood the test of time and is the underpinning
of our greatness in every field of endeavor.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- -3-
Goals for the Third Century
-- Add achievement both individual and national, enlightened
leadership and a more meaningful life for Americans and
other citizens of the world.
New Year's Resolution
-- To make our Bicentennial year a landmark year in our
Nation's history.
--
-- To provide the leadership for national achievement.
-- To get the country moving to achieve the goals and ideas
of its Declaration.
-- To set the Federal financial house in order.
-- To meet and successfully deal with the twin problems of
inflation and unemployment.
-- To cause our people to reflect on the meaning and purpose
of their lives and how collectively we might achieve our
national goals.
-- To further our progress in environmental improvement.
-- To improve opportunities for minority groups.
-- To improve the quality of life for our aged.
FORD i LIBRARY GRAMED
GENERAL THEMES
Q: Do you think 1975 was a good year for the United States?
A: It was another year of testing for the country, and I
think we can take pride in how well we have come through it.
Personally, I'm very encouraged as we enter our third century
as a nation. I'm certainly not satisfied with conditions as
they are today, but all of us have growing reason to be
hopeful and confident about the future.
We should recognize just how far we've come in 1975 in
three critical areas: the economy, foreign affairs, and
restoration of public confidence in the government.
Economy: Early in the year, the economic outlook was
bleak:
-- We were still experiencing the worst inflation
in our peactime history;
-- At the same time, we were sliding into the
worst recession in more than a generation;
-- Unemployment reached 9.2 percent in the spring.
-- There were widespread fears of another great
depression.
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Then before mid-year, the economy reversed course. By
recent historical standards, the recovery is off to a healthy,
solid start and promises to continue until at least 1977.
We have already made a good deal of progress:
-- Inflation has been cut almost in half since the
beginning of the year.
-- 1.4 million jobs have been created since
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and we have shaved almost a full point off the peak unemploy-
ment rate.
-- Personal income has risen
percent on
an annualized basis since the recovery began.
Instead of fearing a depression now, we can look forward
to 1976 as a year of economic growth, a year of lower inflation,
and a year of lower unemployment. This doesn't mean that we
will eliminate all personal hardships in 1976; we won't.
The deterioration in our economy has taken place over so
many years of mismanagement that we can't restore our economic
strength overnight. But we are moving in the right direction
now; we are building a firm foundation for the future. And
that's what counts.
*****
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International: On the foreign front, this was also a
year of severe testing for the United States. Both our
friends and our adversaries were asking: Has the United
States lost its nerve? Can we still count on the U.S. as a
world leader in the struggle for peace and social justice?
-- As an end of an era came in Indochina, there
were grave and genuine fears that America would abandon its
responsibilities for peace in the Pacific.
-- Our European and Japanese friends were anxious
about their relations with us.
-- The nations of the Middle East seemed to be
drifting toward another outbreak of war.
-- The developing nations were reeling from the
economic impact of higher energy prices and a deepening
world recession.
-- And we could not be certain of the Soviets'
intentions.
Again, as one surveys the horizon today, I think there
is evidence of substantial progress:
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-- While none of us would want to relive the final
agony of Indochina, all of the nations of the Pacific know
that the United States remains a firm and reliable partner
in that part of the world. We are not shamelessly retreating
from our responsibilities.
-- We have held extensive diplomatic and economic
summit meetings with our Atlantic and Japanese allies, and
we now enjoy greater cohesion on major issues than at any
time since I've been in Washington.
-- In the Middle East during August and September, the
mediating efforts of the U.S. helped to produce a major
interim peace accord between Egypt and Israel, advancing us
toward a just and comprehensive peace for the entire region.
-- In Cyprus, with our encouragement after the embargo
was lifted, the parties began to move closer to a negotiated
solution.
-- We have set forth very generous proposals regarding
the developing world and have definitely improved our relations
with many of those countries.
-- We have also strengthened and reaffirmed our ties
with the People's Republic of China and are moving toward
the normalization of relations.
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--- With regard to the Soviet Union, we have made
considerable headway toward resolving the key issues in the
Salt Talks, we have signed a major 5-year agreement on grain
purchases in which the Soviets agree to purchase $1 billion
of grain annually, and in Helsinki this July, at the 35-
nation summit conference, we signed an agreement that we
feel enhances the prospects for both greater stability and
for expanded human freedoms. These are important milestones
in the process of easing the strains between the U.S. and
the USSR. At the same time, of course, we are extremely
wary of the Soviets' growing military strength and we have
made it clear that outside aid to the combatants in Angola
endangers the spirit of cooperation that exists between our
countries. Detente is a two-way street; we will not permit
the other side to have it both ways.
With the exception of Angola, however, I believe that
the international community is more stable today than it was
a year ago. The major nations of the world are at peace,
and there is renewed recognition that the United States
remains the single greatest force for peace anywhere in the
world.
Crisis in National Leadership: Finally, we have to
recognize that at the beginning of 1975 the United States
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was still adjusting to a change in this office. The crisis
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in leadership that had already affected so many of our other
institutions -- business, the church, the professions,
etc. --now embraced the Presidency itself. I was the first
unelected President in our history; in addition, I was only
the second President in more than a hundred years who came
into office with the Congress dominated by the other party.
Naturally, there was great uncertainty about the future of
the country.
Looking back, I think it is safe to say that we have
now weathered the worst of the storm. Public confidence
and trust in the Presidency, which has been slipping for
several years, is clearly rising again. Since restoration
of public faith in all of our institutions as well as in the
democratic process itself is essential for the future of our
country, I view this as one of the major accomplishments of
my Presidency.
So in these three areas -- in our search for new
prosperity, in our quest for peace, and in our efforts to
shore up public confidence -- 1975 has been an encouraging
year. We are building solid foundations for our third
century together as a nation, and all of us should take
pride in our progress.
FORD & LIBRARY
GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENTS OF 1975
Q: What has been your greatest disappointment this year?
A. Probably my greatest disappointment has been the insistence
by the Congress in limiting the powers of the Executive
Branch in foreign affairs. The President of the United
States cannot conduct a totally effective foreign policy
with one hand tied behind his back.
Having served for a quarter of a century in the Congress,
I am well aware of the dangers of an "imperial Presidency",
but the pendulum swung too far in the other direction in
1975.
Three instances in particular come to mind:
(1) The refusal of the Congress to provide emergency
aid to South Vietnam in the closing days of the war, which
only enlarged the tragedy that occurred there.
(2) The embargo on aid to Turkey, which --- as we
argued at the time -- made it more difficult to reach a
negotiated settlement on Cyprus, weakened our ties with
Turkey, and threatened the eatern flank of NATO.
(3) Senate vote to cut off aid to Angola. The question
in Angola never has been whether American troops would be
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introduced there -- they won't be -- but whether the U.S.
would acquiesce in Communist expansionism thousands of miles
away from the Soviet borders. It is very important that the
Senate vote to reverse its position when it returns from
recess.
FORD & LIBRANY
STALEMATE IN WASHINGTON
Q. Many have characterized 1975 as a year of stalemate in
Washington where neither the President nor the Congress
could exercise its will. Some also argue that we need a
Congress and a President of the same party in order to get
the country moving again. What do you think?
A. In view of the extraordinary situation in which we found
ourselves -- an unelected President facing a Congress dominated
by the other party -- I think that we achieved far more
legislative progress in 1975 than people first anticipated:
(1) Holding Down Deficits -- Many observers thought
the Congress would push through a program that would give us
a deficit of more than $100 billion for FY 1976. I think we
managed to rally the country against such an irresponsible
program and we managed to hold the deficit to about $30
billion less than that. The deficit is still too high for
our own good, but it is certainly better than what was
widely expected.
(2) Energy -- Although the pricing provisions of the
energy bill leave much to be desired, the compromise package
enacted late in the year achieved about half of the mid-term
energy goals that I set out in January and put us on the
road to energy independence.
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(3) Tax Cuts/Spending Cuts -- Again the bill finally
enacted fell far short of what I wanted, but it did provide
an extension of tax relief and for the first time in our
history, the Congress has now pledged to tie the size of the
budget to the size of future tax cuts. That is a major
breakthrough.
firm
(4) New York City Aid -- By standing tough early in
this crisis, I think we provided a catalyst for New York to
take primary responsibility for solving its own problems and
we were able to devise much better Federal legislation. In
a very real sense, as I have said before, New York City
bailed itself out.
(5) Housing Legislation -- (Domestic Council: Please
fill in.)
When you look over the record, then, it is inaccurate
to say that we have had a legislative stalemate in 1975.
But let me add this thought: if the American voters
would return a Republican Congress to me in 1977, I can
guarantee we would make far more progress toward reducing
inflation and creating new jobs than anything we have seen
in 1975. As far as our advances toward peace and prosperity,
FORD
it would be like replacing the tortoise with the hare.
WAL
LIBRARY
USE OF VETO POWER
Q. Some has asserted that your extensive use of the veto
has given your Presidency an essentially negative character
in 1975. How do you respond to that?
A. Let's look at it this way: suppose about 5 or 10 years
ago I had been elected Mayor of New York City and I was
asked to approve measures that would raise the salaries of
municipal workers far above other cities, that would give pension
benefits to municipal workers enjoyed in no other city, and
that would ensure the city was headed toward bankruptcy.
If, as mayor, I had vetoed those measures, I am certain
that many would have said I was being very negative, that I
lacked social compassion, etc. But with the hindsight
provided by current history, we could see today that those
vetoes would have been very positive acts -- acts to preserve
the financial integrity of the city and prevent many of the
personal hardships that are being experienced in New York
City today.
In many ways, what I am trying to do today parallels
what really should have been done in New York City several
years ago. I want to save the economic integrity of the
United States itself. And in retrospect, my vetoes of big
spending bills will ultimately be seen as the positive act
they represent. I sincerely believe that every veto of my
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Presidency can be totally justified on the basis of the
best, long-run interests of the country.
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Two other points can be made about the vetoes:
(1) So far, bills vetoed in the 94th Congress have
saved the taxpayers $7.6 billion in outlays and bills vetoed
during the 93rd Congress have saved them $1.6 billion -- a
total of $100 for every man, woman and child in the country.
(2) Frequently, use of the veto power has compelled
the Congress to come up with better legislation. Best
example: the tax cut/spending cut veto which led to inclusion
in the measure of good-faith pledge by Congress to tie
future tax cuts to spending cuts of the same size. Other
examples: (Domestic Council: Please provide.)
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PRESIDENT AS PARTY LEADER
Q. Some have speculated that your decline in the polls
during the latter part of 1975 is a result of your travels
on behalf of the GOP. Do you now think those trips were a
mistake?
A. I realized at the time that my trips would not be
politically popular, but I had two goals in mind that made
them worthwhile:
-- First, I wanted to preserve the vitality of the
Republican Party in our national life. By making these
trips, I collected not a dime for my own campaign but I
helped to raise some $ million for the Republican Party
state organizations, helping to erase many of their deficits.
I am a strong believer in the two party system; I think it's
healthy for our democracy, and to the extent that my trips
helped to preserve that system, I think they were well worth
the cost to me in the polls.
-- Second, I recognized that my Presidency was unique.
By virtue of circumstance, I became the head of my party
without a formal nomination or election. In those circum-
stances, I thought I owed it to the people who are the back-
bone of that party to meet with as many of them as I could
and to talk together about our hopes for the future of the
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country. The trips were very worthwhile from this
perspective, too.
So, to answer the question, I regret that the trips
did have a negative impact upon the polls, but I am still
convinced they were necessary and worthwhile.
FORD & LIBRARY
MOOD OF THE COUNTRY
Q. How would you characterize the mood of the American
people during 1975?
A. Troubled, uncertain, but still very hopeful about the
future.
The people of this country have been buffeted by some
very strong storms in the last few. years -- urban riots,
Vietnam, Watergate, record inflation, and a deep recession.
Personal values are in flux, many of our social institutions
have fallen from favor, and modern technology has transformed
the world into a very complicated place to live. It is only
natural that the public is troubled and uncertain.
But what is remarkable is how well we have come through
these ordeals and how hopeful and optimistic people remain
in their daily lives. I think that is a great tribute to
the American spirit and will serve us well during our third
century as a people.
I feel the same sense of confidence about the future as
William Faulkner when he received the Nobel Prize for Literature
and observed that "man has not only survived but endured".
FORD & CENNTO LIBRI
WHAT'S RIGHT WITH AMERICA
Q. Why are you so optimistic about the country's future?
A. Because this country has enormous assets that have never
been matched anywhere before:
-- Of some 150 nations in the world today, only two
dozen can still be counted as democracies today. Human
freedom is shrinking in many parts of the world, but here in
the U.S., we remain committed to the democratic process and
to the preservation of our basic liberties. I worry a great
deal about the threat posed by government to those liberties,
but the tide is clearly turning against Big Government in
the U.S.
--- For all its flaws, our economy remains the most
dynamic in history, helping us to achieve the highest standard
of living in the world. With some 6 percent of the world's
population and 7 percent of the world's land mass, we produce
more' than a third of the world's goods and services.
-- Our farmers are also the most productive ever known
and are doing more to prevent starvation and hunger in other
lands than anyone in the world. An average American farmer
now feeds 50 other people with a nutritious diet.
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-- In the last 15 years, poverty in this nation has
been cut in half.
-- Our abundance and generosity have joined in providing
the most extensive program of economic and humanitarian aid
to other countries in history -- over $100 billion since
World War II.
-- Life expectancy in the U.S. has been dramatically
increased.
-- And today we have twice as many students going to
college as in the 1950s, and I sense that their values are,
if anything, more soundly based than those of my own generation.
So there is much to be optimistic about when it comes
to the future of America. Certainly our society has its
troubles and its flaws. And we must work to correct them.
But in so doing, I would hope that we would recognize the
many things that are right about America and build upon
them.
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GOALS FOR OUR THIRD CENTURY
Q. What goals would you set for America as it begins its
third century?
A. To me, the American Dream will become a reality when we
can meet essentially three goals:
-- A nation at peace with its neighbors and with itself;
-- A nation where the fruits of happiness and prosperity
are equally available to every man and women, regardless of
race, creed, sex or national orgin;
-- And, a nation where personal liberty remains precious.
untrammelled by Big Business, Big Labor, and most importantly,
Big Government.
That's my personal vision of the America I want for my
children, and that is the America to which I am dedicating
my Presidency.
GERALD R. FORD
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
Q. Have you made a New Year's resolution for 1976?
A. (Please fill in.)
LIBRARY GLEALD A. FORD