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Press Guidance, February 10-29, 1976
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Press Guidance, February 10-29, 1976
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National Security Council Press and Congressional Relations Staff Files (Ford Administration)
Leslie Janka and Margaret Vanderhye's Press Guidance Files
subjects
Syria
Saudi Arabia
Mexico
Angola
Japan
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International relations
Arms transfers
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1976-02-29
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1976
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1976
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Press Guidance, February 10-29,
1976" of the National Security Adviser. NSC Press and Congressional Liaison Staff 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
2-10-76
/
WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT OF ORTOLI VISIT
President Ford has invited President of the Commission of the European
Communities Francois-Xavier Ortoli to meet with him at the White House
on February 24, 1976. President Ortoli has accepted the President's
invitation with pleasure and looks forward to meeting with the President
and senior United States officials during his visit. The President's meeting
with President Ortoli underscores the importance the United States attaches
to its relationship with the European Community and both leaders look for-
ward to this opportunity to review matters of mutual interest to the United
States and the EC.
*******
Q: Has the President met with Ortoli before?
A: Yes, the President met with President Ortoli in Brussels last May.
Q: What exactly does Ortoli do -- in fact, what does the Commission do?
A: President Ortoli is the ranking official of the EC Commission, one
of the principal EC institutions. Appointed by the national governments
of the EC members, the Commission makes proposals it considers
to be in the best interests of the Community. In brief, it initiates
policy and then drafts the laws to carry it out. The Commission is also
responsible for making certain that the member countries follow
Community law. Policies initiated by the Commission are referred to the
GERALD ? LIBRARY FORD
Council of Ministers, the Community's main decision-making body. Each
of the 13 Commission members is responsible for one or more main
Community activity, such as agriculture or foreign trade.
- 2 -
Q: What nationality is Ortoli and how long has he had this job?
A: President Ortoli is French and became President of the Commission
in January, 1973.
Q: Will specific trade issues be discussed?
A: I really don't have an agenda for the meeting. I believe you can assume
that the talks will cover a wide range of subjects, but will focus on the
international economic situation and US-EC economic trade relations.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
2/10/76
MEETING WITH JOSEPH LUNS, SECRETARY GENERAL
OF NATO
To Be Announced
The President will meet this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. with NATO Secretary
General Joseph Luns (formerly the foreign minister of the Netherlands
for 15 years). The Secretary General has come to Washington from
Ottawa where he met with Prime Minister Trudeau and Philadelphia
where he received the General Anthony Wayne Award for Distinguished
Public Service in the Cause of World Peace from the Valley Forge Mili-
tary Academy. We do not have an agenda for the meeting but I would
expect that their consultations would focus upon the general state of the
Alliance. We will provide a readout for you following the meeting.
FORD & LIBRARY OERALD
2/10/76
EVANS & NOVACK: ISRAEL GOES TO CONGRESS
a:
According to Evans and Novack today, Secretary Kissinger in a
conversation with Senator Humphrey reversed the Administration's
carefully planned position to provide no additional funding assistance
for the transition quarter. Can you confirm the story and has the
Administration now shifted its position on security assistance for
the transition quarter?
A:
We wouldn't comment on conversations between the President and
his advisors, but on the general question of our security assistance
policy, I can say that the status of our security assistance legisla-
tion and plans for transition quarter funding are currently under
review.
FYI Only: Do not go beyond the above, which is essentially the position
State will take. The article is basically accurate. The Administration
objected to a direct gift to Israel for the transition quarter but said
we could live with transition funding for all assistance recipients based
on the same percentage of the Administration's original security
assistance request. This would prevent the Congress from slashing
aid across the board to Arab countries while retaining Administration
aid request levels for Israel. This is for your information only.
The Congressional liaison officials are just beginning to consult with
the leaders on the Hill on this issue.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
2/10/76
GUATEMALAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
UPDATE
Background Information
Dan Parker reports that estimates of the death toll in Guatemala have
now risen to 14, 000, with another 40, 000 to 50, 000 believed injured.
This makes it the worst disaster in the recorded history of Central
America. Relief assistance from other countries and private and
international organizations has begun to arrive. Nearby Latin
American countries are providing medical supplies and personnel
as well as food. The Organization of American States is giving
$500, 000 in assistance; the World Health Organization, $100,000.
The U.S. Red Cross has donated $100, 000.
We are sending 16 helicopters (eight Chinooks and eight Hueys) to help
in the relief effort. All will be in Guatemala by Tuesday night. We
flew U-2 aerial photography of the devastated area at the request of the
Guatemalan government on Sunday but had 50 percent cloud cover. A
12-man army engineering damage survey group will be providing advice
on highway reconstruction, particularly relating to reopening the
important highway connecting Guatemala City with the Atlantic coast.
AID now estimates that the cost of our relief effort for the initial
month-period will be about $20 million. We have already spent $3.5
million and are looking into the question of whether other funds may be
transferable for this purpose or whether we will have to go to Congress
to secure the necessary funds for the relief effort.
A.
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
2/10/76
INFORMATION UPDATE
1. For Your Information: Lebanon Report attached.
2. A readout of the Luns meeting today will be provided.
3. The Medal of Freedom will be conferred today on Ambassador
David K.E. Bruce in recognition of his more than 50 years of
public service and his outstanding diplomatic career. We will
have additional information for you this afternoon.
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
CLASSIFIED ATTACHMENT
February 11, 1976
2A
Karin file
PRESIDENT'S MEETING WITH NGUZA OF ZAIRE
The President is meeting at 1:45 p.m. this afternoon with the
Commissioner for Foreign Affairs of Zaire, Nguza Karl-I-Bond (last
name n GOO za), who has personal letters to the President from President
Mobutu of Zaire and President Senghor of Senegal. The Senegalese
Ambassador to the United States, Andre Coulbary, will also attend the
meeting as will Secretary Kissinger. There will be a press photo
session for those of you who are interested.
Q. What are the subjects of the two letters?
A. I cannot get into specifics, but in general, I believe they deal with
the Angolan situation and other African issues.
Q. Why is the Zairian official carrying a letter for President Senghor?
A. Commissioner Nguza, as a special emissary of President Mobutu
was meeting with President Senghor to discuss matters of mutual
interest including the Angola situation and President Senghor asked
the Commissioner to deliver a letter to President Ford for him since
he was proceeding to the U.S. from Senegal.
Q. Who asked for the meeting?
A. Commissioner Nguza indicated an interest in delivering the letters
FORD
GERALD ? LIBRARY
CLASSIFIED ATTACHMENT
-2-
personally, and the President was glad to have the chance to meet
with him, as a newly appointed Commissioner for Foreign Affairs
of Zaire (he was named to the post, which he has held previously,
February 4.), and as a special representative of President Mobutu.
The President is also interes ted in exchanging views with him and
Ambassador Coulbary on the Angolan situation and other African
matters of mutual interest.
GERALD
FORD LIBRARY &
2b
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 018926
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
....
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Intelligence Report
DESCRIPTION
re OAU, Angola
CREATION DATE
02/1976
VOLUME
1 page
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
034500061
COLLECTION TITLE
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER. NSC PRESS
AND CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON STAFF FILES
BOX NUMBER
4
FOLDER TITLE
Press Guidance, February 10-29, 1976
DATE WITHDRAWN
09/10/2004
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
DAL
February 11, 1976
2C
TURKISH BASES AGREEMENT
Q. The Washington Post and the New York Times report today that
with the delay in the Caglayangil visit, the prospects for a
U.S. - Turkish bases agreement in the near future is in doubt.
Can you shed any light on the progress of the talks?
A.
The announcement of the delay of the Caglayangil visit was
made at State yesterday. The United States and Turkey have been
negotiating a bases agreement since last October. While those
negotiations are in progress, I won't comment in detail about
them, except to say that Secretary Kissinger, at a military briefing
yesterday afternoon, expressed his expectation that Foreign Minister
Caglayangil would be visiting the United States within the next four
weeks and that a U.S. - Turkish agreement could be concluded
reasonably soon.
GERALD
A. FORD LIBRARY
February 11, 1976
2D
U.S. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTING
CITIZENS AND CORPORATIONS ABROAD
Yesterday we said that "any American firm or individual making
unlawful payments to officials of foreign governments cannot look to
the Department of State for protection from legitimate law enforcement
actions by the responsible authorities of either the foreign country in
question or by the United States."
I have, for any of you who would care to take a look at it after the
briefing, the State Department protection guidelines for Americans
abroad (Attached). In addition, there are fairly detailed regulations
administered overseas by our U.S. Consular Offices. The Consular
functions include the full spectrum of assistance for Americans, ranging
from the advisement of local laws and providing lists of attorneys, to
making representations, in certain circumstances, to the host ogovernment
on behalf of Americans.
For detailed information on this subject, I would refer you to the
legal counsel's office at the Department of State.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
February 11, 1976
2E
note change
ARMS SALES TO SAUDIS
Q. The Washington Post today reports that the U.S. has agreed to
a new arms sale to Saudi Arabia. Can you expand upon the story?
Why are we doing this, and what assurances do we have that
discriminatory practices and pr essure will not be exerted by the
Saudis against U.S. contractors?
our military rela wl Saudi Arabia is
tiorship
A.
Let me remind you that this sale is nothing new, and that we
have seen reports of this off and on in the papers for months.
how wecould help tring the Sarditimed Forces
Discussions on this $1. 2 billion sale begun in 1974 when a DOD survey
team completed a study of long-term Saudi military needs.
The basis for the U.S. decision to respond favorably to the
Saudi needs was: (1) Our military relationship with Saudi Arabia
which goes back over 25 years -- is a very important and integral part
of our overall relations, relations which continue to be of great
benefit to our national economic and political interests, and
(2) Because Saudi Arabia, along with Iran, bears a major share of
responsibility for security and stability in the world's largest oil-
producing region, a region whose states also contribute very
significantly to the chances for arriving at a just and lasting peace
in the Middle East.
As for assurances of non-discriminatory practices, I would
call to your attention the President's public statements and reaffirmation
FORD & LIBRARY QERALD
-2-
of his views on this issue. Last November 20, we issued a series
of policy directives, which this government would undertake to
ensure that non-discriminatory procedures are followed. Mr. Ed
Schmults from Phil Buchen's office held a briefing at the time,
and I would suggest that you may wish to review the remarks at
that time.
GERALD LIBRARY & FORD
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BEIRUT 1315
DELIVER TO NEA/ARN/DRAPER AT OPENING OF BUSINESS
E.O. 116521 GDS
TAGS: PINS, PINT, LE
SUBJ: 0900 LEBANON REPORT
1, IT IS NICE TO SEE NEWSPAPERS MAKING BIG POINT
OF HEAVY SNOWFALL IN LEBANON RATHER THAN FALL OF MORE
EXPLOSIVE OBJECTS, ISULATED INCIDENTS CONTINUE,
INCLUDING KIDNAPPINGS AND ROBBERIES, BUT ON VERY
SMALL SCALE, WE CONTINUE TO RECEIVE GOOD REPORTS
THAT MILITIAS ON BOTH SIDES ARE CONTINUING TO RE-ARM
THEMSELVES AGAINST FUTURE CONTINGENCIES, MEANWHILE,
INTERNAL SECURITY FORCES TELL US THEY ARE GETTING
BACK SOME OF THEIR LOST VEHICLES BUT HAVE HAD LESS
LUCK IN RECOVERING ARMS,
2 SOME SORT OF DOCUMENT HAS FALLEN INTO PRESS HANDS
LITING LONG SERIES OF POINTS WHICH PURPORT TO BE NEW
POLITICAL AGREEMENT. THESE POINTS INCLUDE FOR THE
FIRST TIME SPECIFIC CONTROL OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
OPINION, AT SAME TIME FOREIGN CORRESPONDANTS HERE
HAVE BEEN CALLED IN BY SURETE GENERALE AND READ A
LECTURE ON NEED
TO BE RESPONSIBLE IN THEIR REPORTING,
THIS LEADS US TO BELIEVE DOCUMENT MAY HAVE SYRIAN
ORIGINS, PERHAPS AS AN EARLIER DRAFT OF THE AGREEMENT.
3. POINTS OF AGREEMENT ITSELF WILL PROBABLY BE DIS-
*WHSR COMMENT
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CUSSED IN SOME WAY AT CABINET MEETING TODAY, X BUT
WE HAVE IV ON PRETTY GOOD AUTHORITY THAT NO PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT IS IMMEINENT. JUMBLATT
AND MUFTI CAS WELL AS NAJJADE PARTY!S ADNAN HAKIM)
HAVE JOINED SAEB SALAM IN PUBLIC STANCE AGAINST
GUARANTEE OF MARONITE PRESIDENT BEING IN WRITING.
THIS AND OTHER RELATIVELY MINOR POINTS PROBABLY HAVE
TO BE THRASHED OUT BEFORE AGREEMENT IS CONSIDERED
AGREED.
4, SYRIAN REPRESENTATIVES ON HIGHER MILITARY COMMITTEE
WERE PREVENTED BY SNOW FROM COMING TO MEETING LAST
NIGHT. MEETING RE-SCHEDULED FOR THIS MORNING. WE
ARE TOLD LEFT WING REPRESENTATIVES ARE CONTINUING
THEIR REPRESENTATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON MILITARY
COMMITTEE AS PARALLEL TO INCLUSION OF PHALANGE-NLP
REPRESENATIVES IN SOME AREAS. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO
INDICATION COMPOSITION OF HIGHER OR SUBORDINATE
COMMITTEES WILL BE CHANGED.
5, RAYMOND EDDE HAS FINALLY RETURNED FROM HIS TRAVELS
ABROAD, BRINGING WITH HIM TALES OF HIS OWN PROWESS
INAFFECTING THE POLICIES OF UNITED STATES, FRANCE,
GREAT BRITAIN AND ITALY. HE TAKES CREDIT FOR HELPING
TO INSPIRE USG DECLARATION AGAINST LEBANESE
PARTITION AND CONCLUDES IN HIS USUAL FASHION THAT
LEBANESE EVENTS WERE AN ISRAELI PLOT. OF SUCH STUFF
ARE LEADERS MADE OF,
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Karin files February 12, 1976
3
PIKE COMMITTEE REPORT IN THE VILLAGE VOICE
Q. What is the Administration's reaction to the publication of portions
of the Pike Report in the Village Voice? Do you have any idea
who leaked it to the paper?
A.
Let me say, in general, that our attitude on the publication
of the Pike Committee Report has not changed. We have never
stated that we object to the publication of the Committee's
conclusions and recommendations, but that we did have an
agreement with the Committee that there would be prior
consultation on the release of sensitive, classified information
made available to the Committee in its study.
As to the publication by the Village Voice of what is alleged
to be an excerpt of the report, the material includes distortions
and inaccuracies of such magnitude as to be produce unworthy Totuthy of comment wrong
construsions
in detail. And besides the problems of substance which I shall
detail
not discuss there are a number of totally unwarranted attacks
on the Secretary of State with respect to his actions and integrity.
who mished a arisme known anim and fthis information
As for the source of the leak to the Village Voice, I couldn't
begin to speculate on it, but serious people who share the President's
concern for the preservation of the intelligence community must
FORD & LIBRARY OERALD
have grave reservations about the worthiness of such an action.
(it is a matter for service crime
the will of the vast coraporaty of the (funish,
when standers dehberately
February 12, 1976
OAU RECOGNITION OF MPLA
Q.
What is the U.S. position on the announcement from the OAU
stating that they are acknowledging the MPLA as the legal
government of Angola?
A.
As the State Department said yesterday, we understand
there is some disagreement within the Organization itself
among members on this matter -- which stems basically
from the interpretation of the OAU charter -- particularly
on the question of whether a simple majority is sufficient
for recognition when there are othe r contending factions.
I think we will probably have to wait to see how the
OAU resolves this problem among the members.
GERALO A. FORD LIBRARY
February 12, 1976
RADIO FREE EUROPE NEWS ACCREDITATION
Q.
On February 4, 1976, the Radio Free Europe news team at Innsbruck
was informed that its accreditation had been removed for the current
Olympic games? Can you provide us anything in the way of back-
ground for this development and the Administration's position?
A.
At this time all of the facts are not known to us here in Washington.
As we understand it, Radio Free Europe has still not received a
formal notification of loss of its credentials or the basis for such
action. We are attempting to determine what the situation is at
Innsbruck concerning the Radio Free Europe news team. I can
only add that Radio Free Europe has accurately reported each of
the Olympic Games since 1952 and lifting of its credentials would be
a development we would view with great concern. We would hope
that as soon as all the facts are known the credentials would be
restored.
GERALD
R. FORD LIBRARY
768
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AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE 3823
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E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: PINS, PINT, LE
SUBJECT: 0900 LEBANON REPORT
1, CONTRARY TO INTERPRETATION OF PREMIER KARAME'S
REMARKS BY PRESS SERVICES FOLLOWING CABINET MEETING
YESTERDAY, IT IS NOT AT ALL CLEAR THAT ANY FINAL
DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN AS TO WHETHER OR NOT MARONITE
RIGHT TO THE PRESIDENCY WILL BE IN WRITING. THIS
APPARENTLY WAS DISCUSSED AT LENGTH, LEADING TO
KARAME'S SOMEWHAT AMBIGUOUS STATEMENT TO THE EFFECT
THAT THE RIGHT IS RECOGNIZED IN CUSTOM AND THEREFORE
NEED NOT BE RECOGNIZED IN WRITING. PRESS HAS BEEN
GETTING CONTRARY STORY FROM PEOPLE AROUND PRESIDENT
FRANGIE, AND THERE IS SPECULATION THAT SYRIANS CONTINUE
TO INSIST ON WRITTEN GUARANTEE AS PART OF THE DEAL WHICH
GIVES MOSLEMS SO MANY NEW ADVANTAGES. SOME DOUBT IS
ALSO CAST ON EXACT TIME POLITICAL AGREEMENT WILL BE
ANNOUNCED BY FRANGIE, DESPITE KARAME'S DECLARATION
THIS WOULD BE IN COURSE OF OR FOLLOWING SPECIAL CABINET
MEETING TO BE HELD SATURDAY, FEB. 14.
2. BEKAA, PARTICULARLY REGION AROUND ZAHLE, WAS SCENE
OF RENEWED TENSION YESTERDAY FOLLOWING DISCOVERYVGF
CHRISTIAN WHO MAD BEEN TORTURED AND KILLED. HIS
*WHSR COMMENT
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FELLOW VILLAGERS PROMPTLY STOPPED TWO MSOELM PASSER-
BY AND KILLED THEM. WHILE THAT INCIDENT WAS FINALLY STOPPED,
THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS. OF KIDNAPPINGS AND
COUNTER-KIDNAPPINGSE NVOLVING LEBAESE ARMY AND DISSI-
DENT GROUP FOLLOWING LT. KHATIS IN THE SOUTH
(MARYOUN). THERE WERE SOME
INCIDENTS IN BEIRUT, POINTING UP CONTINUED INSECURITY
IN THE CITY PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT. MEANWHILE, REGIONAL
MILITARY COMMITTEE FOR BEIRUT AND MT. LEBANON HAS
PREPARED A DRAFT LAW SETTING PENALTIES FOR KIDNAPPERS
WHICH WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL
BY THE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES. REPORTEDLY HOLDING A
PERSON FOR 24 HOURS WOULD BE PUNISHABLE BY 7 YEARS
AT HARD LABOR, BEYOND 24 HOURS BY LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
THIS AT LEAST INDICATES EFFORTS TO UNDERLINE SERIOUS-
NESS OF THE SITUATION.
3. CABINET DISCUSSED NUMBER OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
QUESTIONS. FOLLOWING MEETING MINISTER TUEINI TOLD THE
PRESS IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION THAT THE STATE PLANNED
TO EXPROPRIATE KARANTINA LAND (PRESENTLY OWNED BY
MARONITE CHURCH) PARTLY TO ENLARGE PORT AREA AND
PARTLY TO BUILD CHEAP HOUSING,
4. UNHCR REPRESENTATIVES CALLED AT EMBASSY AGAIN YESTERDAY
TO DISCUSS GENERAL SITUATION AS WELL AS PLANS FOR MOVE-
MENT OF ASSYRIAN-ARMENIAN REFUGEES FROM IRAQ. THEY HAVE
MENTIONED HIGHER ESTIMATE OF NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE
HOMELESS THAN WE HAVE HEARD FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE TO DATE.
THEY WERE USING BALL PARK FIGURE OF 40,000 TO 50,000
LIVING QUARTERS MADE UNLIVABLE AND SOME 200, PEOPLE
THUS MADE HOMELESS, AND HALF A MILLION PEOPLE IN NEED
OF SOME KIND OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. WFP REP PUT TOTAL NEEDY AT
350, 000. SEPTELS COMING.
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2/19/76
Senate Votes Arms Aid Bill of $3 Billion
Q:
The Senate approved by a vote of 60-30 a foreign military aid
bill that includes "unprecedented Congressional powers" to
monitor U.S. overseas arms trade. What is your reaction to
the Legislation and what changes would the President like to
see made?
A:
We have strong reservations about some provisions of the
Legislation (S.2662). Without going into all of them, I would cite as
an example the provisions regarding legislative veto of Executive
actions by concurrent resolution, which we feel gives rise to very
serious Constitutional questions. Early enactment of acceptable
legislation is, however, of great importance to the foreign policy
of the United States. We are therefore hopeful that the House of
Representatives will also complete action on its bill very soon and
that the differences between the House and Senate bills can be
quickly resolved in an acceptable way that will strengthen and not
impair the conduct of our foreign affairs.
(Supplemental Fact Sheet attached)
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Security Assistance Legislation
Reservations
The security assistance bill for FY 1976 reported
out by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee includes
several provisions which, if enacted, impact adversely
on constitutional precepts concerning the separation
of powers and/or would be harmful to our foreign
policy. The significant objectionable provisions of the
bill are described below:
(1) Legislative Veto of Proposed Arms Transfers.
The bill retains the requirement of existing law
for reports to Congress, and possible Congressional
disapproval by concurrent resolution, of proposed sales
under the Foreign Military Sales Act of $25 million or
more. Further, it extends this requirement to sales of
major defense equipment irrespective of amount and also
imposes identical restrictions on the issuance of export
licenses for commercial sales of military items.
This provision adds a new element of uncertainty
to decisions on military supply relationships and
erodes the separation of powers concept that execution
of the law is properly a function of the Executive Branch.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-2-
(2) Discrimination.
The bill requires termination of any grant military
assistance transaction, FMS sale, or commercial export
license with respect to which a U.S. person (natural or
corporate) is prevented from participating by a foreign
government on grounds of race, religion, sex or national
origin. Before termination would be required, the
Executive Branch would have an opportunity under this
provision to try to resolve the matter through diplomatic
channels.
(3) Turkey.
The bill will permit the resumption of FMS cash
sales to Turkey, which have been prohibited since last
February. However, military grants and credits for
Turkey would remain suspended pending a Cyprus settle-
ment. Moreover, the embargo on FMS cash sales would
be reimposed on July 1.
The Turks will resent the continued denial of
FMS credit while credit is being extended to Greece
and the imposition of a new deadline. This will
certainly not contribute to a settlement on Cyprus,
and could further attenuate our defense cooperation
relationship with Turkey.
FORD & LIBRARY OERALD
-3-
(4) MAP and MAAG Phaseout.
The bill prohibits grant military assistance
(other than training) or the continuation of military
assistance advisory groups after FY 1977 "unless spe-
cifically authorized by Congress." This would establish
a presumption against such programs, although the
exception for specifically authorized programs appears
adequate to accommodate special situations such as
countries where assistance is furnished in exchange for
U.S. base rights.
(5) Human Rights.
The bill would require a human rights report for
each country in the annual Congressional Presentation
Document, beginning with FY 1977. A more detailed state-
ment for any particular country would be required upon
the request of either House. Congress, after assessing
such statement, could terminate or restrict assistance
and/or sales to the country concerned.
(6) Angola.
The bill would require an immediate suspension of
all forms of assistance to or for Angola, but would allow
such assistance to be resumed after thirty days while
Congress is in session following the submission of a
public report to Congress describing and justifying
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-4-
such assistance. However, Congress can veto the pro-
posed assistance by vote of either House.
GERALO R FORD LIBRARY
2/19/76
NIXON TRIP TO THE PRC
Q:
We understand that there may be some legal problems connected
with landing the PRC plane for former President Nixon in the
United States. Is it true that alternative arrangements are being
made to fly Nixon to China?
A:
I do not have that information. I suggest you check with
the former President for any information on his travel plans. As
to possible legal problems connected with a PRC plane landing
here, you will want to check with State. Their legal counsel's
office may be able to help you.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
VICE PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO FRANCE
Q: Do you have any details on the Vice President's visit to France? What
meetings are scheduled? Will he be travelling outside of Paris?
A: A major event in the Vice President's visit to France will be an address
in Paris on March 22 in connection with the US-French celebration of
our Bicentennial. Additionally, I believe the Vice President is looking
forward to one or more meetings while he is in Paris, but at this point
I do not have a detailed schedule. This, I am sure, will be available
from the Vice President's office in the relatively near future.
Q: What is the title of the group the Vice President will be addressing in Paris?
A: It is my understanding that more than one Franco-American organization
will be involved in hosting this event. I don't have the names, but we will
be able to get them for you.
Q: Does this in any way alter the announced plans for Giscard d'Estaing to
visit the United States later this year?
A: Not at all. President Giscard d'Estaing, as you know, has accepted
President Ford's invitation to pay a State Visit to the United States this
May 17-20, and both leaders are very much looking forward to this visit.
GERALO A. FORD LIBRARY
VISIT TO IRAN
Q: Why is Iran included on the Vice President's itinerary to the
Far East?
A: In the context of our close relations with Iran and with His
Imperial Majesty, the Shah of Iran, it is natural and fitting
that the Vice President should take the opportunity to stop
in this country. Iran is an important friend and ally, playing
a significant role in world affairs and in cooperation with our
friends in the Arab world; Iran also plays a leading role in
maintaining regional stability. The Vice President looks
forward to renewing his personal acquaintance with His
Imperial Majesty, and fulfilling a long-standing personal
invitation to visit.
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
The Vice President's Trip to Asia
Q:
Why is the Vice President visiting Asia?
A:
The Australian Government and the Australian-American
Association invited the Vice President to attend celebrations. in
Australia of the American Bicentennial. The New Zealand
Government also invited him to visit New Zealand. The visit
will give the Vice President the opportunity to hold discussions
with the leaders of these countries and to pay the respects of
the United States during the American Bicentennial to these
two traditional friends and allies. The Vice President will
also have the opportunity to visit the capitals of two other
important friends in Southeast Asia; Malaysia and Singapore.
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
The Vice President's Trip to Asia
Q:
What issues will the Vice President discuss?
A:
The Vice President hopes to have a general exchange of views
with the leaders of these four countries on the situation in Asia
and throughout the world. His visit to the area, coming shortly
after the President's trip to China, Indonesia and the Philippines,
will also underscore America's continuing role in the Western
Pacific and Southeast Asia.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
The Vice President's Trip - No Stopover in Thailand
Q:
Is there any significance to the exclusion of Thailand from the Vice
President's schedule?
A:
Of course not! Our relations with Thailand continue to be
exceptionally strong and friendly. The Vice President would like to
visit Bangkok, but Thailand is currently in the middle of a political
campaign leading to Parliamentary elections on April 4. He felt it would
be inappropriate to visit Thailand during an election period.
GERALD P. FORD LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM
file 424 5
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SCOWCROFT PHOTO
For those photographers and cameramen who have wanted
to take pictures of General Scowcroft, there will be a photo
opportunity at 6:00 p.m. this evening in General Scowcroft's
office.
GERALD
R. FORD LIBRARY
Feb. 24, 1976
The President's Meeting with Ambassador De Pree
The President will meet briefly this afternoon at 2:30 in the
Oval Office with Ambassador Willard A. De Pree, who is our first
Ambassador to the new African state of Mozambique. This brief
call will give Ambassador De Pree an opportunity to receive his
instructions from the President before assuming his new duties.
ä
Who arranged the meeting?
A:
Ambassador De Pree asked to pay a brief courtesy call
on the President prior to departing for his post.
Q
How long has Mozambique been independent?
A:
Mozambique obtained its independence from Portugal on
June 25, 1975.
a
When did the U.S. recognize Mozambique?
A:
The President wrote the President of Mozambique on that
date extending U.S. recognition to Mozambique and expressing
the hope that we would establish diplomatic relations.
ä
Why the long delay in sending Ambassador De Pree to Mozambique?
A:
There is no significance in the delay. Last fall, September 23,
1975, Secretary Kissinger met with Mozambique's Foreign
Minister Cissano, where they agreeed to the establishment of
bilateral relations, and we have had a charge at our Embassy in
GERALD
A. FORD LIBRARY
Maputo (formerly Lourenço Marques) since October 27, 1975.
-2-
Q
I understand Ambassador De Pree is a native of Zeeland,
Michigan. Is that the reason for the meeting?
A:
The President met Ambassador De Pree during his years
in Congress and welcomes the opportunity to greet a fellow
Michigander, a career Foreign Service Officer who will be
serving as his personal envoy in Mozambique.
HHoran:rj
2/24/76
GERALD LIBRARY a FORD
WHITE HOUSE PRESS GUIDANCE
President's Meeting with EC President Ortoli
February 24, 1976
President Ford and President of the Commission of European
Communities Francois-Xavier Ortoli met this morning for a broad-ranging
discussion of issues of mutual interest to the United States and the EC.
Other participants in the meeting included President Ortoli's Chef de
Cabinet Philippe de Margerie, the Head of the EC Delegation in Washington
Fernand Spaak, Deputy Secretary of State Robert Ingersoll and Brent
Scowcroft.
The President welcomed this opportunity to meet again with President
Ortoli and to review economic developments in the United States and Europe
since their meeting in Brussels last May. The two leaders expressed
satisfaction with the improving economic picture on both sides of the
Atlantic, paced by the strong recovery in the United States. They also
discussed measures being taken to promote full economic recovery among
all the industrialized democracies following the economic slowdown of
1974-75.
The two leaders discussed bilateral US-EC trade issues. President
Ford took this occasion to reaffirm the United States' longstanding
commitment to a policy of trade liberalization within the limits of our
laws and the requirements of our domestic industry.
FORD & LIBRARY OERALD
- 2 $10
The two Presidents discussed various international issues, including
the European Community's attention to developments in Southern Europe.
The President and President Ortoli agreed that relations between the
United States and the EC are very good and noted with satisfaction their
continuing useful bilateral dialog on political and economic issues of mutual
interest. They discussed the prospects for greater European unity and,
in this connection, the President reaffirmed American support for a
vigorous and strong Europe working in friendship and harmony with the
United States.
*
*
*
Q: What specific trade issues were discussed? Did the ITC action on
shoes come up?
A: I did not participate in the meeting-and do not know what specific
trade issues were discussed or in how much detail.
Q: Did the two Presidents' discuss the Tindemans Report on European
Union?
A: I understand that the report was discussed and that the President
was interested in learning more about the European reaction to the
report.
FORD & LIBRARY QERALD
- 3 -
Q: Did the President offer any views on Tindemans¹ recommendations
with respect to US-EC relations?
A: He did not. The President believes that it is for the European
Community to determine the pace and nature of further progress
toward unity as well as how it wishes to proceed on Prime Minister
Tindemans¹ specific proposals.
Q: Has the President met with Ortoli before?
A: Yes, the President met with President Ortoli in Brussels last May.
Q: What exactly does Ortoli do -- in fact, what does the Commission do?
A: President Ortoli is the ranking official of the EC Commission, one
of the principal EC institutions. Appointed by the national governments
of the EC members, the Commission, makes proposals it considers
to be in the best interests of the Community. In brief, it initiates
policy and then drafts the laws to carry it out. The Commission is also
responsible for making certain that the member countries follow
Community law. Policies initiated by the Commission are referred to
the Council of Ministers, the Community's main decision-making body.
Each of the 13 Commission members is responsible for one or more
main Community activity, such as agriculture and foreign trade.
GERALD LIBRARY A. FORD
- 4 -
Q: What nationality is Ortoli and how long has he had this job?
A: President Ortoli is French and became President of the Commission
in January, 1973. His term of office concludes at the end of this year.
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
Feb. 24, 1976
JAPANESE ASK FOR
LOCKHEED DATA
For Your Background Only
This evening at 5:00 p.m. the Japanese Ambassador will call
upon Deputy Secretary Ingersoll to deliver a letter from Prime Minister
Miki to President Ford. The letter will ask for President Ford's
cooperation in releasing names and information pertinent to the Lockheed
scandal in Japan.
The State Department is consulting with the SEC and the Justice
Department to see how the Japanese government can be accomodated
on this issue without spill over effects for other countries or personalities.
(See attached analysis)
*
*
*
Q.
How will the U.S. government respond to Japanese requests for
information relating to the Lockheed bribes?
A.
No such request has been received so I have no way of answering
your question.
Q.
But what is the government doing now to address the issues raised
by
by the resolution in the Japanese Diet? What response is the U.S.
prepared to make?
A.
The State Department has been discussing the entire question of
Lockheed payoffs with the Justice Department and the SEC, which
as you know has the matter under investigation. While these con-
sultations are in progress, I'm not going to be able to discuss the
issue further.
GERALD LIBRARY a FORD
mv file
February 25, 1976
6A
RECEPTION FOR MEXICO --
U.S. INTERPARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS
The President will meet this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. with members
of the Mexican-U.S. Interparliamentary Conference. This conference is
made up of a group of U.S. and Mexican legislators who meet annually
(since 1961) to discuss mutual problems and cooperative efforts between
our two countries. This year the meeting will be held in Atlanta on
February 26 and 27 to discuss a variety of bilateral and multilateral
issues among them trade relations, narcotics cooperation, the inter-
American system and the OAS.
The President wishes to take this opportunity to welcome the
U.S. and Mexican legislators (approximately 150 invitees) and to demonstrate
our continuing interest in maintaining and strengthening the cooperative
relations which exist between our two countries.
*
*
*
Q.
Will the President discuss heroin traffic with the group?
A.
This is basically a social reception, but as I indicated,
narcotics traffic is among the issues likely to be discussed in
Atlanta next week.
As you may know, the President met in November, 1974
with President Echeverria. At that time they jointly pledged
to strengthen cooperation to combat the illegal traffic.
Since that time there have been high-level meetings between
American and Mexican officials to develop programs aimed at a
more widespread destruction of opium at the source, a crack-
down on heroin processing as well as an implementation of other
GERALD LIBRARY A FORD
-2-
internal enforcement measures in Mexico, and a more effective
border control program. In mid-November Mexican Attorney
General Ojeda Paulieda announced plans for an intensified
eradication and interdiction campaign in Mexico. To assist
the Mexicans in their ongoing efforts we are providing added
technical support in the form of material and manpower
resources.
Recently the President asked that his continuing personal
concern about the amount of Mexican heroin entering the United
States again be conveyed to the Mexican government. He has
also directed that the Domestic Council Drug Abuse Task Force
reconvene for the special purpose of making specific recommenda-
tions for improving our ability to control drug trafficking along the
Southwest border.
The latest development in our binational cooperative program
is a proposal by President Echeverria for the formation of
high-level Mexican and American Commissions to seek additional
approaches on both the supply and demand sides toward more
effective controls over the drug problem. The Mexican proposal
is a positive one and is currently under active study within the
Executive Branch.
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
-3-
Q.
What can you tell us about the President's view on the treatment
of U.S. prisoners?
A.
I do not know whether this issue will be discussed at the
Conference in Atlanta, but more generally, you may know that
the Department of State, in collaboration with the American
Embassy at Mexico City is presently reviewing all cases of
Americans detained in Mexico. It is advising prisoners with
valid complaints on possible remedies and, in general, doing
everything possible to assist them within the constraints of
American and Mexican law. Of course, different governments
practice different judicial procedur es and while it is unlikely
that the remedies available under Mexican law will result in the
dismissal of charges or in releasing the prisoners, it is believed
that prisoners will benefit in other ways from this review of
their cases. This review of over 600 cases will be thorough
and systematic. The Pre sident takes very seriously our
responsibility to protect the rights of Americans in prison in
other countries.
The U.S. government will continue to ensure that Americans
imprisoned in Mexico and elsewhere are neithe r discriminated
against nor mistreated.
FORD & LIBRARY OERALD
6B
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 018927
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Intelligence Report
DESCRIPTION
re USSR, Japan, PLO, Angola, SALT,
Europe, Middle East, China
CREATION DATE
02/25/1976
VOLUME
6 pages
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
034500061
COLLECTION TITLE
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER. NSC PRESS
AND CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON STAFF FILES
BOX NUMBER
4
FOLDER TITLE
Press Guidance, February 10-29, 1976
DATE WITHDRAWN
09/10/2004
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
DAL
February 25, 1976
6C
VOTE ON THE MARIANAS
Q.
What is your reaction to the Senate vote (67 - 22) approving the
Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands?
A.
We welcome the Senate's approval of the Covenant. The House has
already approved the Covenenant so the legislation will not go to
conference where we hope for a speedy resolution of the differences.
As you may recall, the people of the Northern Marianas approved
Commonwealth status in a UN-observed plebiscite last June.
Q. Who is the President's envoy to the Marianas?
A.
Ambassador F. Haydn Williams serves as the President's personal
representative to the Marianas.
GERALD LIBRARY a FORD
February 26, 1976
mu file
7a
THE LOCKHEED SCANDAL AND JAPAN
Q.
Can you tell us about the current status of the response to Prime
Minister Miki's letter to the President?
A.
As some of you already know, the letter has been received and
is being studied. A response is now being prepared, but beyond
that I cannot give you any additional information as this time.
Q.
But what about recent Japanese actions such as the subpoenas
delivered to three Lockheed officials and the raid on Lockheed's
facilities in Japan? What redress are we seeking for these actions?
A.
As you know, the entire Lockheed issue is under investigation
by the SEC with the cooperation of the Departments of Justice and
State. As far as Lockheed's intentions regarding the incidents you
mention, you will have to check with their counsel.
FYI: Attached is FBIS 18 which carries the text of the Miki letter to Ford.
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
7B
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 018928
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
....
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Cable
TITLE
Text of Miki letter to Ford
CREATION DATE
02/25/1976
VOLUME
1 page
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
034500061
COLLECTION TITLE
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER. NSC PRESS
AND CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON STAFF FILES
BOX NUMBER
4
FOLDER TITLE
Press Guidance, February 10-29, 1976
DATE WITHDRAWN
09/10/2004
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
DAL
February 27, 1976
8
RUSSIA SAYS NUCLE AR WAR INEVITABLE ACCORDING TO CURRIE
Q.
Dr. Malcolm Currie, Director of Defense Research and Engineering
at the Pentagon said yesterday that Soviet leaders do not look upon
nuclear war as unthinkable and are preparing to survive one
because'they feel strategic war is inevitable." Is Currie
expressing the Administration position on the Soviet view?
What is our view on the inevitability of war?
not
A.
Dr. Currie has stated his personal views and we arelgoing
to comment on them. The Administration position on the issues
you raise was stated by Secretary Kissinger in his comprehensive
San Francisco speech February 3, and, of course, is reflected
fully in the Defense Posture Statement as well. I would refer
you to the speech and the posture statement for a full explanation
of the U.S. position on strategic policy.
FORD & LIBRARY OERALD
Feb. 27, 1976
USING WHEAT AS A LEVERAGE AGAINST
THE SOVIETS
Kissinger, Feb. 3, 1976:
"We find very often that we are told abstractly that we should
use American economic power in order to influence foreign policy
decisions of other countries. But we also find that when we attempt
to do so we would inevitably interrupt private markets and private
arrangements because there is no way of using our economic power
without some degree of control."
"Now, with respect to the wheat deal to the Soviet Union, it
is not generally realized that there was a voluntary restraint of sales
to the Soviet Union from July to October while we were negotiating
a long-term agreement, and that in many parts of the country and in
many sections of the Congress this valuable restraint is looked upon
with great disfavor. We believe that the long-term agreement that
was made with the Soviet Union over a five year period introduces
some stability into our market. It creates a cut-off point during
emergency situations in which further negotiations will have to be
conducted before we would agree to the sale of additional wheat."
"We believe that the circumstances that have so far existed have
not justified the cut-off of wheat, because the cut-off of wheat, because
the cut-off has not been effective in any time frame relevant to --
for example -- the issues of Angola. We believe -- and we have said
FORD a LIBRARY OERALD
-2-
repeatedly -- if the relations with the Soviet Union deteriorate drastically --
which we would hope strongly to avoid -- it will effect our other relations.
But at the present time it was an excessive reaction which would not
have helped in relation to the Angola problem."
GERALD LIBRARY a FORD
February 27, 1976
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q.
There are reports that the Soviet Union has again begun
discussions with United States grain companies to purchase
additional wheat and corn. How does this square with the
five year grain agreement announced last October?
A.
The Agriculture Department informs me that there have been no
recent purchases of US grain by the Soviet Union. Purchases up to an
additional 4 million metric tons would be fully consistent with the under-
standing which we reached in concluding the US-Soviet grain agreement
last October, however.
The grain agreement between the United States and the Soviet
Union will run for five years, beginning October 1, 1976. * Grain sales
which take place until that date are therefore not included under the terms
of the agreement.
In reaching the agreement, the Soviets assured us that their
additional purchases of grain in the current crop year would not be in a
volume which could disrupt the US market. USDA officials stated that this
7 million
would allow for up to 17 million metric tons during this crop year above
the 10 million which had been made at that time. Since that time, the
Soviets have purchased some 3 million tons, in normal commercial
transactions, bringing the current total to roughly 13 million tons.
*The agreement commits the Soviet Union to purchase a minimum of
6 million metric tons of wheat and corn annually, and permits them to
purchase an additional 2 million tons annually without consultation.
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD