Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1555867
label
United Kingdom - Prime Minister Harold Wilson (3)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1555867
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
United Kingdom - Prime Minister Harold Wilson (3)
citationUrl
collections
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders (Ford Administration)
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
subjects
Spain
Great Britain
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1555867
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-03-31
month
3
year
1976
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1976-01-01
month
1
year
1976
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
f63696a7933b476c
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 5, folder "United Kingdom - Prime Minister
Harold Wilson (3)" of the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with
Foreign Leaders Collection 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 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 5 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
TRANTMENT or STATE
#
AMERICA
Department of State
TELEGRAM
STATES OF
CONF IDENTIAL
5078
PAGE 01 STATE 016394 TOSEC 010129
45
ORIGIN SS-25
INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 SSO-00 NSCE-00 CCO-00 /026 R
DRAFTED BY EUR/WE: MLDURKEE:MJK
APPROVED BY EUR/WE - MR. BARBOUR
S/S - MR. ORTIZ
EUR - MR. ETNG
NSC - TEXT RCVD FROM WHITE HOUSE
105515
0 221903Z JAN 76 ZFF5
FM SECSTATE WASHOC
TO AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE
INFO AMEMBASSY MADRID IMMEDIATE
USDEL SECRETARY IMMEDIATE
C 0 N F D E T ¥ L STATE 016394 TOSEC 010129
EXDIS
E.O. 11652: GDS
TAGS: INFO, SP, UK
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER WILSON
PLEASE CONVEY THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FORD
MINISTER'S LETTER OF DECEMBER 22.
BEGIN TEXT: DEAR MR. PRIME MINISTER:
IT WAS VERY GOOD OF YOU TO PROVIDE ME WITH A FULLER
EXPRESSION OF YOUR THINKING ON SPAIN, IN YOUR MESSAGE
OF DECEMBER 22, 1975. YOUR ANALYSIS AND OURS
DECLASSIFIED
ARE VERY SIMILAR, ALTHOUGH WE DIFFER SOMEWHAT AS TO THE
E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5
Dept. Guidolines State 9/17/03
Periew
TO PRIME MINISTER WILSON IN RESPONSE TO THE PRIME
NARA, Date 3/10/04
POLICY CONCLUSIONS TO BE DRAWN.
State
I AGREE THAT THE SITUATION IN SPAIN WILL REMAIN FLUID
FOR SOME TIME. THE KING HAS OUTLINED A GENERALLY
FUND
&
By
ERALD
LIBRARY
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITH OUTONE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
OF STATE
Department of State
of BATES AMERICA CELINA
TELEGRAM
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 02 STATE 016394 TOSEC 010129
PROGRESSIVE PLATFORM, HOWEVER, AND THE CABINET WILL
REQUIRE BOTH TIME AND DETERMINATION To IMPLEMENT IT.
GIVEN THE RELATIVE STRENGTHS OF THE CONTENDING FORCES,
THE KING AND HIS MINISTERS WILL NEED TO COMBINE PROGRESS
WITH CONTINUITY. THE PACE THEY SET WILL NOT SATISFY ALL
OBSERVERS OR ALL SPANIARDS, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THEY
SHOULD NOT BE PRESSED TO MOVE MORE RAPIDLY THAN THE
POLITICAL PRESSURES PERMIT. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, WE SHOULD
ALL SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THE EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS
NOW IN MOTION, AS YOU PROPOSE TO DO.
THE KING HAS ALREADY DEMONSTRATED THAT HE WANTS TO
MOVE BUT IS OPPOSED BY HARD-LINE ELEMENTS. TO BE EFFECTIVE,
THE INFLUENCE OF FRIENDLY GOVERNMENTS SHOULD BE USED
TO STRENGTHEN THE KING AND HIS CABINET.
FURTHER, WE SHOULD AVOID HAVING THE DEBATE ABOUT SPAIN'S
TIES WITH EUROPE FOCUS ON LIBERALIZATION AS A PRICE
SPAIN MUST PAY. EVEN MODERATE SPANIARDS ARE RESENTFUL
OF FOREIGN PRESSURES. IN MY OPINION, IT WILL BE MORE
EFFECTIVE TO EMPHASIZE THE BENEFITS OF FULL PARTICIPATION
IN EUROPEAN AFFAIRS -- THROUGH INDUCEMENTS SUCH AS
VISITS, HIGH-LEVEL STATEMENTS AND TRADE NEGOTIATIONS --
RATHER THAN TO THREATEN CONTINUED EXCLUSION FROM NATO
AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY.
IT IS IN THIS SPIRIT THAT THE UNITED STATES INTENDS
TO CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE OUR EUROPEAN PARTNERS TO TAKE
WHATEVER STEPS THEY FIND POSSIBLE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT
SPAIN'S EUROPEAN IDENTITY IS RECOGNIZED AND VALUED.
WE WANT TO WORK CLOSELY WITH YOU ON THIS AND TO TAILOR
EXEM
OUR EFFORTS TO POLITICAL REALITIES IN EUROPE. I
REALIZE THAT NOT ALL OF OUR PARTNERS SHARE OUR VIEW
THAT THEIR POSITIVE GESTURES NOW WILL BE MORE FRUITFUL
THAN HOLDING BACK UNTIL GREATER CHANGES ARE MADE.
TO ME, IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF PRESERVING THE OLD
REGIME BUT RATHER OF ENCOURAGING PROGRESS WITH
MINIMAL RISK OF PROVOKING RESISTANCE THAT MIGHT STOP
ALL CHANGE.
GREAT
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHO CONFIDEN IORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
OF STATE
Department of State
OF STATE CELING AMERICA
TELEGRAM
CONF IDENTIAL
PAGE 03 STATE 016394 TOSEC 010129
ON A PURELY BILATERAL MATTER, I TRUST OUR NEW AGREEMENT
WITH SPAIN CAN BE CONCLUDED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. QUITE
APART FROM THE OBVIOUS MILITARY ADVANTAGES FOR WESTERN
SECURITY, WE SEE THIS COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENT AS VERY
USEFUL FOR THE BROAD CONTACTS IT GIVES us WITH LEADERS
IN VARIOUS FIELDS THROUGHOUT SPAIN.
I WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN CLOSE TOUCH AS THE SPANISH
SITUATION DEVELOPS, BOTH VIA THE SECRETARIES OF STATE
AND OUR OWN EXCHANGES. OUR DIFFERENCES SEEM TO BE
MATTERS OF EMPHASIS RATHER THAN OF APPROACH. YOUR
INTENTION TO GIVE THE KING THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT SEEMS
TO ME THE BEST GENERAL APPROACH. WE SHALL DO THE SAME IN
OUR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AND SYMPATHY, VISITS, AND
STRENGTHENING OF CONTACTS.
SINCERELY: GERALD R. FORD. END OF TEXT,
SIGNED ORIGINAL WILL BE FORWARDED FOR LATER DELIVERY
TO THE PRIME MINISTER. ROBINSON
Fune
&
GERALD
HISHARY
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHO ONETHRIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
119
COPY
20
OP IMMED
DE WTE #1344 0771559
D 171520Z MAR 75
PM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE PRIME MINISTER
N N WH60353
MARCH 17, 1975
FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE PRIME MINISTER
DEAR MR, PRIME MINISTER:
IT WAS WITH THE DEEPEST PERSONAL REGRET THAT I RECEIVED
YOUR MARCH 16 MESSAGE INFORMING ME OF YOUR DECISION TO RESIGN AS
PRIME INISTER,
FROM OUR FIRST MEETING IN WASHINGTON NEARLY FOURTEEN MONTHS
AGO, I HAVE HIGHLY VALUED OUR CONSULTATIONS AND REGARDED THE
COOPERATION OF OUR TWO COUNTRIES AS FUNDAMENTAL TO LARGER EFFORTS
BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACIES TO MEET THE ECONOMIC, POLITICAL
AND SECURITY CHALLENGES WE ALL FACE IN COMMON,
IN EACH OF OUR MEETINGS DURING THE PAST YEAR, I BELIEVE
THAT THE INTERESTS OF OUR COUNTRIES AND OF OUR ALLIES HAVE
BEEN ADVANCED, THE SUCCESSFUL NATO SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS CONTRIBUTED
SIGNIFICANTLY TO REVITALIZATION OF THE ALLIANCE AND TO NEW
STEPS IMPROVING OUR MUTUAL SECURITY. OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE
HELSINKI CONFERENCE NOT ONLY CONTRIBUTED TO A MORE RESPONSIBLE
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EAST BUT ALSO DEMONSTRATED WESTERN
SOLIDARITY AND COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
AT RAMBOUILLET I BELIEVE OUR TALKS AND THE UNDERSTANDING
REACHED CONTRIBUTED TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE
ATLANTIC, IN EACH OF THESE MEETINGS, I HAVE ADMIRED YOUR BROAD
PERSPECTIVE AND SOUND JUDGEMENT AND VALUED YOUR ADVICE,
I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOUR SUCCESSOR IN BUILD=.
ING UPON THE EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES THAT
YOU HAVE DONE 80 MUCH TO STRENGTHEN,
AS YOU LAY DOWN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE OF PRIME
MINISTER POLLOWING YOUR LONG AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE BOTH TO
THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TO THE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE, YOU SHOULD
KNOW THAT YOU HAVE NOT ONLY MY PERSONAL BEST WISHES FOR THE FUP
TURE BUT MY LASTING FRIENDSHIP AS WELL's
WHSR COMMENT
HYLAND, MCPARLANE, RODMAN
RECALLED
PSN: PSN#338316 PAGE 01
TOR#077/15:59Z DTG#171520Z MAR 76
N
N
********8
COPY
PORD
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12050, SEC. 3.5
GERALD
LIBRARY
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. QUIDELINES
BY Cola
, NARA, DATE 3/10/04
0
N
D
N
A
L*******3
COPY
WARM PERSONAL REGARDS,
GERALD R. FORD
0335
RECALLED
PSN:038316
PAGE 02
OF 02
TOR#877/15:59Z DTG#171520Z MAR 76
FOND
&
0
N
N
s
A
******** COPY
o
GERALD LIBRARY
26
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
1580X
Taba
retyped
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
ACTION
March 16, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR BRENT SCOWCROFT
FROM:
Mr. Clift lik
SUBJECT:
Presidential Message to Prime Minister Wilson
Prime Minister Wilson has sent a message (at Tab B) via the British
Embassy informing the President of his intention to resign. The
Prime Minister states how much he has valued his relationship with
the President during the past two years and expresses confidence that
the new Prime Minister will attach the highest importance to maintaining
the excellent state of relations between our two countries.
I believe it would be appropriate for the President to reply to the Prime
Minister message via the Cabinet Line. The memorandum for your
signature to the President at Tab I would forward the text of Wilson's
message together with a proposed reply for the President's approval.
As the Wilson message was also delivered to State, I would recommend
that you approve the NODIS memorandum for Jeanne Davis' signature
to State (Tab II), passing the text of the President's response for the
information of the Department. I would also recommend that you approve
the backchannel message to Ambassador Armstrong (Tab III) providing
her with the texts of Wilson's message and the President's response.
RECOMMENDATION
1. That you approve the text of the Cabinet Line message at Tab A
and sign the memorandum for the President at Tab I.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
2. That you approve the memorandum for Jeanne Davis' signature
to State at Tab II.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES
BY. la
, NARA, DATE 3/10/04
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
- 2 -
3.
That you approve the backchannel message to Anne Armstrong
at Tab III.
APPROVE
DISAPPROVE
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
ALD
"
\
Catley These are the out- -
I
2d
Soing cables of have
been sent Char
GERALD a FORD VERAR,
FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE PRIME MINISTER
CONFIDENTIAL
VIA THE CABINET LINE
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
It was with the deepest personal regret that I received your March 16
message informing me of your decision to resign as Prime Minister.
From our first meeting in Washington nearly fourteen months ago,
I have highly valued our consultations and regarded the cooperation of
our two countries as fundamental to larger efforts by the industrial
democracies to meet the economic, political and security challenges
we all face in common.
In each of our meetings during the past year, I believe that the
interests of our countries and of our allies have been advanced. The
successful NATO summit in Brussels contributed significantly to
revitalization of the Alliance and to new steps improving our mutual security.
Our participation in the Helsinki conference not only contributed to a
more responsible relationship with the East but also demonstrated Western
solidarity and commitment to the cause of human rights. At Rambouillet
I believe our talks and the understandings reached contributed to economic
recovery on both sides of the Atlantic. In each of these meetings, I have
admired your broad perspective and sound judgment and have valued your
advice.
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES
BY lab
, NARA, DATE 3/10/04
- 2 -
I look forward to working with your successor in building upon
the excellent relationship between our countries that you have done
so much to strengthen.
As you lay down the responsibilities of the office of Prime Minister
following your long and distinguished service both to the United Kingdom
and to the Atlantic Alliance, you should know that you have not only my
:
personal best wishes for the future but my
hope-form
lasting friendship
as well.
Warm personal regards,
Gerald R. Ford
2f
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 017612
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Cable
CREATOR'S NAME
Brent Scowcroft
RECEIVER'S NAME
Ambassador Armstrong
TITLE
Presidential Message to Prime Minister
Wilson
DESCRIPTION
Re Wilson resignation
CREATION DATE
03/17/1976
VOLUME
3 pages
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
035100085
COLLECTION TITLE
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER. PRESIDENTIAL
CORRESPONDENCE WITH FOREIGN LEADERS
BOX NUMBER
4
FOLDER TITLE
United Kingdom - Prime Minister Harold
Wilson (3)
DATE WITHDRAWN
03/12/2004
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
GG
REDACTED 7/31/06
DECLASIFIED E.O. 12958 SEC. 3.6
WITH PORTIONS EXEMPTED
E.O. 12958 SEC. 1.5 (c)
CIA ets 7/31/06
MR05-34 #4. state reivew 9/17/03
dal NARA DATE 8/11/06
TO:
Embassy London, Ambassador Armstrong - Eyes Only
FROM:
Brent Scowcroft, The White House Reyour
SUBJECT:
Presidential Message to Prime Minister Wilson
1. On March 16, Prime Minister Wilson sent a message informing the
President of his decision to resign. For your information, I am
repeating the texts of the Prime Minister's message and the President's
response.
BEGIN TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE:
Dear Mr. President,
As you will have seen from the announcement issued this
morning from 10 Downing Street, I have today confirmed to The
Queen my decision taken last December to make way for a successor,
and to resign as Prime Minister as soon as the Parliamentary
party has completed the necessary constitutional procedures for
electing a new leader.
I shall, of course, remain in charge of the Government
until a new leader of the party has been elected and my successor
has been appointed, but I wanted now to tell you how much I
FORD
of
have valued our cooperation and friendship during the past two
years, and to assure you of my conviction that the British
GENALD
Government, whoever my successor may be, will continue to
attach the highest importance to maintaining the excellent state
- 2 -
of relations between our two countries. In receiving your new
Ambassador, whom we have been delighted to welcome to this
country, you were kind enough to say that our relations were as
good as they have ever been. I share this view, and am certain
that a continuing close relationship between the United States and
the United Kingdom is of vital importance, not only to our two
countries, but also the future security and well-being of Europe
and the free world.
With warm regards,
Harold Wilson
END TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE.
BEGIN TEXT OF PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE:
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
It was with the deepest personal regret that I received your March 16
message informing me of your decision to resign as Prime Minister.
From our first meeting in Washington nearly fourteen months ago,
I have highly valued our consultations and regarded the cooperation of
our two countries as fundamental to larger efforts by the industrial
democracies to meet the economic, political and security challenges
we all face in common.
ALD
In each of our meetings during the past year, I believe that the
interests of our countries and of our allies have been advanced. The
successful NATO summit in Brussels contributed significantly to
revitalization of the Alliance and to new steps improving our mutual security.
Our participation in the Helsinki conference not only contributed to a
more responsible relationship with the East but also demonstrated Western
solidarity and commitment to the cause of human rights. At Rambouillet
I believe our talks and the understandings reached contributed to economic
recovery on both sides of the Atlantic. In each of these meetings, I have
admired your broad perspective and sound judgment and have valued your
advice.
I look forward to working with your successor in building upon
the excellent relationship between our countries that you have done
so much to strengthen.
As you lay down the responsibilities of the office of Prime Minister
following your long and distinguished service both to the United Kingdom
and to the Atlantic Alliance, you should know that you have not only my
personal best wishes for the future but my hope for lasting friendship
as well.
Warm personal regards,
Gerald R. Ford
14
END OF PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE.
2. Warm regards, Brent.
2%
MEMORANDUM
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
THE WHITE HOUSE
1580X
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
ACTION
March 16, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
Brent Scowcroft
SUBJECT:
Message to Prime Minister Wilson
on His Resignation
Prime Minister Wilson has sent you the message at Tab B informing
you of his decision to resign as Prime Minister as soon as a
successor can be selected. He states that he will remain in charge
of the Government until a new leader has been appointed. Mr. Wilson
tells you how much he has valued your cooperation and friendship and
assures you that the British Government will continue to attach the
highest importance to maintaining the excellent state of relations be-
tween the United Kingdom and the United States.
Noting your comments through Ambassador Armstrong that our bilateral
relations are as good as they have ever been, the Prime Minister
expresses his certainty that the continuing close relationship between
the UK and the US is of vital importance to the future security and well-
being of Europe and the free world.
I believe a response to the Prime Minister's message is desirable. The
Cabinet Line message for your approval at Tab A would express regret
at the Prime Minister's decision and state that from his January, 1975
visit to Washington you have valued close consultations with him and
regarded cooperation with the UK as fundamental to efforts by the
industrial democracies to meet the challenges all face in common. It
would state your view that each subsequent meeting with the Prime
Minister at Brussels, Helsinki and Rambouillet has advanced the
interests of the US and UK and of our allies. Your message to the Prime
Minister would indicate that you look forward to working closely with
his successor to build upon the close relationship established while he
was Prime Minister. It would assure the Prime Minister of your lasting
friendship and extend your personal best wishes.
DECLASSIFIED
&
FORD
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES
GERALD
RALD
BY lob
, NARA, DATE 3/10/04
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
- 2 -
RECOMMENDATION
That you approve the Cabinet Line message to Prime Minister
at Tab A.
APPROVE AR7
DISAPPROVE
CONFIDENTIAL/XGDS
FORD
=
07VH3D
LIBRARY
FORD
s
GERATO
2k
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
16 March 1976
The President
The White House
Dear Mr President
The British Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, has asked
me to forward to you a personal message from him, which is
enclosed herewith.
Yours sincerely
Peter Ramsbotham
(P Ramsbotham)
H M Ambassador
rune
GERALD a
ag
TEXT OF MESSAGE
Dear Mr. President,
As you will have seen from the announcement issued this
morning from 10 Downing Street, I have today confirmed to The
Queen my decision taken last December to make way for a successor,
and to resign as Prime Minister as soon as the Parliamentary
party has completed the necessary constitutional procedures for
electing a new leader.
I shall, of course, remain in charge of the Government until
a new leader of the party has been elected and my successor has
been appointed, but I wanted now to tell you how much I have valued
our cooperation and friendship during the past two years, and to
assure you of my conviction that the British Government, whoever
my successor may be, will continue to attach the highest importance
to maintaining the excellent state of relations between our two
countries. In receiving your new Ambassador, whom we have been
delighted to welcome to this country, you were kind enough to say
that our relations were as good as they have ever been. I share
this view, and am certain that a continuing close relationship
between the United States and the United Kingdom is of vital
importance, not only to our two countries, but also the future
security and well-being of Europe and the free world.
With warm regards,
Harold Wilson
16 March 1976
rune
&
GERALD
LIBRARY
2.m
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
16 March 1976
The President
The White House
Dear Mr President
The British Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, has asked
me to forward to you a personal message from him, which is
enclosed herewith.
Yours sincerely
Peter Ramsbotham
(P Ramsbotham)
H M Ambassador
Joh B
2L
TEXT OF MESSAGE
Dear Mr. President,
As you will have seen from the announcement issued this
morning from 10 Downing Street, I have today confirmed to The
Queen my decision taken last December. to make way for a successor,
and to resign as Prime Minister as soon as the Parliamentary
party has completed the necessary constitutional procedures for
electing a new leader.
I shall, of course, remain in charge of the Government until
a new leader of the party has been elected and my successor has
been appointed, but I wanted now to tell you how much I have valued
our cooperation and friendship during the past two years, and to
assure you of my conviction that the British Government, whoever
my successor may be, will continue to attach the highest importance
to maintaining the excellent state of relations between our two
countries. In receiving your new Ambassador, whom we have been
delighted to welcome to this country, you were kind enough to say
that our relations were as good as they have ever been. I share
this view, and am certain that a continuing close relationship
between the United States and the United Kingdom is of vital
importance, not only to our two countries, but also the future
security and well-being of Europe and the free world.
With warm regards,
Harold Wilson
FORD
a
GERALD
16 March 1976
20
THE WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM
TIME SENT:
RECEIVED:
'76 MAR 17 PM 12:01 01
Reciepted for
WALTE HOUSE
LDX NR: 246 TION ROPAGES: 5
by phone 171205
DIA/G
DESCRIPTION/COMMENT
CIA STATE X
DIA/H
NMCC
TREAS
ANMCC
NPIC
Nodis
NSA
ERDA
FROM: JeaNNe WDavis
TO: George 8 Sprin gsteen
poss
&
VIALDY
24
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
1580X
CONFIDENTIAL/NODIS
March 17, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR
George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
Department of State
SUBJECT:
Presidential Message to
Prime Minister Wilson
On March 16, Prime Minister Wilson sent a message informing
the President of his decision to resign. Copies of the Prime
Minister's message and the President's response are attached
for the information of the Department of State.
Jeanne m W. Davis
Staff Secretary
Attachments
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL/NODIS
E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES
BY in
, NARA, DATE 3/10/04
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
)
16 March 1976
The President
The White House
Dear M: President
The British Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, has asked
me to forward to you a personal message from him, which is
enclosed herewith.
Yours sincerely
Peter Ramsbotham
(P Ramsbotham)
H M Ambassador
FORD
TEXT OF MESSAGE
Dear Mr. President,
As you will have seen from the announcement issued this
morning from 10 Downing Street, I have today confirmed to The
Queen my decision taken last December to make way for a successor,
and to resign as Prime Minister as soon as the Parliamentary
party has completed the necessary constitutional procedures for
electing a new leader.
I shall, of course, remain in charge of the Government until
a new leader of the party has been elected and my successor has
been appointed, but I wanted now to tell you how much I have valued
our cooperation and friendship during the past two years, and to
assure you of my conviction that the British Government, whoever
my successor may be, will continue to attach the highest importance
to maintaining the excellent state of relations between our two
countries. In receiving your new Ambassador, whom we have been
delighted to welcome to this country, you were kind enough to say
that our relations were as good as they have ever been. I share
this view, and am certain that a continuing close relationship
between the United States and the United Kingdom is of vital
importance, not only to our two countries, but also the future
security and well-being of Europe and the free world.
With warm regards,
Harold Wilson
16 March 1976
JR
FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO THE PRIME MINISTER
CONFIDENTIAL
VIA THE CABINET LINE
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
It was with the deepest personal regret that I received your March 16
message informing me of your decision to resign as Prime Minister.
From our first meeting in Washington nearly fourteen months ago,
I have highly valued our consultations and regarded the cooperation of
our two countries as fundamental to larger efforts by the industrial
democracies to meet the economic, political and security challenges
we all face in common.
In each of our meetings during the past year, I believe that the
interests of our countries and of our allies have been advanced. The
successful NATO summit in Brussels contributed significantly to
revitalization of the Alliance and to new steps improving our mutual security.
Our participation in the Helsinki conference not only contributed to a
more responsible relationship with the East but also demonstrated Western
solidarity and commitment to the cause of human rights. At Rambouillet
I believe our talks and the understandings reached contributed to economic
recovery on both sides of the Atlantic. In each of these meetings, I have
admired your broad perspective and sound judgment and have valued your
DECLASSIFIED
advice.
E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5
NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES
BY la
, NARA, DATE 3/10/04
- 2 -
I look forward to working with your successor in building upon
the excellent relationship between our countries that you have done
so much to strengthen.
As you lay down the responsibilities of the office of Prime Minister
following your long and distinguished service both to the United Kingdom
and to the Atlantic Alliance, you should know that you have not only my
personal best wishes for the future but my lasting friendship
as well.
Warm personal regards,
Gerald R. Ford
FORIO
&