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NOT FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 28, 1974 OR DISTRIBUTION OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY THE WHITE HOUSE EXCHANGE OF TOASTS BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT AND SENATOR GEORGE D. AIKEN, AT A DINNER FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THEIR WIVES STATE DINING ROOM AT 8:50 P.M. EDT Most of you here tonight have been here at the White House, I think everyone here, at dinners, usually State dinners, before, and you probably wonder if there is anything different tonight. Well, I would point out first, this is such. a select group that we didn't have to use the small chairs, you all get big chairs. (Laughter) I should also point out that the Air Force Strings, that, of course, are one of our favorites, and I am sure one of yours, have an innovation and all of you who, of course, must go back and talk to women's lib, note there was a pretty girl in the Strings tonight for the first time in the White House. (Laughter) Now this distinguished company includes people from all over the United States, Members of the House, Members of the Senate, Democrats and Republicans. I would say most of all it includes people who my wife, Pat, and I have known for many years, and that we certainly are very proud to have the opportunity to have had your friendship through those years. We thought that on so many occasions you are here formally, that you feel a little bit stiff -- you get stiff, but you feel a little stiff -- that under the circumstances that you would like to come on a less formal occasion. So consequently, we asked that you come here tonight to join us and there will be a similar group tomorrow night and others in the future, when time will permit. Now, of course, that means that you don't get to hear some distinguished visitor from abroad talk 30 minutes and then 30 minutes of translation. One thing about the one that I have selected, the senior man here present, to answer, does speak English, and so, consequently, he will need no translator. MORE