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Nixon Pardon - Correspondence (3)
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Nixon Pardon - Correspondence (3)
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Philip W. Buchen Files
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The original documents are located in Box 32, folder "Nixon Pardon - Correspondence (3)"
of the Philip Buchen 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Exact duplicates within this folder were not digitized.
Digitized from Box 34 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
September 30, 1974
Dear Mr. Edwards:
Thank you very much for your letter of September 18, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Nixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Paul W. Edwards
254 East 174th Street
New York, New York 10457
GERALE
ALBRARY
GRASSROOTS
Sept. 18th, 1974
THE WHITEHOUSE
Washington, D. C.
1500 Pennsylvania Ave.
Mr. Philip Buchen, Esq.
Dear Sir:
It may be entirely possible that in your very busy
day you may have missed the enclosed column in the New York Post
of yesterday.
Please accept it from one who like Ms. McGrory, had very high hopes
also, at the outset, for Mr. Fords' administration.
In conclusion, may I suggest that you pass it on to your boss?
Who knows, even he may find it interesting !!!
Sincerely.
FORD
BERALD LIBRARY
September 30, 1974
Dear Mr. DeWitt:
The President has asked me to acknowledge your
letter of September thirteeath, enclosing a recent
statement concerning the pardon granted former
President Nixes.
Thank you for forwarding this statement of the
Executive Committee of the Association of the
Bar of the City of New York.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buches
Counsel to the President
Mr. Paul B. De Witt
Executive Secretary
The Association of the Bar
of the City of New York
42 West 44th Street
New York, New York 10038
BERALD
THE ASSOCIATION OF THE BAR
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
42 WEST 44ᵀᴴ STREET
NEW YORK 10036
PAUL B. DE WITT
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
September 13, 1974
Mr President,
I am instructed by the Executive Committee
of the Association to call to your attention the
enclosed press release, which was released to all
news media on September 11, 1974. Copies were also
sent to the members of the House and Senate Judiciary
Committees.
Respectfully,
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
(CUTIVE SECRETARY
IMEDIATE
PRAY HILL 20303
FOR RELEASE ON:
INC 7.07 to GOME
SEPTEMBER 11,
Cyrus R. Vance, President of The Association of the Bar of the
City of New York, today issued the following statement which was unanizonsly
dopted by the nineteen-member Executive Committee of the Association:
"Our Government is founded on the principle of equal justice for
all. Lawyers have a special commitment to that principle. Ordinarily the
power to pardon has been exercised only if there has been a finding of guilt,
and after a full, fair and open trial. The power to pardon is a sacred trust
to be used only in the rare circumstance that full justice requires that it be
tempered by mercy. On the basis of the facts now available, the Association
believes that President Ford acted prematurely and unwisely in issuing an
unconditional pardon to Richard M. Nixon.
"Any further use of that power in connection with the Watergate
affair at this time, whatever its notive, would have the effect of keeping
hidden the facts which justice and, therefore, the welfare of the nation demand
be revealed. Ve strongly urge the President to permit the administration of
justice to proceed without further hindrance and to join with the organized Bar
in its efforts to regain public confidence in the principle of equal justice
1: let law."
FORD is LIBRARY 07VN38
Mary McGrory
FORD'S FOLLY
WASHINGTON.
"There is a cancer growing on the Presidency."
So John Dean told Richard Nixon on March 21, 1973.
The same is true today. Somebody should tell Gerald
Ford that drastic surgery is required. It isn't his recovery
that is at stake. It's the country's.
He might restore some measure of calm and order if he
were to say now that he will not, under any circumstances,
be a candidate in 1976.
He has demonstrated his unfitness for the office, and
confirmed the fears, stifled for impeachment, that he was
chosen by Richard Nixon precisely for those qualities of
shallowness and dog-on-the-grave loyalty which a shaken
citizenry is hoping were the principal ingredients in the
pardon of his predecessor.
He has already been importuned to clean out the Nixon-
Watergate group he unaccountably drew around him. But
he should go further and fire at once those of his "own"
people who failed to wrest from his hand the pardon procla-
mation and wrestle him to the floor on his way to the micro-
phone to deliver it.
*
He should beseech the one man who did protest to come
back as his press secretary. He should appeal to J. F. ter-
Horst on patriotic grounds, confessing that his folly has
made a joke of "openness and candor." People might believe
something Ford says if it is spoken by someone whose
integrity has given the pardon its only redeeming social
value.
If Ford wishes ever to speak the word "justice" again,
he should appoint someone of the caliber of John M. Doar,
the unimpeachable counsel of the House impeachment com-
mittee, as Attorney General. Otherwise the prospect is for
repetition of current phenomena-courts disrupted by over-
wrought jurors, judges modifying sentences to conform with
Ford's mercy to Richard Nixon.
If Ford wishes ever to ask the American people to
"tighten their belts" again, he must first tighten the belts
at San Clemente. He should recruit as White House counsel
and send as his emissary to the imperial palace Albert E.
Jenner, the co-counsel of the impeachment committee. Jenner,
who is entirely instructed in the wiles of the tyrant-in-exile,
could hold his own and also tutor Ford in Watergate I, the
course our President flunked so abysmally.
Ford, should, of course, volunteer, as suggested by
Anthony Lewis In the New York Times, to tell under cath
the full story of the pardon to the House Judiciary Commit-
tee. He should admit it was a mistake. He does not need to
promise he will never do it again.
If Ford fell for the sob stories, we ought to know it. If,
on the other hand, there was an arrangement, we should
know that, too.
*
Whatever we find out about him, he should not be al-
lowed to resign. The country does not want another resigna-
tion. He should be required to serve out his term, an example
of the "earned reentry" and "second chance" he held out to
the Vietnam deserters and exiles. He should grant them
pardon, if only because he used them so shamefully as ad-
vance men for Richard Nixon. A lame-duck President could
absorb the consequences. So, perhaps, could a country, so
lately exposed to true inequity.
Ford should dispatch Henry Kissinger to retirement.
What we have learned about the foreign branch of the "cam-
paign dirty tricks" operation in Chile is enough. Rep. John
Anderson. of Illinois, who has had Foreign Service experi-
ence, could do the job. He is as debonair as Kissinger, and
infinitely more forthcoming. He would be a worthy repre-
sentative of a country that wants everything on the table.
Ford will doubtless do none of those things.
Instead, he will blunder on, sentimentally defending his
unconscionable act. He will draw closer to the Nixon folk
because they will tell him he acted with lonely courage and
was misinterpreted by the press. He will take to calling in
groups of friendly Congressmen and rehearse for them his
terrible fears of being responsible for Richard Nixon's ner-
vous breakdown. They will cry a little, and assure him it will
all blow over. He will acquire a case-hardened government
flack, without terHorst's inconvenient conscience, and the
stone wall, already under construction, will be complete in
no time.
And the people will get sicker and sicker, deprived again
of what they wanted most-the Watergate happy-ending
character in the White House.
September 30, 1974
Dear Mr. Dyas:
Thank you very much for your recent letter of September 11, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Nixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Host sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Timothy G. Dyas
239 West Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
GERALD 1040 LIBRARY
239 West Glen Avenue
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
September 11, 1974
Mr. Phillip T. Buchen
The Thite House
Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Buchen:
As a retired 54 year old lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve I was
always very proud of my MW II service as a paratrooper until this past Sunday.
This included two years in a German prisoner of war camp, two years, Mr. Buchen,
for fighting FOR my country, not dishonoring it. You, and the motal cripple you
work for have robbed me of the last vestiges of any pride I had left when he
pardoned a creature who almost established an oligarchy in my beloved country.
This was part of the deal that Nixon and Ford made before Ford was chosen as
vice president and no pewer on earth can ever convince millions of Americans
that this was otherwise! "hy should I have fought a war against a successful
dictator when a traitor in the Thite House pardens an unsuccessful one at home?
Any answers, Mr. Buchen?
I have taught the history of my great country for many years and am now
grateful that as an administrator I no longer have to see the bewildered look in
the eyes of our young. I have taken over every history class once a year but I
have stopped as ef Sunday for I can't lie and say that there IS equal justive for
all. You should have heard our students on Monday morning!
You lawyers have always tried to stand to one side and let the client take
it on the chin. We Americans are fed up with this and have come to regard your
profession(?) as being cemposed of these who try to pervert the law.
Just as Christ was betrayed, you assisted the Judas in the "hite House
to complete his deal with Nixen. These two will live in infamy and I trust that
you are proud of the part you played. Ter Horst was too much of a man to live
with the atmesphere of seiling our flag that prevails in the White House. May
God forgive you for I can't.
Very truly yours,
J Timothy G. Dyas
cc: The President
Sen. Prexmire
Mrs. McGovern
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
September 30, 1974
Dear Hr. Winegarden:
Thank you very much for your recent letter of September 9, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Nixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to. show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip N. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Jerome D. Winegarden, Sr.
Attorney at Law
Winegarden & Winegarden
801 South Saginaw Street
Flint, Michigan 48502
LIGRARY
LAW OFFICES OF
WINEGARDEN & WINEGARDEN
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
205 PHOENIX BLDG.
801 SOUTH SAGINAW STREET
JEROME D. WINEGARDEN, SR.
FLINT. MICHIGAN 48502
WASHINGTON COUNSEL
J. DALLAS WINEGARDEN, JR.
WILLIAM E. SUDOW
(313) 235-8555
127 THIRD STREET N.E.
(313) 235-1282
WASHINGTON. D.C.
September 9, 1974
Honorable Gerald Ford, President of the U.S.
White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear President Ford:
As a classmate, Michigan 1935, and having been on a "Jerry to Jerry"
basis since 1935, I must protest your action in granting a pardon
to Richard Nixon, Richard Nixon was not charged with any criminal
activity, indicted, and his not acknowledge criminal activities.
At HarvardLaw, and I'm sure Yale Law School agrees, that this "is
a government of law not of men." You, by your action of "Pardon" have
made this fundamental principle of law a concept to be ignored and
ridiculed.
Frankly, as your classmate and friend, I am ashamed of you for having
made a deal with "Tricky Dick." Daily, I defend clients alleged to
have committed crimes much less serious than those alleged to have
been done by Nixon; if found guilty, sent to Jackson, what sympathy
can I give to their families? By your action you have made a mockery
out of American Jurisprudence.
A few years ago in reference to, Justice Douglas, you said "Impeach-
ment is what the House of Representatives says it is." I would suggest
that Impeachment proceedings be instituted against President Ford, a
man who has betrayed the trust that I and millions of others had
put in you and the "open" White House.
Yours very truly,
Jerome D. Winegarden Sr.
Attorney at Law
JDW/1sr
GERALD
LIBRARY
September 30, 1974
Dear Hrs. Turk:
Thank you very much for your recent letter concerning the pardoning
of former President Hixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Mary Turk
2006 South 9th Street
Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081
LIBRARY
2006 Loath At
me chilip Buchen
sheboygon 53081 this
Whate Nause
DC.
Hear Sir:
Finally ink will get down to common
gard for equal justice to all then, sence. Thought
after last wishs disg raceful desre- I
Buh todays news was too much for me & every
one I spoke to, to swallow.
to total disregard for what is morally right x
How can you in all honesty be a party
honest? I salute mr tw Horsh for coming
out publically & resignings why dont you ?
If there is a movement to impeach
ford or any other member of his team, you
can be sure I'm on the list.
the aresident X vice president has taken away
I have always felt that a appointed
our country, & there should have beena
rights of the voters to choose their heads of
as special election m that case. If you are
public minded as you want is to be-
I live then check that in your law books.
our am disguisted & of disellusioned with you,
party especially our government.
yours truly
mrs MaryJurk
GERALD
LIBRARY
September 30, 1974
Dear Mrs. Birkby:
Thank you so very much for your kind letter of
support to the President. The decision to grant
a pardon to the former President was very difficult
and, of course, it was as very personal one.
President Ford remains fire in his own mind that
this was the right course.
On behalf of the President, thank you for your
words of encouragement.
Host sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
lirs. D. A. Birkby
3960 Ridge Lea Road, Apt. $
Tonawanda, New York 14150
GERALD
LIBRARY
Sept 17 1974
D. A. BIRKBY
APT. B
3960 RIDGE LEA RD.
TONAWANDA, N. Y. 14150
Mr Buhan -
We appland President Fords
Pardon and amnesty
We must get rid of Watergate
Enclosed orticles agree
mind "the Crities - keep up
Best regards to all Never
the good work.
Reyectfly
Mrs D. Birkly
P.S. misspelled. Excuse if your name is
BERALE $ FUND NEBRARY
A
Thunderstorm
That Will End
By NICK THIMMESCH
In less than a week, President Ford's pardon of
Richard Nixon created one of those wild thunderstorms
hat never seems to end. But it will. Though there will
be debris and some regret in its wake, people of good
HII will forget, and the new
dministration will move on.
answer 12 questions on the par-
President Ford can be
don, impeach Mr. Ford himself
harged. perhaps, with clumsy
and study the question of the
ming but not without sincere
President's power to pardon.
ntent to put the Watergate mad-
Now if anyone in Congress had
ess behind us. His crude but
stopped to reflect or studied the
orrect action soon fell prey to
exchange between Hushen and
he bad luck of a greenhorn ad-
newsmen it would be clear that
ninistration.
no across-the-board forgiveness
So the gossamer was stripped
was being seriously contem-
rom the Ford presidency, but
plated. But in this town, condi-
t's better now than later.
tioned by many months of Wa-
tergate news, reflection has be-
NEWSMAN inquired that
come precious.
ince Mrs. John Dean was talk-
It took the Ford administra-
ng pardon for her husband,
tion a full day to get the mes-
what was President Ford's feel-
sage across that, yes, a study
ng about the other Watergaters?
would be made for any case in-
Deputy press secretary John
volving pardon, but that "no
Hushen replied: "I am author-
inference should be drawn as to
zed to say that the entire mat-
the outcome of such study in
er is now under study." He
any case."
ilso cautioned newsmen not to
ry to predict results of the
AS FOR President Ford (and 1
tudy.
know this is a minority opinion),
The authorization came from
he did the right thing in pardon-
President Ford and Robert
ing President Nixon. President
artmann, counselor.
Philip
Ford had to balance the draw-
Bucken, legal counsel to the
backs in the pardon against the
President, was supposed to be
disabling sickness Washington
advised soonest. But through a
suffers over Watergate.
lip, he wasn't, so when Buchen
Most of all, waiting for the
net the press only moments
grinding legal process to work
ater, he had to honestly answer
would put President Ford in the
hat he "was not party to that
position of watching while Wash-
letermination," so he couldn't
ington fell into its second great
ell why Hushen announced it.
bout of Watergate fever and
Naturally, since Washington
then the totally distracting spec-
newsmen were starved for a fol-
tacle that would accompany the
ow-through on President Ford's
Nixon trial.
iramatic announcement con-
In the meantime, the nation's
terning Nixon, the news that
vital business would again be
ther pardons were under study
neglected. Mr. Ford decided
vas fast spread, causing Con-
to get the pardon over with and
gress to shake with indignation.
get on with trying to solve prob-
There were threats to recpen
lems.
mpeachment, make Mr. Ford
Los Angeles Times Syndicate
September 30, 1974
Dear Professor Gordon:
Thank you very much for your latter of September
seventeenth, expressing your belief that the
President has failed to live up to his commitment
of openness and sincerity.
I cannot agree with you that President Ford failed
in his press conference to uphold his commitment.
To the contrary I believe he spoke with great candor.
You imply that he has not told the "simple and com-
plete truth" about the pardon. Once again 1 would
reply that the President has indeed told the truth.
In time, I hope you will come to believe that the
President will always deal fairly and honestly with
the people.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Dr. Whitney H. Gordon
Department of Sociology
College of Science and Humanities
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana 47306
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
MUNCIE, INDIANA 47306
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & HUMANITIES
Department of Sociology
September 17th, 1974
Mr. Philip Buchen
Counsel to the President
The Executive Office Building (EOB)
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Buchen:
Mr. Ford's great asset has been his sincerety and candor.
Monday night's TV performance -- and it was precisely that --
was something else. We were given obfuscating generalities
concerning the pardon, ("all the factors") and euphemisms
about Chile ("assist"). It is too soon for the Institutional
imperatives of office to have closed in upon simple and
complete truth telling.
It is not the President about whom I am worried; it is for
this Society. Do not underestimate the disappointment, dismay,
and worst of all, the sense of foreboding which spreads in the
wake of this second TV press conference. Sir, we can ill
afford this failure to live up to the almost explicit pact of
faith the People made with the new President.
With the very warmest of personal regards,
white H. Corl
Whitney H. Gordon, Ph. D.
Professor and Chairman
Note: I write as a private citizen and as an academic, not
on behalf of this University or the Department of Sociology.
Parden
September 30, 1974
Dear Ms. Moore:
Thank you very much for your letter of September 15, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Mixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Ms. Judith Tillman Moore
100 West 94th Street
New York, New York 10025
GERALD
Judith Tillman Moore
100 West 94th Street
New York, N.Y. 10025
9-16-74
Dear Mr. Buchen:
I wish to place myself with
all the other outraged Imericans who
are stunned by President Ford's
unconditional pardon of Richard
Airon.
I've were allowed only a little
time to hope this administration
would be different Mercy is a
commendable virtue but never more
so than when tempering justice,
you, Mr. Lard, Mr. Daig &mr.
Becker have denied the American
people this justice.
Sincerely
Judith Pillman Moore
Cardon
September 30, 1974
Dear Hr. Markizon:
Thank you very much for your letter dated September 10, 1974,
concerning President Ford's announcement of a pardon for the
former President.
I realize from your letter that you strongly disagree with President
Ford's decision although I note that you would not have liked to see
Mr. Nixon serve a prisen sentence. In part, President Ford's
decision was intended to prevent the inevitable divisiveness of a
long trial. On the other hand, he had to consider at what stage a
pardon would be appropriate, If at all. I can only assume that you
would have favored a pardon after trial before service of sentence.
But, this would have caused our nation to endure the pain of such
a trial and the accompanying polarization of our people. The
President's early decision was a just compromise calculated to
prevent such an occurrence. It was born of his OWN sense of mercy.
I hope in the months ahead you will come to believe that President
Ford did make the best decision. I do thank you, on his behalf, for
expressing your concerns.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Alan R. Markizon
3130 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90406
FORD is LIBRARY
ALAN R. MARKIZON
3130 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA 90406
September 10, 1974
The Honorable Phillip W. Buchen
Counselor to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. Buchen:
To say the least, my wife and I are appalled at the recent action
of President Ford pardoning former President Nixon. (While this
might have been appropriate at some point, clearly it does not
appear to be so prior to trial and conviction.)
One can only sit in wonderment as it appears that the same law-
less attitude that permeated the Nixon administration has now
permeated the Ford administration. The shock of the President's
action is particularily heightened by the fact that in over five
and one half years one had become calloused to the continual
action of the Nixon administration in doing such acts as the
President has done on Sunday, but in the month that he has taken
office his forthrighteousness had begun to make such a sharp
dent in the callous attitude that one perceived in the Executive
Branch of the government. Sunday's action does away with all
that distinction.
For all of us practicing lawyers in the country, particularily
ones who represents persons before the government, both civilly
and criminally, I might humbly request that the President
neglect, in the future, to remind the citizens that he is a
lawyer until he comes forward with some explanation we can give
our clients as to why they cannot receive the same kind of
treatment that Nixon and Agnew have received from the Executive
Branch, including the ability to be saved expense and family
trauma; and too, what one should tell draft resisters who acted
under conscience, even if violating the law, and have the trauma
of being separated from their families for these many years
FORD
LIBRARY
The Honorable Phillip W. Buchen
Page 2
September 10, 1974
since the middle of the Viet Nam conflict. For others with
another type of practice, the President might consider what
lawyers should tell clients who have garden variety confrontations
with the police and end up in jail. Why can they too not be
spared the trauma and ordeals that the President has spared
Mr. Nixon.
I have addressed this letter to you with the full knowledge that
the President does not have time to read his mail and the senti-
ments of the country in this matter will be merely put up in a
score card. I am greatly troubled, particulariy as a lawyer, with
what the President has done this week end and hope that you, as
his top legal advisor, might find the time and inclination to
respond to this letter. Further, in case you have not read the
article, I am enclosing a column by George F. Will that appeared
in last Friday's Los Angeles Times which is a sign of things to
come from both Mr. Nixon and Mr. Agnew.
I do not expect you to attempt to respond to any of the above
as to Mr. Agnew both because you have nothing to do with it and
also because he did have the ultimate blackmail chip to bargin
for no jail, the Presidency.
Sincerely yours,
ALAN R. MARKIZON
ARM:js
Enc.
Pardon
September 30, 1974
Dear Ms. Cyndy:
I am in receipt of your recent letter and the enclosed articles which
you forwarded for my information.
You have strongly expressed your belief that a "deal" was made by
the President to pardon Richard Nixon. Further, you have with
equally strong words indicated that the agreement to turn over
Mr. Nixon's documents and tapes to him is without the law. X
would like to explain why these decisions were made, but perhaps
it is in vain to do so,
There simply was no arrangement by President Ford, or his
representatives, with former President Nixon, or his representatives,
to grant a pardon. The President believed that a delayed presecution
and prolonged trial of a former President was not calculated to
improve our nation's health. I am sure you disagree. Nevertheless,
the decision, if not the very best one, was indeed reasonable and
proper under the circumstances. Further, no matter what course
was ultimately selected, one thing is certain; everyone would never
have been in agreement. I assure you that if, as you apparently
desire, the former President were tried, convicted and sentenced
to prison, a significant number of Americans would have been
outraged. This would be as true, as it is certain that you would
have applauded insction by President Ford. I respectfully submit
to you that the President must act for the good of the whole nation
and this demands his consideration not only of your views, but the
views of all citizens.
On the second matter you raised in your letter, I would like to
suggest that withholding the documents and tapes from the former
President is contrary to the law. It is a clear historical and legal
GREATO FORD LIBRARY
-2-
precedent that every President may take his papers with him. This
has been done by all former Presidents. This agreement is so
drafted that any evidence needed for trial may be subpeenaed in the
very same manner that would be required if the documents and tapes
remained in our possession.
I hope you will be kind enough to give this letter the same consideration
I gave yours,
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Ms. Cynice Cyndy
1971 Northern Boulevard
Greenwich, New York
FORD is 078330 LIBRARY
September 30, 1974
Dear Ms. Studer:
Thank you for your telegram of September first,
expressing your concern that President Ford is
pressuring Mr. Leon Jaworski. I am sorry you
believe this fact is true. If your telegram had
explained in a little more detail what you mean
by "pressure", pezhaps I could have answered
you is more detail. I cannot believe that the
President has pressured the Special Presecutor
and I doubt that Mr. Jawerski feels this is true
either.
I de approciate your concern.
Most sincerely years,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Ms. Carol Studer
10 Rame Place
San Francisco, California 94333
FORD : LIBRARY 008870
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STRONGLY URGE PRESIDENT DISCONTINUE PRESSURE ON JAWORSKI STOP HAD
HOPED THAT THAT TYPE OF NONSENSE WENT OUT WITH NIXON STOP
CAROL STUDER 10 RENO PL SAN FRANCISCO CA 94133
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Parson
September 30, 1974
Dear Ms. Purcell:
Thank you very much for your letter dated September 9. 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Nixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Hs. Mary A. Purcell
1464 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
GERALD w FORD LIBRARY
The closest I on any other lowly you get mes
chance to Back questions of the high & mephy as
NIL. So, to us, most things seemed done on the dead of
night or in secret.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
When will August the 22, 1974 announcement Come that mr nipor
is not will enough & be a witness 1. no me cares
what the health of our Constitution
Dear Mrs. Purcell:
Mr. Buchen wanted you to know that he did indeed
receive and appreciate your letter and observations.
We in his office are rejoicing with you about the
President's nomination of Nelson Rockefeller.
With all good wishes to you.
Most Sincerely,
Eva Daughtrey
Mrs. Eva Daughtrey
Secretary to Mr. Buchen
Ms. Mary A. Purcell
1464 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
Dear Mr. Buchen:
Sept.9
For two years l crud inside & out for
my country as I wetnessed Watergate etal,
enguifing it. Fenally, this year I crut
for you when the entire world saw our
GRD
system work via the courts and the
LIBRARY
House judiciary Committee as well as the Special
Producutors office. now, with a stroke of the pen
& a politically expectient "timing" (you hope )
President Ford has covered up what our
nation is history demands - the trutt the whole
truth and nothing but the truth
any pensible person has compresson for all the hijors.
However Mr nixon did what he did knowengly,
He lid to his family, lawyers, Pres. Ford -and
the whole country. mr. nixon was runing the
health of the cruntry she might now have a pelapse.
nome else will be in poor health but have at 7AM
to play goy at Balm Springs knowing his ban
"rewarded" for resying and looking forward to a
far check for 850, 600- complement of the tabayers.
of mr. nietor is depressed certainly some of the
"850, 000 could be used for a pay cheabet.
Daved has puggested he reen for the Senate Better epit,
Mr. Ford could appoint him as an am bassador-smuleve
he can lake his tapes & write a book for 5 million
and then, in 1976, mr. nihox can run m the tecket
vono
with the new Prescdent.
Compassion for Mr. nixon yes and eventual pardon
LIBRARY
but no, nexon's above the law, Pres. Ford think the pardon Co
politically were NOW so, in essence, the law profession
is even worse chan before. The "open "adminestration pecrettly
worked out a deal with ZIEGLER !!? ? involved. to hell with
Sirua, Jaworska Hart, Gessell Cox and the whole Seprome CA.
The are a government of men who Bo things !
Palin
September 30, 1974
Dear Hr. Vercoe:
Thank you very much for your communication of September 16, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President llixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show sercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. Mel J. Vercoe
Box 374
Monterey, California 93940
SEPT. 16
DEAR MR. BUCHEN,
REALLY, Now, DON'T You THINK THE
AMERICAN PUBLIC is INTELLIGENT
ENOUGH To KNOW THAT EVEN GERALD
FORD CAN'T BE so STUPID AS To
BELIEVE HE PARDONED NIXON TO HELP
OUR COUNTRY ? AND IF FORD ACTUALLY
IS THAT STUPID THEN HE IS FAR TOO
DANGEROUS TO REMAIN AS PRESIDENT.
I HOPE HALDEMAN AND EHRLICHMAN,
WHO FORD TRIED TO SILENCE WITH
PARDONS, REALLY BLDW THE WHISTLE
ON YOUR WHOLE CORRUPT SET-UP,
INCLUDING ROSE MARY AND MEALY-MOUTH
HAIG.
AND PLEASE, MR. BUCHEN, IF YOU
ABSOLUTELY MUST INSULT OUR
INTELLIGENCE TO EARN YOUR TAX-
SUPPORTED SALARY, TRY TO EMPLOY A
LITTLE PROFESSIONAL FINESSE.
Melm J.Uncre
Pardon
September 30, 1974
Dear Mrs. Whitford:
Thank you very much for your recent communication concerning
the pardoning of former President Nixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Nost sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Teresa Whitford
3811 Bluff Place, Apt. 17
San Pedro, California 90731
Please help stop history repeating itself!
Dear Sir:
Will our government be of the people, by the people and for
the people? or of Rocky and Henry's elete White House cor-
poration of Utopian Socialists by the Leftist Marxist Traitors,
and for a Mythical ? Messiah to resurrect all who believe in
Judaism?
Was hidden behind the engineering of Watergate, the Utopian
Socialist Commission of Critical Choices to nullify the votes of
the people and appoint a Leftist Traitor for President?
Do you remember about the "Enemy Within" part of your
oath of office? Is the only way to restore sanity to the world to
pardon all traitors and turn the Moon into Utopia?
Ernest W. Whitford
3811 Bluff Place, Apt. 17
San Pedre, California 90731
I take it, that you and your
associates have Mr. Ford's future
planned out? ?-
Veresa whitford
Mrs. Teresa Whitford.
Washington, D.C.
% The White House,
Presedential Advisor,
Mr. Philip Buchen,
4
Parkin,
September 30, 1974
Dear Mr. Jenkins:
Thank you very much for your communication of September 10, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Nixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show mercy to him is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Host sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mr. J. Jenkins
242 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
FORD is LIBRARY 776830
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PHILLIP BUCHAN PRESIDENT'S COUNSEL
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PUBLIC SERVANTS HAVE NO EICHMANN DEFENSE OF FOLLOWING NIXON'S ORDERS
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Pardm
September 30, 1974
Dear Mrs. Nolan:
Thank you very much for your letter dated September 11, 1974,
concerning the pardoning of former President Mixon.
I believe that our courts and juries must administer justice, but
justice must and should be tempered with mercy. The pardon
power is the President's exclusive right under the Constitution
to show mercy. The case of the former President grossly
divided our nation; to show sercy to his is also to bind our
country's wounds. I hope in time you will come to believe that
President Ford did make the right decision.
Most sincerely yours,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Mrs. Ida A. Nolan
724 Pennyroyal Lane
San Rafael, California 94903
GERALD 4. LIBRARY FORD
September 11, 1974
President Gerald Ford
White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am bitterly appalled by your decision to grant full pardon
to Richard Nixon. I feel that it was very unwise and sets a most
dangerous precedent. It would seem that any president or public
official could be free to break the law, resign and then expect to
receive a full pardon. (And had there been no offense, then why
was a pardon necessary?)
The decision should have been made in the courts, as it is for
everyone else, if only for the sake of history.
It would appear also that a deal must have been arranged before
he resigned and you took office.
Zela Q. nolar
Ida A. Nolan
724 Pennyroyal Lane
San Rafael, Ca. 94903
cc: Rep. John Rhodes
Sen. Carl Albert
Sen. Robert Byrd
Sen. Hugh Scott
Sen. John Sparkman
Sen. Jacob Javits
Rep. Jerome Waldie
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy
Sen. Alan Cranston
Rep. Phillip Burton
Rep. John Burton
White House Counsel Philip W. Buchen
White House Press Sec'y John W. Hushen
Governor Ronald Reagan
Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Sec'y of State
Houston I. Flournoy, Controller
FORD
GERALD