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Ford Press Releases, January - February 1973
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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U.S. House of Representatives. 3/4/1789-
Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )
Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994
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The original documents are located in Box D5, folder "Ford Press Releases, January -
February 1973" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File 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. The Council 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford for Roll Call January 1973
The 93rd Congress will almost certainly see a renewal of the tug-of-war
between the President and the Democratic majority over excessive Federal spending.
Apart from that, there is much major legislation hanging over from the
92nd Congress which will get early attention in the new Congress.
These subjects include a major overhaul of the Nation's welfare program,
reorganization of eabinet departments, a comprehensive national health insurance
program, banning of all busing beyond the school nearest a pupil's home, pension
reform, a new omnibus housing program, and creation of a new consumer protection
agency.
There no doubt will also be a rematch of the fight over diverting highway
trust fund money to finance mass transit.
Less certain is the possibility that the President will seek the power to
head off national emergency strikes in transportation.
There may be tax reform action in 1973 but I do not foresee a tax increase.
As for tax reform, I am opposed to wholesale repeal of so-called tax loopholes,
with some of them to be put back on the books. I cannot conceive of wiping out
deductions for interest on home mortgage loans or for charitable contributions.
I therefore feel the better approach to tax reform is to consider the various
provisions of the tax code without the sb dgehammer approach of broad-seale repeal.
I look for a productive first session. Considering the size of the
President's election win, it seems to me the Congress will have to be responsive
to some extent even though controlled by the opposition party.
#####
GERALD LIBRARY FORD
Digitized from Box D5 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Distribution: Full
Galleries 11:00a.m. 1/3/73 affice Copy
Mail am 1/3/73
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON--
Wednesday, January 3, 1973
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., and Rep. Herman T. Schneebeli, R-Pa., today
introduced a bill which would give parents a tax credit of 50 per cent for tuition
paid to send their youngsters to a nonprofit nonpublic elementary or secondary
school, up to a limit of $200 per child.
The legislation introduced by Minority Leader Ford and by Schneebeli, who
is ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, is a bill which was
reported out by the Ways and Means Committee late last year. Congress adjourned
without acting on it.
Ford in 1972 authored a bill which provided for a tax credit of up to
$400 per child for tuition paid to a nonprofit nonpublic school.
In introducing the $200 version, Ford said he thought it had the best
chance of enactment and pledged every effort to win passage of the legislation.
He said he thought the bill's prospects were "fairly good," particularly since it
is backed by House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills, D-Ark.
Commenting on the tax credit legislation, Ford said:
"Parents in our country are entitled to freedom of choice. They should
have the freedom to send their children to nonpublic schools if they so choose.
Parents have a constitutional right to send their children to nonpublic schools.
That right is impaired when the financial burden is so great that it cannot be
borne without unusual hardship. That right is also impaired if increasing numbers
of nonpublic schools are forced to shut down because parents can't pay rising
tuition costs.
"Parents of nonpublic students carry a double financial load. They pay
taxes to support public education, and they pay tuition so their youngsters may
receive the special spiritual guidance offered by a nonpublie school. We should
subtract at least part of what they pay in nonpublic school tuition from their
Federal income tax bills. That's only fair. These parents already pay their
full share of local taxes for our public schools."
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON--
Wednesday, January 3, 1973
Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., and Rep. Herman T. Schneebeli, R-Pa., today
introduced a bill which would give parents a tax credit of 50 per cent for tuition
paid to send their youngsters to a nonprofit nonpublic elementary or secondary
school, up to a limit of $200 per child.
The legislation introduced by Minority Leader Ford and by Schneebeli, who
is ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, is a bill which was
reported out by the Ways and Means Committee late last year. Congress adjourned
without acting on it.
Ford in 1972 authored a bill which provided for a tax credit of up to
$400 per child for tuition paid to a nonprofit nonpublic school.
In introducing the $200 version, Ford said he thought it had the best
chance of enactment and pledged every effort to win passage of the legislation.
He said he thought the bill's prospects were "fairly good," particularly since it
is backed by House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills, D-Ark.
Commenting on the tax credit legislation, Ford said:
"Parents in our country are entitled to freedom of choice. They should
have the freedom to send their children to nonpublic schools if they so choose.
Parents have a constitutional right to send their children to nonpublic schools.
That right is impaired when the financial burden is so great that it cannot be
borne without unusual hardship. That right is also impaired if increasing numbers
of nonpublic schools are forced to shut down because parents can't pay rising
tuition costs.
"Parents of nonpublic students carry a double financial load. They pay
taxes to support public education, and they pay tuition so their youngsters may
receive the special spiritual guidance offered by a nonpublie 'school. We should
subtract at least part of what they pay in nonpublic school tuition from their
Federal income tax bills. That's only fair. These parents already pay their
full share of local taxes for our public schools."
(Hogan is handiing)
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, to be placed in the Cong. Record Jan. 9, 1973
Mr. Speaker, on Nov. 4, 1972, the American Hungarian Federation at its
quadrennial convention in Philadelphia unanimously adopted a resolution
calling for support of the Administration's policies on freer movement of
ideas and true reciprocity of cultural relations with East Central Europe and
the Soviet Union.
The resolution also referred to the principles laid down la for international
relations by the United States and the Soviet Union and reminded us that we
must be watchful lest
Rolicy
be misconstrued by the Soviets for the
purpose of preventing free political development in East Central Europe
With
caution in mind, I think it canbe said that developments in
recent years have created such a degree of mutual recognition of essential
interests between East and West that East-West relations can be put on a
quantitatively new level by expanding the areas as of cooperation. These new
conditions have been created both at the level of the superpowers and by West
European diplomacy.
Besides mutual force reductions and possibly an enlarged SALT II, affuture
European Conference for Security and Cooperation is now at the center of attention
as a possible means to initiate institutionalized East-West cooperation in various
fields.
There is little doubt that the chances for immediate steps in East-West
cooperation have improved significantly. But only concrete negotiations based
on the realities of the situation in East Central Europe will show whether the
rising hopes can be fulfilled.
I share the deep concern of the American Hungarian Federation for the problems
of East Central Europe. We must be ever mindful of the consequences of any
IBRARY
GER
actions WB may take concerning that area.
#####
Phone 966-0502
Founded in 1906
AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FEDERATION
3216 NEW MEXICO AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D. C. 20016
January 2, 1973
HON. ALBERT A. FIOK
Judge, Court of Common Pleas
The Honorable
National President
Gerald R. Ford
Minority Leader
The Right Reverend
DR. ZOLTAN BEKY
H-240 U.S. Capitol
Chairman of the Board
Washington, D.C. 20515
Att.: Mr. Paul Miltich
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Dear Congressman,
CORNELIUS A. NAVORI, M.D.
Chairman
LASZLO L. ESZENYI
National Vice-President
Enclosed you will find our Memorandum on the Conference
DR. JOHN NADAS
on Security and Cooperation in Europe which was presented
National Vice-President
in person to the State Department and in writing to Pre-
BELA TELEKI
sident Nixon.
National Vice-President
EDE NEUMAN DE VEGVAR
National Vice-President
May we ask you to participate in a special order on the
subject? We have asked Congressman Lawrence J. Hogan to
DR. ELEMER BAKO
National Director
arrange for one on January 19, 1973 (Tuesday) and you may
EDWARD CHASZAR
contact us or his office on this matter.
National Director
PAUL ST. MIKLOSSY
We are also taking the liberty of enclosing a small draft
National Treasurer
on the subject which you may want to use with any changes
BELA A. KARLOWITZ, Esq.
you may see fit.
Legal Counsellor
MICHAEL HEGEDUS, JR.
National Controller
In view of your past support of the work of our Federation
DR. JULIUS HOVANYI
we hope that it will be possible for you to participate
National Controller
either in person, or by submitting a statement, and
DR. GEORGE NEMETHY
wishing you a very happy and successful New Year, we
National Controller
are
DR. LOUIS FURY
National Secretary
Sincerely
DR. Z. MICHAEL SZAZ
Secretary of International
Relations
Z. Michael Szaz, Ph.D.
Secretary of International
Bishop Rt. Chairman Rev. yours emeritus Zoltan of the Beky, Board D.D.
Relations
Encls.
DRAFT STATEMENT FOR MINORITY LEADER GERLAD R. FORD (R. MICH.) ON THE
MEMORANDUM OF THE AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FEDERATION ON EUROPEAN SECURITY
Mr. Chairman! On November 4, 1972 the American Hungarian Federation at its
quadrennial convention in Philadelphia unanimously adopted a resolution
calling for support of our Administration's policies on freer movement of
ideas and and true reciprocity of cultural relations with East Central
Europe and the Soviet Union.
The resolution also referred to the principles laid down for international
relations by the United States and the Soviet Union and reminded us that
we must be watchful lest they be misconstrued by the Soviets for the pur-
pose of preventing free political development in East Central Europe in the
name of maintaining the political status quo.
Beyond these sections, the resolution also asked for the inclusion of
the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Hungary into the coming MBFR talks and
proposed a neutralization of Hungary and other East Central European states
along the pattern of Austria's status.
Especially the last suggestion would be rather innovative and would
require further specification, analysis and crystallization. However, as
a possible avenue for reduction of tensions in Europe, for ensuring free
depevelopment and advancing the cause of lasting peace in the region, it
is worth of further in-depth study by all of us involved in the quest for
e
peace and security in Europe.
LIBRAR
RESOLUTION
unanimously passed by the national convention of the American Hungarian
Federation meeting on November 4, 1972 at the Sheraton Hotel in Phila-
delphia, Pa. a quorum being present.
The. American Hungarian Federation is addressing the President of the
United States about the suggestions of the American Hungarian community
and its needs as follows:
1. At the MBFR talks prioity should be awarded to the complete
withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary without, however,
interfering unfavorably with the security interests of NATO.
2. As the small states living in the immediate vicinity of the
nuclear superpower, 1.0., the U.S.S.R., would even then remain
in a defenscless position, Hungary and other countries of
East Central Europe should be neutralized in accordance with
the Austrian pattern; and their neutral status should be
guaranteed by the major powers and the United Nations.
3. The principles agreed upon in the Moscow Agreements of 1972
i.e., non-interference with domestic affairs, sovereign equality,
independence, abstention from the use or the threat of force"
were not kept in the past and therefore, they can only be
applied in the future to such state of affairs in which they
have already become realitiew.
4. The American Hungarian Federation does not recognize the final
permánonce of European frontiers.
5. The common goal: normalization of life, general security and
coopcration may not be attained without a replacement of present
constraints by respect for human rights and civil liberties,
free communications, mutual and free cultural relations and
religious and press freedoms. These liberties should also extend
to the nationaliminorities of the various European statos.
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, to be placed in the Congressional Record
of January 9, 1973.
MR. SPEAKER, on Nov. 4, 1972, the American Hungarian Federation at
its quadrennial convention in Philadelphia unanimously adopted 8. resolution
calling for support of the Administration's policies on freer movement of
ideas and true reciprocity of cultural relations with East Central Europe
and the Soviet Union.
The resolution also referred to the principles laid down for inter-
national relations by the United States and the Soviet Union and reminded
us that we must be watchful lest U. S. policy be misconstrued by the Soviets
for the purpose of preventing free political development in East Central
Europe.
With this caution in mind, I think it can be said that developments
in recent years have created such a degree of mutual recognition of
essential interests between East and West that East-West relations can be
put on a quantitatively new level by expanding the areas of cooperation.
These new conditions have been created both at the level of the superpowers
and by West European diplomacy.
Besides mutual force reductions and possibly an enlarged SALT II,
a future European Conference for Security and Cooperation is now at the
center of attention as a possible means to initiate institutionalized
East-West cooperation in various fields.
There is little doubt that the chances for immediate steps in
East-West cooperation have improved significantly. But only concrete
BERALD LIBRARY
Page 2
negotiations based on the realities of the situation in East Central
Europe will show whether the rising hopes can be fulfilled.
I share the deep concern of the American Hungarian Federation for
the problems of East Central Europe. We must be ever mindful of the
consequences of any actions we may take concerning that area.
# # #
1
Distribution. 5th District MediaM affice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10, 1973, AND THEREAFTER
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today introduced a bill aimed at ending welfare cheating
which deprives merchants of payment for their wares.
The Ford bill is directed at welfare recipients who buy a needed appliance,
such as a stove or refrigerator, but don't pay for it with the welfare funds they
are given for that purpose.
Ford said his bill would allow a state, in its discretion, to use the dual
signature method of making welfare payments to families with dependent children.
This "restricted" or vendor payment insures that the money owed the merchant will
be paid, Ford said.
At present, a State can employ the dual signature method of disbursing
welfare funds but only where the welfare recipient has demonstrated an inability to
manage money. Also, the dual signature practice must be limited to 10 per cent of
the entire welfare load.
The Ford bill would provide clear-cut Federal authority for State discretion
in the use of vendor payments. This would eliminate any possibility that the State
would lose Federal matching funds.
"This legislation is important in terms of justice to the merchant and
improved operation of our welfare system, which is badly in need of reform,"
Ford said.
"We shouldn't have any cheating in the welfare system," he continued.
"When the public sees welfare cheating, even if it is practiced by only a few, the
public loses faith in the entire system and gets the impression that everyone on
welfare cheats. My bill would improve matters for everyone concerned -- those on
welfare, the merchant, and the public-at-large."
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10, 1973, AND THEREAFTER
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today introduced a bill aimed at ending welfare cheating
which deprives merchants of payment for their wares.
The Ford bill is directed at welfare recipients who buy a needed appliance,
such as a stove or refrigerator, but don't pay for it with the welfare funds they
are given for that purpose.
Ford said his bill would allow a state, in its discretion, to use the dual
signature method of making welfare payments to families with dependent children.
This "restricted" or vendor payment insures that the money owed the merchant will
be paid, Ford said.
At present, a State can employ the dual signature method of disbursing
welfare funds but only where the welfare recipient has demonstrated an inability to
manage money. Also, the dual signature practice must be limited to 10 per cent of
the entire welfare load.
The Ford bill would provide clear-cut Federal authority for State discretion
in the use of vendor payments. This would eliminate any possibility that the State
would lose Federal matching funds.
"This legislation is important in terms of justice to the merchant and
improved operation of our welfare system, which is badly in need of reform,"
Ford said.
"We shouldn't have any cheating in the welfare system," he continued.
"When the public sees welfare cheating, even if it is practiced by only a few, the
public loses faith in the entire system and gets the impression that everyone on
welfare cheats. My bill would improve matters for everyone concerned --- those on
welfare, the merchant, and the public-at-large."
###
Kemarks by mep. Gerald K. Ford to be placed in the Congressional Record
of Thursday, January 11, 1973.
MR. SPEAKER: I am pleased that the President has proposed that the
country move beyond Phase II of the price and wage control program to a new
type of program which is self-administering and based on voluntary
compliance. His timing is excellent, given the progress we have made thus
far in achieving economic stability and proper economic growth.
I think the proposed new program has a good chance of success,
considering the willingness of both labor and management to participate
fully in the implementation and operation of Phase III. The support
expressed by both labor and management indicates that both groups believe
the plan to be equitable.
In my opinion, Phase III substantially accommodates the views
advanced by labor leaders during the consultation process. I understand
they have expressed their willingness to comply voluntarily with an
appropriate type of program.
I would emphasize that the new price andwwage control system is
derected at plugging up holes in the existing program, since it will include
stepped-up efforts to control food prices and medical costs.
The special emphasis that Phase IIK places on moderating food price
behavior should be good news to the housewife. In addition to the
maintenance of mandatory controls on food processors and retailers, a new
Cost of Living Council Committee on Food has been created. The Committee
on Food will work closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that
specific decisions as well as reforms in the farm programs fully accommodate
Page 2
the need to elicit increased supplies to meet consumer demand. This
special emphasis on consumer food prices is vital in view of the recent
upsurge in food prices at the wholesale level.
Finally, I endorse the President's goal of getting the rate of
inflation down to 2.5 per cent or less by the end of 1973. This is an
ambitious goal but not an unreasonable one. I think we can make it.
###
Distribution. Full.
Galleries Mail 12:30 pm pm 1/11/73 Office Copy
Go.1 Members 1/13/73
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 11, 1973
I am pleased that the President has acted to move the country beyond
Phase II of the price and wage control program to a new type of program which is
self-administering and based on voluntary compliance. His timing is excellent,
given the progress we have made thus far in achieving economic stability and proper
economic growth.
I think the new program has a good chance of success, considering the
willingness of both labor and management to participate fully in the implementation
and operation of Phase III. The support expressed by both labor and management
indicates that both groups believe the plan to be equitable.
In my opinion, Phase III substantially accommodates the views advanced by
labor leaders during the consultation process. I understand they have expressed
their willingness to comply voluntarily with an appropriate type of program.
I would emphasize that the new price and wage control system is directed
at plugging up holes in the existing program, since it will include stepped-up
efforts to control food prices and medical costs.
The special emphasis that Phase III places on moderating food price behavior
should be good news to the housewife. In addition to the maintenance of mandatory
controls on food processors and retailers, a new Cost of Living Council Committee
on Food has been created. The Committee on Food will work closely with the
Department of Agriculture to ensure that specific decisions as well as reforms in
the farm programs fully accommodate the need to elicit increased supplies to meet
consumer demand. This special emphasis on consumer food prices is vital in view
of the recent upsurge in food prices at the wholesale level.
Finally, I endorse the President's goal of getting the rate of inflation
down to 2.5 per cent or less by the end of 1973. This is an ambitious goal but
not an unreasonable one. I think we can make it.
# # #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 11, 1973
I am pleased that the President has acted to move the country beyond
Phase II of the price and wage control program to a new type of program which is
self-administering and based on voluntary compliance. His timing is excellent,
given the progress we have made thus far in achieving economic stability and proper
economic growth.
I think the new program has a good chance of success, considering the
willingness of both labor and management to participate fully in the implementation
and operation of Phase III. The support expressed by both labor and management
indicates that both groups believe the plan to be equitable.
In my opinion, Phase III substantially accommodates the views advanced by
labor leaders during the consultation process. I understand they have expressed
their willingness to comply voluntarily with an appropriate type of program.
I would emphasize that the new price and wage control system is directed
at plugging up holes in the existing program, since it will include stepped-up
efforts to control food prices and medical costs.
The special emphasis that Phase III places on moderating food price behavior
should be good news to the housewife. In addition to the maintenance of mandatory
controls on food processors and retailers, a new Cost of Living Council Committee
on Food has been created. The Committee on Food will work closely with the
Department of Agriculture to ensure that specific decisions as well as reforms in
the farm programs fully accommodate the need to elicit increased supplies to meet
consumer demand. This special emphasis on consumer food prices is vital in view
of the recent upsurge in food prices at the wholesale level.
Finally, I endorse the President's goal of getting the rate of inflation
down to 2.5 per cent or less by the end of 1973. This is an ambitious goal but
not an unreasonable one. I think we can make it.
# # #
Distribution Full 3:00 Have pm 1/15/73 Galleries M Office Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 15, 1973
The action of President Nixon in halting the bombing and shelling of North
Vietnam and the mining of Haiphong harbor is an indication of solid progress
toward a ceasefire and a formula for peace in Vietnam. I am most gratified by
this movement toward an end to the fighting.
###
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 15, 1973
The action of President Nixon in halting the bombing and shelling of North
Vietnam and the mining of Haiphong harbor is an indication of solid progress
toward a ceasefire and a formula for peace in Vietnam. I am most gratified by
this movement toward an end to the fighting.
###
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
190
CONGRESSIONAL Extensions of Remarks
January 15, 1973
TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE HONORS
Following the afternoon ceremonies, mem-
ruary 3 as International Clergy Week in
CUMMINGS
bers of the General Assembly and the honor
the United States.
guests will be guests of the university at a
In support of continuing the recogni-
buffet dinner and a basketball game with
HON. ED JONES
MacMurray College of Illinois, in the new
tion by the United States of this dedica-
Charles Murphy Convocation Center.
tion, I have introduced House Joint Res-
OF TENNESSEE
Murfreesboro was capital of the state from
olution 163 which would authorize and
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1819 to 1825, and the General Assembly voted
direct the President to proclaim the week
Monday, January 15, 1973
in Nashville in 1839 to make it the center of
beginning January 28 as International
state government again, but the move failed
Clergy Week.
Mr. JONES of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker,
when the House refused to appropriate the
last week in an unprecedented move, the
necessary funds to transfer state records here
Tennessee General Assembly convened
from Nashville.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE, AGAIN?
outside of the State capitol to honor
"I personally give James K. Polk (then gov-
Mr. Jim Cummings, who was known as
ernor and later President) a lot of the credit
for keeping the capital in Nashville, since he
HON. JOHN M. ZWACH
the dean of the legislature until his re-
said he wouldn't move to Murfreesboro,"
OF MINNESOTA
tirement last year. The purpose of the
Bragg said.
meeting was to name a dormitory at Mid-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Nashville became capital in 1826 and was
dle Tennessee State University in honor
made the permanent capital in 1843. The
Monday, January 15, 1973
of Mr. Cummings.
other locations were: Knoxville, 1796-1806;
Kingston, for one day only, 1807; Knoxville,
Mr. ZWACH. Mr. Speaker, one problem
The occasion was announced in a story
1808-1811; Nashville, 1812-1815, and Knox-
facing our country for which we must
by Kirk Loggins in the Nashville Tennes-
ville, 1816-1817.
find a solution is the building of manu-
sean on January 7, 1973. As one who has
Following the destruction by fire of the
facturing plants in foreign countries by
known and respected Mr. Cummings for
old Rutherford County Courthouse, its meet-
American industry and the resulting
many years, having served with him in
ing place, the General Assembly met in n
exporting of jobs.
Gov. Gordon Browning's cabinet, I in-
Presbyterian church here, according to Bragg.
I would like, with your permission, to
clude the article from the Tennessean to
One of the highlights of the legislature's
insert in the CONCRESSIONAL RECORD, an
be placed in the RECORD at this point:
stay in Murfreesboro was a ceremony honor-
ASSEMBLY SETS HISTORIC MOVE FOR
ing Gen. Andrew Jackson for his military
editorial written by Gordon Duenow in
victories.
the St. Cloud Daily Times in our Min-
"Mr. JIM"
In addition to his 14 terms in the House
nesota Sixth Congressional District.
(By Kirk Loggins)
and two in the Senate, Cummings a Demo-
Editor Duenow very aptly points out
MURFREESBORO.-The General Assembly will
crat, served as secretary of state from 1949
the need to come to grips with this prob-
convene here Wednesday for the first time
to 1953 and was elected speaker of the House
lem if we hope for a happy economic
since 1825, when the state capital was moved
in 1967. Born on Cannon County farm in
outlook for 1973:
to Nashville, to honor James H. (Mr. Jim)
1890, he began his political career as Cannon
Cummings of Woodbury, longtime dean of
County circuit Court clerk in 1912 and was
Too LITTLE, Too LATE AGAIN?
the legislature.
first elected to the Tennessee House of Rep-
Elsewhere on this editorial page today,
The House and Senate will be called into
resentatives in 1928.
Hobart Rowen, columnist for the Washington
session at 4:30 p.m. in the Dramatic Arts
Post, comments that the "U.S. economy is
Auditorium at Middle Tennessee State Uni-
winding up the year with a great burst of
versity for the naming of a seven-story
strength." He points out, however, that
women's dormitory in honor of Cummings,
REMARKS ON HOUSE JOINT
"despite the happy outlook for 1973, miti-
82, who retired last year after representing
RESOLUTION 163
gated by unemployment levels that are still
neighboring Cannon County for 36 years!
too high for blacks and young persons, there
Gov. Winfield Dunn will participate in the
are pressing questions of economic policy
ceremonies, unveiling a portrait of "Mr.
HON. GERALD R. FORD
that the administration is now trying to
Jim," which will be placed in the lobby of
answer."
the building bearing his name, and Rep.
OF MICHIGAN
Wage and price controls, inflation and
John Bragg of Murfressboro will give the
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
assistance to industries and workers suffer-
dedicatory address.
Monday, January 15, 1973
ing hardship as a consequence of heavy im-
The General Assembly will meet in another
ports were mentioned as examplies.
joint session at noon Thursday, at the Capi-
Mr. GERALD R. FORD. Mr. Speaker,
While many of us have some realization
tol, to hear Gov. Dunn deliver his annual
30 years ago on February 3, the troop
of what is taking place involving imports
budget message.
transport Dorchester was torpedoed and
and consequent loss of jobs for U.S. workers,
"The meeting of the legislature here
sunk in the icy North Atlantic waters
the extent of what is taking place is only
Wednesday will be a historic occasion, and I
off the coast of Greenland.
slowly being revealed.
don't think it could take place for a better
For instance, in his weekly newsletter,
reason than the honoring of Mr. Jim," Rep.
Aboard that ship were more than 600
Rep. John Zwach points out that in the past
Bragg, chairman of a special MTSU commit-
servicemen and four chaplains-a rabbi,
year 57 American manufacturers have opened
tee in charge of arrangements for the oc-
a priest and two Protestant ministers.
new plants in Mexico where there are now 350
casion, said yesterday.
Disregarding their own safety, the chap-
such new factories.
"During the Depression, Mr. Jim led a drive
lains gave up their lifejackets to soldiers
This may sound bad enough, but, according
to raise about $60,000 each for the state
who had lost theirs and in so doing gave
to Zwach's newsletter, while manufacturers
teachers colleges here and in Memphis,
up their own lives so that others might
bring their machinery and raw materials
Cookeville, and Johnson City, and that's
live.
from the United States to Mexico, none of
what saved these universities," Bragg said.
the products produced by them can be sold
The resolution to be considered by the As-
As they died, they stood hand in hand
in Mexico where they might compete with
sembly here Wednesday also honors Mrs.
praying to God for the safety of those
local products. Wonder how many countries
Cummings, who was her husband's secretary
who were fleeing the sinking ship.
have plants in the United States where a
until recently.
"Without her looking after all of his law
This selfiess act is reflective of the ded-
similar situation exists?
ication to God and humanity which cler-
Most of the products manufactured by
clients back in Woodbury, he couldn't have
gymen of all faiths display every day
U.S. plants in Mexico eventually wind up in
been gone from the office that long," Bragg
the United States where many of them are
said, adding that Cummings referred to "Miss
throughout this Nation.
imported duty-free. So far, Zwach writes,
Hesta" as the "speaker of my house."
For more than 10 years, Mr. Speaker,
these companies provide employment for
Members of the legislature will board Na-
Civitan International has sponsored pro-
about 50,000 Mexican workers.
tional Guard buses at the Motlow Tunnel,
grams in communities across the country
This hasn't only been taking place in
in front of the Capitol in Nashville, at 3:15
p.m. Wednesday for the ceremonies here,
in recognition of the dedication of mem-
Mexico, eithter. It's been happening all over
which are open to the public.
bers of the clergy through its Interna-
the world where American industry is taking
advantage of cheap labor.
Dr. M. G. Scarlett, MTSU president, Dr.
tional Clergy Week observance.
The Nixon administration is aware of what
Howard Kirksey, vice president for academic
Again this year, activities are being
is going on but, as Rowen writes in his
affairs, and John Jackson, Associated Student
planned throughout the Nation, high-
column today, it is about to ditch its own
Body president, will represent the university
lighted by a week long series of programs
plan to recommend an expenditure of $500
at the dedication, and Mr. Cummings' secre-
in Albuquerque, N. Mex.
million for "adjustment assistance" to in-
tary, Mrs. Linda Brown, State Treasurer
dustries and workers suffering hardship as &
Tommy Wiseman and Bob Abernathy, former
In appreciation of the services to man-
consequence of heavy imports, Reason given
director of university relations at MTSU, will
kind by the clergy, President Nixon in
is the effort to control federal spending to
speak briefly on their memories of "Mr. Jim."
1970 proclaimed the week including Feb-
conform with limits set down by Nixon.
Distribution Fifth District only
Weeklies pm 1/19/73
Dailis am 1/15/73
magning Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For Release Thursday, Jan. 18, 1973
Rep. Gerald R. Ford Thursday reintroduced his "runaway pappy" bill, a piece
of legislation aimed at fathers who have fled to other states to escape paying
child support.
The Ford bill would make child support orders enforceable in Federal
courts. It would bring Federal authority to bear on the problem of non-support
by husbands and fathers who shirk their parental responsibilities.
Ford said passage of his bill would give legal sanction to the moral and
social obligations every husband has to take care of his family.
"The main purpose of the bill," Ford said, "is to try to deter a man from
leaving a state to avoid paying for child support under an order obtained against
him."
The Ford bill grants jurisdiction to Federal officials to act in those cases
where a man flees from one state to another to evade his obligations under a divorce
decree or child support order issued by a state court. The bill makes it a crime
for a man to move out of the state to avoid obeying the state court order.
The states cannot get uniform state action on this matter, and the cost of
extradition from one state to another is too great for a state or local government,
Ford said.
Ford stated: "We need the help of the Federal government to get at husbands
and fathers who refuse to support their children and flee to another state to
escape their responsibilities. I think we should throw the forces of the Federal
government into pursuit of fathers who run off and leave their families with no
means of support. A man who abandons his children is just as much a felon as the
man who steals an automobile."
Under the proposed Federal law, nonsupport cases would be heard by Federal
courts in the state where the fugitive father is residing at the time. He would
be given the option of supporting his children or going to jail. It would not be
necessary to return the man to the state where the nonsupport or desertion charges
had been brought.
###
GERRID FORD LIBRARY
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford. to be placed in the Congressional Record
of January 18, 1973.
MR. SPEAKER: I have today reintroduced my "runaway pappy" bill,
a piece of legislation aimed at fathers who have fled to other states to
escape paying child support.
My bill would make child support orders enforceable in Federal
courts. It would bring Federal authority to bear on the problem of
non-support by husbands and fathers who shirk their parental responsibilities.
Passage of my bill would give legal sanction to the moral and
social obligations every husband has to take care of his family.
The main purpose of the bill is to try to deter & man from leaving
a state to avoid paying for child support under an order obtained against
him.
My bill gmants jurisdiction to Federal officials to act in those
cases where a man flees from one state to another to evade his obligations
under a divorce decree or child support order issued by a state court.
The bill makes it a crime for a man to move out of the state to avoid
obeying the state court order.
The states cannot get uniform state action on this matter, and the
cost of extradition from one state to another is too great for a state
or local government.
We need the help of the Federal government to get at husbands and
fathers who refuse to support their children and flee to another state to
escape their responsibilities. I think we should throw the forces of the
Federal government into pursuit of fathers who run off and leave their
families with no means of support. A man who abandons his children is
Page 2
just as much a felon as the man who steals an automobile.
Under the proposed Federal law, nonsupport cases would be heard
by Federal courts in the state where the fugitive father is residing at
the time. He would be given the option of supporting his children or
going to jail. It would not be necessary to return the man to the state
where the nonsupport or desertion charges had been brought.
...
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
For Release Thursday, Jan. 18, 1973
Rep. Gerald R. Ford Thursday reintroduced his "runaway pappy" bill, a piece
of legislation aimed at fathers who have fled to other states to escape paying
child support.
The Ford bill would make child support orders enforceable in Federal
courts. It would bring Federal authority to bear on the problem of non-support
by husbands and fathers who shirk their parental responsibilities.
Ford said passage of his bill would give legal sanction to the moral and
social obligations every husband has to take care of his family.
"The main purpose of the bill," Ford said, "is to try to deter a man from
leaving a state to avoid paying for child support under an order obtained against
him."
The Ford bill grants jurisdiction to Federal officials to act in those cases
where a man flees from one state to another to evade his obligations under a divorce
decree or child support order issued by a state court. The bill makes it a crime
for a man to move out of the state to avoid obeying the state court order.
The states cannot get uniform state action on this matter, and the cost of
extradition from one state to another is too great for a state or local government,
Ford said.
Ford stated: "We need the help of the Federal government to get at husbands
and fathers who refuse to support their children and flee to another state to
escape their responsibilities. I think we should throw the forces of the Federal
government into pursuit of fathers who run off and leave their families with no
means of support. A man who abandons his children is just as much a felon as the
man who steals an automobile."
Under the proposed Federal law, nonsupport cases would be heard by Federal
courts in the state where the fugitive father is residing at the time. He would
be given the option of supporting his children or going to jail. It would not be
necessary to return the man to the state where the nonsupport or desertion charges
had been brought.
###
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, to be placed in the Congressional Record
of January 18, 1973.
MR. SPEAKER, I am happy to salute the Ukrainian people on the
occasion of their 21st of January celebration, the event marking the
55th anniversary of Ukrainian independence.
This year's celebration is somewhat dimmed. The incessant and
systematic oppression of the Ukrainian people by the Soviet government
has continued. Last year, over one hundred Ukrainian intellectuals
were arrested. These people are still imprisoned.
The people of the free world cannot allow this repression of
basic freedoms of speech and thought to continue. It is the duty of
each of us to voice our strongest condemnation of these infringements.
I hope that all Members of Congress will add their voices to
those of the Ukrainian americans/ who are protesting the destruction of
the Ukrainian cultural heritage by the policy of forced Russification.
Let us hope that the spirit of independence may forever
continue among the Ukrainian people.
# # #
LIBRARY
Moffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
Jam. 20, 1973
Remarks by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
The Pre sident's inaugural address was an inspiring message which pointed up
America's eminent role as peacemaker to the wrld.
I was particularly pleased that the President said we will no longer make every
other nation's conflict our own. His plea for world peace was most moving. He plainly
extended the hand of friendship to nations with ideologies greatly different from ours.
I agree with Pre sident Nixon that 1972 will be remembered as the year of greatest
progre SS toward world peace in modern history. And I strongly endorse his warning
against a retreat into isolationism.
As for the President's comments on the domestic scene, these clearly pointed up
the Nixon Administration's determination to shift from a Federal Government role of
paternalism to one of partnership with local officials and reliance on the American
people. I fully subscribe to his call for new ways to meet our tremendous needs.
As the President so eloquently said, we must seek solutions at the local level and
we must renew our faith in ourselves.
#####
FORD in LIBRARY 038870
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
Jam. 20, 1973
Remarks by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
The Pre sident's inaugural address was an inspiring message which pointed up
America's eminent role as peacemaker to the wrld.
I was particularly pleased that the President said we will no longer make every
other nation's conflict our own. His plea for world peace was most moving. He plainly
extended the hand of friendship to nations with ideologies greatly different from ours.
I agree with President Nixon that 1972 will be remembered as the year of greatest
progress toward world peace in modern history. And I strongly endorse his warning
against a retreat into isolationism.
As for the President's comments on the domestic scene, these clearly pointed up
the Nixon Administration's determination to shift from a Federal Government role of
paternalism to one of partnership with local officials and reliance on the American
people. I fully subscribe to his call for new ways to meet our tremendous needs.
As the President so eloquently said, we must seek solutions at the local level and
we must renew our faith in ourselves.
GERALD R.FORD (IBRARY
Comments on LBJ
January 23,1973
I am deeply saddened by Lyndon Johnson's death. He and I became close
friends, and I was most grateful for that friendship. Lyndon Johnson was
one of the most colorful and forceful Presidents ever to guide this Nation.
His record as President marked him as a dynamic and strong Chief Executive
and XP a President who was most skillful in his handling of the Congress.
#####
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
Distribution: GOP 1/24/73 am Maffie Copy
Hance Galleries)
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
January 24, 1973
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
President Nixon's moving announcement that peace is coming to Vietnam is
news that all the world has been agonizingly awaiting. That this peace is an
honorable peace is due solely to one man -- the resolute man who is Richard Nixon,
the man with the courage to do what was necessary and right in Vietnam. I
devoutly hope and pray -- and I believe -- that this peace will last. And I
thank God that it will mean the return of our prisoners of war and an accounting
of our missing in action.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
January 24, 1973
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
President Nixon's moving announcement that peace is coming to Vietnam is
news that all the world has been agonizingly awaiting. That this peace is an
honorable peace is due solely to one man -- the resolute man who is Richard Nixon,
the man with the courage to do what was necessary and right in Vietnam. I
devoutly hope and pray -- and I believe -- that this peace will last. And I
thank God that it will mean the return of our prisoners of war and an accounting
of our missing in action.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY, JAN. 25, 1973, and THEREAFTER
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today introduced a bill aimed at ending the kind of
turmoil apple growers and fruit processors went through last fall in Michigan and
a number of other states.
Ford's bill, to be known as the National Agricultural Marketing and Bargain-
ing Act of 1973, would lay down standards for the formation of farm producer
bargaining associations and provide for good faith bargaining between such
associations and farm produce handlers.
Farmers now are free to set up marketing and bargaining associations. What
the Ford bill would do is to improve the legal foundation for such associations
and improve the opportunity for farmer-controlled marketing organizations to succeed.
Michigan apple growers last fall banded together and picketed fruit
processors in quest of better prices. The growers contended processor-set prices
did not afford the growers a decent living and were nothing short of disastrous.
After a bitter struggle, growers and processors finally agreed on apple prices
that satisfied the growers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation vigorously supports the kind of
legislation introduced by Ford.
In introducing the National Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act of
1973, Ford declared: "There is an urgent need for legislation which will help
farmers manage their production and establish voluntary marketing and bargaining
associations. Only in that way can they obtain net incomes commensurate with their
contribution to the national economy. The role of the government in all of this
should be to create a favorable climate for good faith bargaining and negotiations
between such associations and farm produce handlers."
The Farm Bureau asserts that farm produce handlers have been developing and
offering terms to farm product contract growers on a take-it-or-leave-it basis.
The Bureau describes this as "a one-sided process which often pits a large,
well-informed buyer against a smaller, less well-informed producer." "
Said Ford: "The days of take-it-or-leave-it must come to an end for
America's farmers who are contract growers and do not sell in the open market.
They have been at the mercy of handlers for far too long."
# # #
Distribution: 5th District
Wuklies pm 1/19/73
Dailies am 1/22/73
Maffice Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY, JAN. 25, 1973, and THEREAFTER
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today introduced a bill aimed at ending the kind of
turmoil apple growers and fruit processors went through last fall in Michigan and
a number of other states.
Ford's bill, to be known as the National Agricultural Marketing and Bargain-
ing Act of 1973, would lay down standards for the formation of farm producer
bargaining associations and provide for good faith bargaining between such
associations and farm produce handlers.
Farmers now are free to set up marketing and bargaining associations. What
the Ford bill would do is to improve the legal foundation for such associations
and improve the opportunity for farmer-controlled marketing organizations to succeed.
Michigan apple growers last fall banded together and picketed fruit
processors in quest of better prices. The growers contended processor-set prices
did not afford the growers a decent living and were nothing short of disastrous.
After a bitter struggle, growers and processors finally agreed on apple prices
that satisfied the growers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation vigorously supports the kind of
legislation introduced by Ford.
In introducing the National Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act of
1973, Ford declared: "There is an urgent need for legislation which will help
farmers manage their production and establish voluntary marketing and bargaining
associations. Only in that way can they obtain net incomes commensurate with their
contribution to the national economy. The role of the government in all of this
should be to create a favorable climate for good faith bargaining and negotiations
between such associations and farm produce handlers."
The Farm Bureau asserts that farm produce handlers have been developing and
offering terms to farm product contract growers on a take-it-or-leave-it basis.
The Bureau describes this as "a one-sided process which often pits a large,
well-informed buyer against a smaller, less well-informed producer."
Said Ford: "The days of take-it-or-leave-it must come to an end for
America's farmers who are contract growers and do not sell in the open market.
They have been at the mercy of handlers for far too long."
GERALD LIBRARY
# # #
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, to be placed in the Congressional Record
of January 26, 1973.
MR. SPEAKER: the President has today sent to the Congress his first
reorganization plan of the new session.
While this plan should of course be carefully studied, it appears
to have been most logically drafted.
The President is determined to reduce sharply the size of his
Executive Office. To that end, he has decided to shift a number of
operational and program functions out of the Executive Office into the
line departments and agencies of the Government.
As outlined in the President's message of transmittal, Reorganization
Plan No. 1 seems to make a great deal of sense.
The plan would abolish the Office of Science and Technology and
transfer its functions back to the National Science Foundation. It would
abolish the National Aeronautics and Space Council on the basis that this
body no longer is needed. It would dismantle the Office of Emergency
Preparedness and transfer its functions to the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the General Services Administration, and the Treasury
Department.
The President is seeking to restructure his Executive Office. He
is personally convinced his plans would promote greater efficiency. I
believe Congress should concur in his plans.
###
LIBRARY
Distribution: House Galleries only
10:00 a.m. 2/1/73
Maffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FORD-ARENDS-ANDERSON-CLEVELAND-GARDNER-NADER PRESS CONFERENCE
There will be a joint press conference at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, in
the Armed Services Committee Hearing Room, Room 2118, Rayburn House Office
Building. Participants will be House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford,
House Minority Whip Leslie Arends, House GOP Conference Chairman John B.
Anderson, Rep. James Cleveland, R-N.H., former member of the Joint Committee
on Reorganization of Congress, Common Cause Chairman John Gardner, and
attorney Ralph Nader.
Subject: Minority staffing of committees.
###
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FORD-ARENDS-ANDERSON-CLEVELAND-GARDNER-NADER PRESS CONFERENCE
There will be a joint press conference at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, in
the Armed Services Committee Hearing Room, Room 2118, Rayburn House Office
Building. Participants will be House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford,
House Minority Whip Leslie Arends, House GOP Conference Chairman John B.
Anderson, Rep. James Cleveland, R-N.H., former member of the Joint Committee
on Reorganization of Congress, Common Cause Chairman John Gardner, and
attorney Ralph Nader.
Subject: Minority staffing of committees.
###
FORD LIBRARY
Distribution: Full
Galleries 3:20pm 2/2/73
Maffice Copy
am 2/3/73
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 2, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
The President's decision to send Congress a series of State of the Union
messages instead of a one-time shopping list makes sense because the President is,
after all, intent not on spending money but on saving it.
The President's attempt to reduce the Federal Government's role in the
daily lives of Americans and to shift some responsibilities for problem-solving
back to the states and local units of government should be welcomed by all our
citizens. It is time to stop the growth of our gargantuan Federal bureaucracy and
to work for local solutions to our problems.
The Federal bureaucracy must be brought under control and reduced. This the
President is trying to do, and he has my support.
I agree with the President that the basic State of the Union is sound and
that we are on the threshold of a new generation of peace. I join him in pledging
every effort to maintain an America that is militarily strong enough to help keep
peace in the world.
As for the President's moves to curb excessive Federal spending, I subscribe
to that objective. Members of Congress should be ever mindful that there is no
such thing as Federal Government money, only taxpayers' money--and that needs
saying again and again.
###
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 2, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
The President's decision to send Congress a series of State of the Union
messages instead of a one-time shopping list makes sense because the President is,
after all, intent not on spending money but on saving it.
The President's attempt to reduce the Federal Government's role in the
daily lives of Americans and to shift some responsibilities for problem-solving
back to the states and local units of government should be welcomed by all our
citizens. It is time to stop the growth of our gargantuan Federal bureaucracy and
to work for local solutions to our problems.
The Federal bureaucracy must be brought under control and reduced. This the
President is trying to do, and he has my support.
I agree with the President that the basic State of the Union is sound and
that we are on the threshold of a new generation of peace. I join him in pledging
every effort to maintain an America that is militarily strong enough to help keep
peace in the world.
As for the President's moves to curb excessive Federal spending, I subscribe
to that objective. Members of Congress should be ever mindful that there is no
such thing as Federal Government money, only taxpayers' money--and that needs
saying again and again.
###
2/2/73
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
SPECIAL TO THE GRANDVILLE ALMANAC..
CUTLINES
LEARNING "WASHINGTON ROPES' -- Vicki Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William S.
Wilson, 3590 Apache Court, is interning for 10 weeks in the Washington office of
Rep. Gerald R.R Ford. She is shown here chatting with the congre ssman. Vicki will
wind up her internship March 16. She is a sophomore at Kalamazoo College, where she
is majoring in Spanish.
#####
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Distribution: Full
Malleries Mil 10a.m. 2/5/73
affice Copy
am
"
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 5, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
We have called this joint press conference to light a fire under our
Democratic friends in the House on the subject of minority staffing and to announce
support for increased minority staffing by Common Cause Chairman John Gardner and
Ralph Nader.
Mr. Gardner comes to us with combat experience in a similar battle on the
Senate side. Mr. Nader comes fresh into this fray but is no less dedicated to
seeing that justice is done. We also have here today Congressman Les Arends, the
House minority whip, Congressman John Anderson, the House GOP Conference chairman,
and Congressman Jim Cleveland, former member of the Joint Committee for
Reorganization of the Congress. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Cleveland are cosponsors of
a minority staffing resolution, H. Res. 167, currently being considered.
Identical resolutions have been introduced by Congressmen Barber Conable of
New York and William J. Keating of Ohio, H. Res. 23; Harold R. Collier of Illinois,
H. Res. 46; and Jack Edwards of Alabama, H. Res. 101.
All of these resolutions would amend the Rules of the House of Representatives
by striking out clause 32 (c) of rule XI and inserting in lieu thereof the following
new paragraph: "The minority party on any such standing committee is entitled, upon
request of a majority of such minority, to up to one-third of the funds provided
for the appointment of committee staff pursuant to each such primary or additional
expenditure resolution."
Clause 32 (c) of rule XI now reads that the minority "shall receive fair
consideration" in the matter of minority staffing.
As anyone can readily recognize, the phrase, "fair consideration," is subject
to as many interpretations as there are committee chairmen and committee majorities.
This is no guarantee of equity and fairness.
I would like to turn now to my good friend Les Arends to give you the back-
ground of the move to increase minority staffing and to refresh your memories on
how a one-third minority staffing provision became part of the Reorganization Act
of 1970 but was knocked out of the House Rules in January 1971 by the Democrats
voting under a binding rule adopted in caucus.
###
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMENTS BY HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER GERALD R. FORD
Arguments for one-third minority staffing:
Overturning the one-third provision was a breach of faith. An agree-
ment had been made with the Democrats, but was not kept.
Overturning the one-third provision was an exercise of raw political
power, an example of a unit-rule, secret, binding party vote which prevents
Democratic members from changing their minds because of Floor arguments or
because of conscience.
The protection of the rights of the minority is a basic tenet of
governmental philosophy in the United States.
Although the minority is to receive "fair consideration" in staffing,
this is in fact differently interpreted in each committee and often the
spirit of the law is not observed.
If the minority is to serve as a loyal opposition, it needs staffing
in order to be effective.
The minority cannot grapple effectively with the complex issues and
problems generated by a post-industrial society without adequate staffing.
If the minority is to develop meaningful alternatives and responses
to these problems, it needs staff assistance.
Professionalism is not inconsistent with partisanship -- it is
important for the minority to have minority staff with points of view
different from those of the majority staff. Republicans and Democrats
have different viewpoints, and minority members need to be able to work
with staff members who share their outlook.
Having a sizable minority staff does not mean that the minority and
majority cannot work effectively together. The Education and Labor
Committee is an example of cooperation.
Some chairmen won't make staff available to other members -- either
majority or minority. The amendment is an opportunity for all members of
committees to get adequate staffing. The allotment of staff has been
abused on some committees.
The GOP has controlled Congress in only 4 of the last 40 years --- the
staffs that have grown over that period are not bipartisan.
The adversary system calls for the best possible presentation by both
sides to achieve the goal of justice and good legislation.
Minority views have frequently influenced the outcome of legislation.
Adequate staffing is necessary to insure that those views are developed and
offer worthwhile alternatives.
Congress needs adequate staffing in order not to lose its initiative
in policymaking and bill drafting to the executive.
Many staff members are not quartered in the committee rooms, but are
in the Chairman's or other majority members' offices where they are not
accessible to minority members.
The executive branch has grown and developed into a vast bureaucracy
of professionalism. Its strength has been proportional to the caliber of
people it has attracted. The minority in Congress needs staff to balance
and respond to this.
From 1969 to 1972, approximately one-third of the Record votes have
been divided along partisan lines. Since so many important issues are
decided on the basis of partisanship, it is only fair that the minority be
assisted by an adequate staff so it can deal realistically with the world
in which it exists.
###
GERALD
LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
We have called this joint press conference to light a fire under our
Democratic friends in the House on the subject of minority staffing and to announce
support for increased minority staffing by Common Cause Chairman John Gardner and
Ralph Nader.
Mr. Gardner comes to us with combat experience in a similar battle on the
Senate side. Mr. Nader comes fresh into this fray but is no less dedicated to
seeing that justice is done. We also have here today Congressman Les Arends, the
House minority whip, Congressman John Anderson, the House GOP Conference chairman,
and Congressman Jim Cleveland, former member of the Joint Committee for
Reorganization of the Congress. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Cleveland are cosponsors of
a minority staffing resolution, H. Res. 167, currently being considered.
Identical resolutions have been introduced by Congressmen Barber Conable of
New York and William J. Keating of Ohio, H. Res. 23; Harold R. Collier of Illinois,
H. Res. 46; and Jack Edwards of Alabama, H. Res. 101.
All of these resolutions would amend the Rules of the House of Representatives
by striking out clause 32 (c) of rule XI and inserting in lieu thereof the following
new paragraph: "The minority party on any such standing committee is entitled, upon
request of a majority of such minority, to up to one-third of the funds provided
for the appointment of committee staff pursuant to each such primary or additional
expenditure resolution."
Clause 32 (c) of rule XI now reads that the minority "shall receive fair
consideration" in the matter of minority staffing.
As anyone can readily recognize, the phrase, "fair consideration," is subject
to as many interpretations as there are committee chairmen and committee majorities.
This is no guarantee of equity and fairness.
I would like to turn now to my good friend Les Arends to give you the back-
ground of the move to increase minority staffing and to refresh your memories on
how a one-third minority staffing provision became part of the Reorganization Act
of 1970 but was knocked out of the House Rules in January 1971 by the Democrats
voting under a binding rule adopted in caucus.
# # #
GERALD A868014
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMENTS BY HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER GERALD R. FORD
Arguments for one-third minority staffing:
Overturning the one-third provision was a breach of faith. An agree-
ment had been made with the Democrats, but was not kept.
Overturning the one-third provision was an exercise of raw political
power, an example of a unit-rule, secret, binding party vote which prevents
Democratic members from changing their minds because of Floor arguments or
because of conscience.
The protection of the rights of the minority is a basic tenet of
governmental philosophy in the United States.
Although the minority is to receive "fair consideration" in staffing,
this is in fact differently interpreted in each committee and often the
spirit of the law is not observed.
If the minority is to serve as a loyal opposition, it needs staffing
in order to be effective.
The minority cannot grapple effectively with the complex issues and
problems generated by a post-industrial society without adequate staffing.
If the minority is to develop meaningful alternatives and responses
to these problems, it needs staff assistance.
Professionalism is not inconsistent with partisanship -- it is
important for the minority to have minority staff with points of view
different from those of the majority staff. Republicans and Democrats
have different viewpoints, and minority members need to be able to work
with staff members who share their outlook.
Having a sizable minority staff does not mean that the minority and
majority cannot work effectively together. The Education and Labor
Committee is an example of cooperation.
Some chairmen won't make staff available to other members -- either
majority or minority. The amendment is an opportunity for all members of
committees to get adequate staffing. The allotment of staff has been
abused on some committees.
The GOP has controlled Congress in only 4 of the last 40 years -- the
staffs that have grown over that period are not bipartisan.
The adversary system calls for the best possible presentation by both
sides to achieve the goal of justice and good legislation.
Minority views have frequently influenced the outcome of legislation.
Adequate staffing is necessary to insure that those views are developed and
offer worthwhile alternatives.
Congress needs adequate staffing in order not to lose its initiative
in policymaking and bill drafting to the executive.
Many staff members are not quartered in the committee rooms, but are
in the Chairman's or other majority members' offices where they are not
accessible to minority members.
The executive branch has grown and developed into a vast bureaucracy
of professionalism. Its strength has been proportional to the caliber of
people it has attracted. The minority in Congress needs staff to balance
and respond to this.
From 1969 to 1972, approximately one-third of the Record votes have
been divided along partisan lines. Since so many important issues are
decided on the basis of partisanship, it is only fair that the minority be
assisted by an adequate staff so it can deal realistically with the world
in which it exists.
# # #
Distribution: Full
Galleries 3pm 2/8/73 M Office Copy
Fifth Dist. air Mail 3:30 PR 2/7/73
Mail am 2/8/73
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON FRIDAY--
February 9, 1973
Note to Correspondents: Please see attached letter to HEW Secretary Caspar
Weinberger.
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today urged HEW Secretary Caspar Weinberger to order an
HEW policy change which would enable states to wipe out welfare cheating.
Ford asked Weinberger to allow states discretionary use of the dual payee
system of making payments to welfare recipients--the requirement that payment for
specific goods, services or items be in the form of checks which are drawn jointly
to the order of the recipient and the person furnishing the goods, services or items
and negotiable only upon endorsement by both such recipient and such person.
The need for such restrictive payments is made clear by a study conducted in
Genesee County, Michigan by the Michigan Department of Social Services and the
Genesee County Dental Society, Ford said.
This study showed that in cases where dental work was performed on welfare
recipients, only 50 per cent of the money sent to those recipients for payment of
their dental bills was actually used for that purpose.
R. Bernard Houston, director of the Michigan Department of Social Services,
has informed Ford: "The conclusion (of those making the Genesee County study) was
that if public accountability and recipients' dental and optometric needs were of
any concern, the need for change in the payment system was scarcely arguable."
Payment for needed services to welfare recipients is part of their cash
grant in Michigan.
In a letter to Ford, Houston said: "This worked fairly well for a while, but
as caseloads increased abuse increased. To be specific, many recipients received
payment for authorized service and never returned to receive the service, or if
received, did not pay for it. The incidence of this abuse reached such proportions
that many individual doctors and, in some instances, county professional societies
refused further service to welfare recipients.'
Ford has introduced a bill, H.R. 1750, which would give the states
discretionary power to use the dual payee system as much as they wish without losing
Federal welfare payments.
HEW restricts use of the dual payee system to 10 per cent of the welfare
caseload and then only to cases where the recipient has demonstrated inability to
manage money.
Ford said he would be delighted to see Weinberger order the policy change,
making his dual payee bill unnecessary.
###
LIBRARY
GERALD R. FORD
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
MICHIGAN OFFICE:
425 CHERRY STREET SE.
GRAND RAPIDS
ZIP 49502
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
house of Representatives
Clashington, D.C. 20515
February 7, 1973
The Honorable Caspar Weinberger
Secretary
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing you with regard to welfare cheating--the failure of persons
on welfare to pay for items or services with funds provided them for
that purpose.
The remedy for such cheating is the dual payee system-the requirement
that payment for specific goods, services or items be in the form of
checks which are drawn jointly to the order of the recipient and the
persons furnishing the goods, services or other items and negotiable
only upon endorsement by both such recipient and such person.
This would apply, for instance, to the payment of rent, payments for
dental and optometric services, and the purchase of such appliances as
a refrigerator.
Michigan has sought to use this dual signature method of assuring pay-
ment for services and goods provided to welfare recipients since
February 1971. But HEW has consistently maintained that the dual
signature method can only be used where welfare recipients have demon-
strated inability to manage money--and even then it must be restricted
to 10 per cent of the welfare caseload.
R. Bernard Houston, director of the Michigan Department of Social
Services, maintains that the policy being pursued by HEW is unrealistic--
and I agree.
I have introduced legislation (H.R. 1750) which would allow a State
discretionary use of the dual signature method in cases involving aid
to dependent children. States would be permitted to use the dual
signature method broadly without risking loss of Federal welfare payments.
The Honorable Caspar Weinberger
February 7, 1973
Page 2
However, Mr. Houston believes that HEW can remedy the present situation
simply through a change in regulations.
I therefore urge that you, as Secretary of HEW, order a change in
policy to allow states to use the dual signature method without loss
of Federal assistance. Even if it were possible to gain enactment of
H.R. 1750 in a relatively short time, I would be glad to see the
objective accomplished through departmental regulation.
I hope I may have a reply from you in the near future.
Best regards,
/s/ Jerry Ford
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:pc
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON FRIDAY--
February 9, 1973
Note to Correspondents: Please see attached letter to HEW Secretary Caspar
Weinberger.
Rep. Gerald R. Ford today urged HEW Secretary Caspar Weinberger to order an
HEW policy change which would enable states to wipe out welfare cheating.
Ford asked Weinberger to allow states discretionary use of the dual payee
system of making payments to welfare recipients--the requirement that payment for
specific goods, services or items be in the form of checks which are drawn jointly
to the order of the recipient and the person furnishing the goods, services or items
and negotiable only upon endorsement by both such recipient and such person.
The need for such restrictive payments is made clear by a study conducted in
Genesee County, Michigan by the Michigan Department of Social Services and the
Genesee County Dental Society, Ford said.
This study showed that in cases where dental work was performed on welfare
recipients, only 50 per cent of the money sent to those recipients for payment of
their dental bills was actually used for that purpose.
R. Bernard Houston, director of the Michigan Department of Social Services,
has informed Ford: "The conclusion (of those making the Genesee County study) was
that if public accountability and recipients' dental and optometric needs were of
any concern, the need for change in the payment system was scarcely arguable."
Payment for needed services to welfare recipients is part of their cash
grant in Michigan.
In a letter to Ford, Houston said: "This worked fairly well for a while, but
as caseloads increased abuse increased. To be specific, many recipients received
payment for authorized service and never returned to receive the service, or if
received, did not pay for it. The incidence of this abuse reached such proportions
that many individual doctors and, in some instances, county professional societies
refused further service to welfare recipients.'
Ford has introduced a bill, H.R. 1750, which would give the states
discretionary power to use the dual payee system as much as they wish without losing
Federal welfare payments.
HEW restricts use of the dual payee system to 10 per cent of the welfare
caseload and then only to cases where the recipient has demonstrated inability to
manage money.
Ford said he would be delighted to see Weinberger order the policy change,
making his dual payee bill unnecessary.
###
GERALD R. FORD
MICHIGAN OFFICE:
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
425 CHERRY STREET SE.
GRAND RAPIDS
ZIP 49502
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
house of Representatives
Clashington, D.C. 20515
February 7, 1973
The Honorable Caspar Weinberger
Secretary
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing you with regard to welfare cheating--the failure of persons
on welfare to pay for items or services with funds provided them for
that purpose.
The remedy for such cheating is the dual payee system--the requirement
that payment for specific goods, services or items be in the form of
checks which are drawn jointly to the order of the recipient and the
persons furnishing the goods, services or other items and negotiable
only upon endorsement by both such recipient and such person.
This would apply, for instance, to the payment of rent, payments for
dental and optometric services, and the purchase of such appliances as
a refrigerator.
Michigan has sought to use this dual signature method of assuring pay-
ment for services and goods provided to welfare recipients since
February 1971. But HEW has consistently maintained that the dual
signature method can only be used where welfare recipients have demon-
strated inability to manage money--and even then it must be restricted
to 10 per cent of the welfare caseload.
R. Bernard Houston, director of the Michigan Department of Social
Services, maintains that the policy being pursued by HEW is unrealistic--
and I agree.
I have introduced legislation (H.R. 1750) which would allow a State
discretionary use of the dual signature method in cases involving aid
to dependent children. States would be permitted to use the dual
signature method broadly without risking loss of Federal welfare payments.
The Honorable Caspar Weinberger
February 7, 1973
Page 2
However, Mr. Houston believes that HEW can remedy the present situation
simply through a change in regulations.
I therefore urge that you, as Secretary of HEW, order a change in
policy to allow states to use the dual signature method without loss
of Federal assistance. Even if it were possible to gain enactment of
H.R. 1750 in a relatively short time, I would be glad to see the
objective accomplished through departmental regulation.
I hope I may have a reply from you in the near future.
Best regards,
/s/ Jerry Ford
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:pc
Distribution wires + whoever wanted it
tback in district
moffice Capy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
February 11, 1971
Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford
The Republican Congressional Committee each year conducts a fund-raising
drive throughout the country. From those funds the committee makes money available
to freshman GOP congressmen, other incumbent GOP congressmen, and non-incumbent
GOP congressional candidates.
Because of my position as Republican leader of the House, I receive
contributions from all over the country. When I reach the limitation set by law,
I turn such contributions over to the Republican Congressional Committee to be
used on behalf of all GOP candidates for Congress. The committee subsequently
files a report with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, listing all donors
and the amounts contributed.
The Republican Congressional Committee used no more money on my behalf in
the 1970 campaign than had been provided to freshman GOP congressmen in the last
Congress. These freshmen were given an initial allocation of $2,000, a subsequent
allocation of $5,000, and $4,000 for public relations. That is a total of
$11,000.
The law does not prohibit any congressional candidate not wishing personally
to accept a political contribution from turning that money over to a political
committee.
Those funds then are controlled by that committee and not by the individual
who has turned the money over to them.
The Republican Congressional Committee's expenditures on my behalf were
made under normal procedure followed by the committee not only in 1970 but in
previous campaigns.
I had been allocated money by the committee in previous years--money I had
not used. So to all intents and purposes some of the money used by the committee
in my 1970 campaign was left over from previous allocations to me.
I live by the letter of the campaign laws. There is no question that these
laws are utterly unrealistic in the limits they set on campaign spending. I have
pressed since 1965 for modernization of the Federal Corrupt Practices Act, and I
will continue to do so. That law was written 46 years ago and does not take
GERAGO into FORD LIBRARY
account modern-day costs of radio and television campaigning.
###
Attn: Paul
Room 720, Federal Building
110 Michigan Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
Phone: (616) 456-9607
February 19, 1973
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Congressman Gerald R. Ford announced today that his special assistant,
Gordon Vander Till, will hold office hours on his behalf in Belding on Monday,
February 26 in the City Hall from 2:30 until 5:00 pm.
Ford urged that all Belding residents needing help with a problem or
simply wishing to eppress their views on national and inter-national issues talk with
his special assistant. No appointments are necessary.
This special community service is provided by Mr. Ford in order to meet
the need of the people in his congressional district as fully as possible.
A fulltime district office is maintained by Ford in Room 720 Federal
Building, 110 Michigan Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. Vander Till is headquartered there,
and also visits communities throughout the Fifth District.
###
GERALD Rx LIBRARY FORD
Remarks by Congressman Gerald R. Ford for the Congressional Record of February 20.
Mr. Speaker, this week Americans of Lithuanian descent and their millions
of friends across the Nation join in observing two important Lithuanian
anniversaries--the 722nd anniversary of the founding of the Lithuanian State
and the 55th anniversary of Lithuanian Independence,
It was in February 1251 that Mindaugas the Great unified all Lithuanian
principalities into one kingdom. It was on February 16, 1918 that Lithuanians
broke the bonds of Russian domination and German occupation and declared their
nation free and independent. For 22 years, Lithuania took her rightful
place in the family of free nations. In 1940 the Soviets, acting in the
name of a new imperialism, moved in and annexed Lithuania, thereby destroying
her precious freedom.
Although they have ruled the country, the Russians have been unable
to suppress the aspiration of the Lithuanian people for freedom and the..
exercise of their human rights as recently demonstrated by a petition to
the United Nations. This petition, signed by 17,000 Lithuanian Catholics
in the occupied country, charges the Soviets with religious persecution.
There were riots in Kaunas on May 18, 1972, following the funeral of
a Lithuanian youth, Romas Kalanta, who had immolated himself in public
square of Kaunas in a dramatic protest against the Russian enslavement of
Lithuania.
We who enjoy the blessings of liberty must encourage the spirit of
independence in Lithuania and other nations held captive by the Soviets.
At a time when the Western powers have granted freedom and independence to
nations in Africa and Asia, we must insist that the Soviet Union likewise
extend freedom and independence to those countries which it simply
incorporated into its empire.
EUROPEAN SECURITY CONFERENCE AND ITS
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON LITHUANIA
On February 16, Americans of Lithuanian origin and descent will commemorate
two anniversaries - the 722nd anniversary of the founding of the Lithuanian
State, and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the modern Republic
of Lithuania on February 16, 1918.
Lithuania's independence lasted only until 1940, when the Soviet Union invaded
and occupied Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and forcibly annexed these Baltic
States into the Soviet Union. The United States and other great western
powers have steadfastly maintained a policy of non-recognition of this force-
ful incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Empire. This non-
recognition policy must continue, especially, in view of the Soviet proposed
'European Conference on Security and Cooperation'. As indicated in the
published preliminaries of the Conference the Soviet concept of the security
of the European States has one primary prerequisite: That the territorial
integrity of the states and inviolability of their frontiers be maintained.
The recognition of the territorial "status quo" in Europe would violate the
right of self-determination of the peoples and the nations of Eastern Europe.
It would be tantamount to world ratification of the infamous 'Molotov-
Ribbentrop Pact of 1939', and would extinguish for all time the small candle
of hope in the darkness of totalitarian oppression.
Today, the Unites States stands on the threshhold of the most meaningful and
potentially rewarding era in the history of mankind. For the first time in
the last fifty years, global peace is attainable. However, global peace is
only the first great objective of our nation, we must also seek the attain-
ment of freedom and justice for all oppressed nations. For even if the
countries of the world cease hostilities toward one another, the unresolved
legacies of the Second World War must be confronted; the status of the
Baltic Nations must be once and for all - equitably resolved. Furthermore,
let us not be fooled that world peace can be attained by offering the
inalienable rights of the people of Lithuania and the other Baltic Nations
upon the altar of appeasement.
Even now, Lithuanians raised under the yoke of communism are risking and
sacrificing their lives in defiance of the Soviet regime, seeking religious
and political freedom for their country. The unsuccessful escape attempt
of the Lithuanian sailor, Simas Kudirka, the self-immolation of Romas Kalanta,
and the subsequent demostration by thousands of young Lithuanians, and the
petition of 17,000 Lithuanian Roman Catholics to Kurt Waldheim of the United
Nations, demonstrates their thirst for freedom at any price.
The 89th U. S. Congress during its second session adopted House Concurring
Resolution 416, urging the President to direct the question of the status of
the Baltic countries in the United Nations and other international forums.
The time is now, to present to the public at large and the government of the
United States the grave concern shared by Lithuanian Americans and the people
of Eastern and Central Europe over the approaching Soviet proposed 'European
Conference on Security and Cooperation'.
EUROPEAN SECURITY CONFERENCE AND ITS
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON LITHUANIA
On February 16, Americans of Lithuanian origin and descent will commemorate
two anniversaries - the 722nd anniversary of the founding of the Lithuanian
State, and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the modern Republic
of Lithuania on February 16, 1918.
Lithuania's independence lasted only until 1940, when the Soviet Union invaded
and occupied Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and forcibly annexed these Baltic
States into the Soviet Union. The United States and other great western
powers have steadfastly maintained a policy of non-recognition of this force-
ful incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Empire. This non-
recognition policy must continue, especially, in view of the Soviet proposed
'European Conference on Security and Cooperation'. As indicated in the
published preliminaries of the Conference the Soviet concept of the security
of the European States has one primary prerequisite: That the territorial
integrity of the states and inviolability of their frontiers be maintained.
The recognition of the territorial "status quo" in Europe would violate the
right of self-determination of the peoples and the nations of Eastern Europe.
It would be tantamount to world ratification of the infamous 'Molotov-
Ribbentrop Pact of 1939', and would extinguish for all time the small candle
of hope in the darkness of totalitarian oppression.
Today, the Unites States stands on the threshhold of the most meaningful and
potentially rewarding era in the history of mankind. For the first time in
the last fifty years, global peace is attainable. However, global peace is
only the first great objective of our nation, we must also seek the attain-
ment of freedom and justice for all oppressed nations. For even if the
countries of the world cease hostilities toward one another, the unresolved
legacies of the Second World War must be confronted; the status of the
Baltic Nations must be once and for all - equitably resolved. Furthermore,
let us not be fooled that world peace can be attained by offering the
inalienable rights of the people of Lithuania and the other Baltic Nations
upon the altar of appeasement.
Even now, Lithuanians raised under the yoke of communism are risking and
sacrificing their lives in defiance of the Soviet regime, seeking religious
and political freedom for their country. The unsuccessful escape attempt
of the Lithuanian sailor, Simas Kudirka, the self-immolation of Romas Kalanta,
and the subsequent demostration by thousands of young Lithuanians, and the
petition of 17,000 Lithuanian Roman Catholics to Kurt Waldheim of the United
Nations, demonstrates their thirst for freedom at any price.
The 89th U. S. Congress during its second session adopted House Concurring
Resolution 416, urging the President to direct the question of the status of
the Baltic countries in the United Nations and other international forums.
The time is now, to present to the public at large and the government of the
United States the grave concern shared by Lithuanian Americans and the people
of Eastern and Central Europe over the approaching Soviet proposed 'European
Conference on Security and Cooperation'.
Remarks by Congressman Gerald R. Ford for the Congressional Record of February 20,
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to priase our space program
on the 11th anniversary of the first American being placed in orbit.
On February 20, ]962, John H. Glenn, in his Friendship 7 spacecraft,
successfully completed three orbits of the earth.
Since that time, the accomplishments of our space program have grown.
Spaceships have docked, men have "walked" in space and the moon has been
explored.
Our future program looks bright. Currently, astronauts Charles Conrad,
Paul Weitz and Joseph Kerwin are preparing for the first flight in the Skylab
series. The launch is scheduled for early May. This 28-day flight is the first
of three missions that will dock with an orbiting laboratory where astronauts
will live and work. The second two flights in the series are each scheduled to
last 56 days.
I would like to express my congratulations to all the persons involved in
our space program for the fine work they have done and to wish them the best of
luck in their future endeavors.
BERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
Distribution
5th District only
Mailed 4:00pm. 2/16/73
affice Copy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 21, 1973
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today announced that he is offering a $1,000
scholarship for study and travel abroad this summer to one high school junior or
sophomore in the Fifth Congressional District.
The scholarship is made available through the American Institute for Foreign
Study. This is the fourth consecutive year that Ford has sponsored the scholarship,
with the cooperation of the AIFS.
The winner of the scholarship is selected by a panel of school officials from
among candidates nominated by each high school located in the Fifth District. Each
high school principal decides how his school's nominee will be selected.
The scholarship covers tuition for foreign study, fees, room and board,
compulsory medical insurance, a little pocket money, and travel arrangements from
New York to Europe and return. The winner of the scholarship must pay for
transportation to and from New York, passport and immunization fees, and items of
a purely personal nature.
The student may select a program in England, France, Spain, Italy, and
certain other countries. The Institute assigns the student to a particular campus
and chaperoned group.
Most of the programs consist of four weeks spent at school with an
additional 10 days spent sightseeing in various cities in Europe.
Each high school located in the Fifth District--and those others serving
Fifth District students--may nominate one person for the scholarship except that
schools having a combined total of 600 or more juniors and sophomores may nominate
two.
To be eligible, a student must be a resident of the Fifth District, which
includes all of Kent County except Bowne Township; all of Ionia County except Sebewa
Township; Thornapple and Yankee Springs Townships in Barry County; Dallas and Lebanon
Townships in Clinton County; Roxand Township in Eaton County; Bushnell, Maple Valley
and Bloomer Townships (except Carson City) in Montcalm County.
Each high school principal is to submit his school's nomination to Ford's
Grand Rapids office before April 1.
The scholarship winner will be selected by the following school officials or
persons representing them: The superintendents of the Grand Rapids public schools,
the schools of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Christian
Schools, the Ionia County Intermediate School District, and the Kent County
Intermediate School District.
###
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 21, 1973
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today announced that he is offering a $1,000
scholarship for study and travel abroad this summer to one high school junior or
sophomore in the Fifth Congressional District.
The scholarship is made available through the American Institute for Foreign
Study. This is the fourth consecutive year that Ford has sponsored the scholarship,
with the cooperation of the AIFS.
The winner of the scholarship is selected by a panel of school officials from
among candidates nominated by each high school located in the Fifth District. Each
high school principal decides how his school's nominee will be selected.
The scholarship covers tuition for foreign study, fees, room and board,
compulsory medical insurance, a little pocket money, and travel arrangements from
New York to Europe and return. The winner of the scholarship must pay for
transportation to and from New York, passport and immunization fees, and items of
a purely personal nature.
The student may select a program in England, France, Spain, Italy, and
certain other countries. The Institute assigns the student to a particular campus
and chaperoned group.
Most of the programs consist of four weeks spent at school with an
additional 10 days spent sightseeing in various cities in Europe.
Each high school located in the Fifth District--and those others serving
Fifth District students--may nominate one person for the scholarship except that
schools having a combined total of 600 or more juniors and sophomores may nominate
two.
To be eligible, a student must be a resident of the Fifth District, which
includes all of Kent County except Bowne Township; all of Ionia County except Sebewa
Township; Thornapple and Yankee Springs Townships in Barry County; Dallas and Lebanon
Townships in Clinton County; Roxand Township in Eaton County; Bushnell, Maple Valley
and Bloomer Townships (except Carson City) in Montcalm County.
Each high school principal is to submit his school's nomination to Ford's
Grand Rapids office before April 1.
The scholarship winner will be selected by the following school officials or
persons representing them: The superintendents of the Grand Rapids public schools,
the schools of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Christian
LIBRARI
Schools, the Ionia County Intermediate School District, and the Kent County
Intermediate School District.
###
Distribution: House Gallirus only
12:15 pm 2/22/73
Maffice Copy
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
February 22, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
Congress should respond with the greatest sense of urgency
to the President's recommendations concerning the economy.
This means the Congress should act promptly to impose strict
limits on Federal spending, to reform our tax structure, to provide
tax relief for older Americans, to provide parents of nonpublic school
children with income tax credits for a portion of the nonpublic school
tuition they pay, and to give the President the bargaining power he
needs in trade negotiations with other nations.
We have made excellent economic gains but we have much work
to do to achieve genuine prosperity in peacetime. Our greatest effort
must go into the fight against inflation. We must, therefore, hold
down Federal spending and cooperate to make Phase III of price and
wage controls a success.
There is no aspect of our national concerns that rates a
higher priority than keeping our economy healthy. Hopefully, the
Congress will join hands with the President in this endeavor.
###
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
February 22, 1973
Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford
Congress should respond with the greatest sense of urgency
to the President's recommendations concerning the economy.
This means the Congress should act promptly to impose strict
limits on Federal spending, to reform our tax structure, to provide
tax relief for older Americans, to provide parents of nonpublic school
children with income tax credits for a portion of the nonpublic school
tuition they pay, and to give the President the bargaining power he
needs in trade negotiations with other nations.
We have made excellent economic gains but we have much work
to do to achieve genuine prosperity in peacetime. Our greatest effort
must go into the fight against inflation. We must, therefore, hold
down Federal spending and cooperate to make Phase III of price and
wage controls a success.
There is no aspect of our national concerns that rates a
higher priority than keeping our economy healthy. Hopefully, the
Congress will join hands with the President in this endeavor.
# # #
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Remarks by Congressman Gerald R. Ford for the Congressional Record of February 24.
Mr. Speaker, today is the 55th anniversary of the Declaration of
Independence of the Republic of Estonia. I am proud to pay tribute to
Americans of Estonian descent and to those Estonians now living behind the
Iron Curtain.
Mr. Speaker, the United States Government has never recognized the Soviet takeover
of Estonia and, indeed, we never should. The Russian occupation is simply a
case of naked aggression.
As a Congressman, as an American and as a human being, I share the concern
of men and women everywhere for the victims of this tyranny. The spirit of
freedom and independence of 1918 lives among Estonians. So long as free men
humbly acknowledge their liberties as derived from God and securely rooted in
Him, the fire of freedom and independence shall burn until its brightness ushers in
a new era of justice, freedom and peace for Estonia and for peoples everywhere.
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
ESTONIAN AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL
ESTONIAN House
243 EAST 34TH STREET
P.O. Box 266
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016
TEL. (212) MURRAY HILL 4-0336
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 15, 1975
Ilmar Pleer
President
Vaike Lugus
Harry Must
Paul Saar
Juhan Simonson
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
Vice-Presidents
House of Representatives
Eduard Vallaste
Washington, D.C. 20515
Secretary General
Johannes Koort
Treasurer
Dear Mr. Ford:
Veeliks Ling
Assistant Treasurer
Your constituents of Estonian descent and Estonian-Americans
Victor V. Vinkman
Secretary
all over the United States will commemorate the 55th Anniversary
of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Estonia on
Endel Reinpold
Assistant Secretary
Saturday, February 24th, 1973.
Jaan Tiivel
Legal Advisor
Unfortunately, the Estonian people were able to enjoy their
Mãido Kari
Jonan Koiva
freedom for merely two decades. Inasmuch as World War II brought
Ants Pallop
liberation from dictatorial tyranny to Western Europe and started
Kalju Popp
the emergence of new nations from the yoke of Western colonialism,
Heikki Leesment
Director of Baltic Affairs
it ironically helped to subjugate the countries of Eastern and
Gerhard A. Buschmann-
Central Europe, among them Estonia as one of the first victims, to
Director in Washington, D.C.
the Soviet neo-colonial empire.
Heino Jögis
Regional Director
for Northwest
However, the forcible incorporation of Estonia into the Soviet
Arne Kalm
Union has never been recognized by the United States. This fact
Regional Director
for Southwest
has kept alive the hope of Estonians that ultimately the United
States quest for freedom and liberty for all mankind will prevail
Alexander Koepp
Regional Director
over the Communist oppression, so that Estonia shall regain her
for Midwest
freedom and independence again.
COUNCILORS
Alfred J. Anderson
Asta Auksmann
Nevertheless, in view of the fact that the captive nations
Edward Derrick
have been waiting in vain for more than three decades for libera-
Tonu T. Kangur
Johanna Kase
tion from Communist slavery, and that, on the contrary, Communism
Virko Keder
Arne T. Kint
is steadily gaining ground at the expense of the free world, there
Altred Kubbo
is more than ever need for positive reassurances to the effect
Endel Kuik
Jaak Kukk
of resolutely condemning the enslavement of free nations by Soviet
August Kuklane
Mati Kōiva
Russia's imperialism.
Liivi Lepik
Virve Lillipuu
Rein Luning
Being aware of and deeply in gratitude for your warm and out-
Herbert Michelson
Walter E. Niilus
spoken interest in the Estonian cause, I ask you on behalf of
Heino Nurmberg
Americans of Estonian descent for such reassuring statement in
Eero Omri
Tonu Parming
the House of Representatives on the occasion of this Estonian
Avo Piirisild
Aksel Puström
Independence Day.
Gaston O. Randvee
Heinrich Riivald
Sven A. Roosild
Very truly yours,
Ervin A. Sööt
Uno Teemant
Rudolf Troost
Ilmar Pleer
Madis Valge
Harry Verder
President
Enclosure: Fact-sheet
"Estonia"
ESTONIA
Country - People - Culture - Economy
Location. Estonia is the northernmost of the Baltic countries, surrounded
in the West and North by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, in the East
by Lake Peipus and Russia, and in the South by the Republic of Latvia.
Area. The area of Estonia totals 47,549 sq. km. or 18,370 sq. miles. Thus
the territory of Estonia is larger than that of Switzerland, the Netherlands,
Belgium, Denmark or Albania; or about two and a half times the size of Israel.
In comparison there can also be mentioned that the area of Estonia is
larger than each of the following States of the U.S.: Maryland, Massachusetts,
Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey or Hawaii,
corresponding approximately to the combined areas of New Jersey, Con-
necticut, Delaware and Rhode Island.
People and language. The Estonians belong to the family of Finno-
Ugric nations, of which group the most southern are the 10 million Hunga-
rians and the most northern the 4.6 million Finns. Several millions of the
Finno-Ugric group are spread in Northern Russia over the area from the
Baltic Sea to the Ural mountains.
The Estonians, as well as the other Finno-Ugric nations have nothing in
common with the Slavs or the Teutons, neither by race nor language.
According to the classification by Professor Sidney S. Culbert of the
University of Washington, commonly used in American reference books, the
Estonian language is listed as being one of the principal languages of the world.
The population of Estonia before World War II was homogeneous: out
of the ca. 1.2 million inhabitants, 88.1 per cent were Estonians, whereas the
minority groups of Russians, Germans, Jews, Swedes etc. constituted altogether
11.9 per cent of the total population. The Republic of Estonia was the first
in the world to have effectively solved its problems of minorities, by granting
them a wide national and cultural autonomy with the Cultural Autonomy Act
of 1925.
History. The Estonians have inhabited their present territory at the
strategically important shores of the Baltic Sea for at least five to six mille-
niums, as substantiated by archaeological discoveries. Already the Roman his-
torian Tacitus (A.D. 55-118) tells in his treatise "Germania" that at his time
Estonia was an established "national area".
The attacks against Estonian independence began mainly in the course
of the expansion of Western Christendom towards the East in the late twelfth
century. The German Order of Fratres Militiae (Brothers of the Militia of
Christ or also called Brothers of the Sword) was founded mainly for the
crusade expeditions to the Baltic area. After a war of nearly three decades,
when also the Danish King Waldemar II had invaded Northern Estonia, the
Estonians were finally forced to surrender in 1227 and their territory was
divided between the conquerors.
Having been an arena for several wars and finding itself under various
One of the sports in which Estonians excelled was marksmanship. In this
shifts of supreme power, Estonia became a province of Russia in 1721.
field, before the Soviet occupation of Estonia, the majority of world records
After Estonia had proclaimed its independence in 1918 as a democratic
and titles of world champions in sharpshooting belonged to Estonians. As the
republic, Soviet Russia attacked Estonia in the same year with the aim of
most notable achievement for Estonian marksmen was the winning of the
conquering the country. During their War of Independence the Estonians
famed Argentine Trophy in 1937 and in 1939, the Estonian team of marks-
repulsed the Red Army and in 1920 concluded a favorable peace treaty with
men being the first and since then the only one in the world to win that
Soviet Russia. Moreover, in the summer of 1919, a series of fierce battles had
trophy in two consecutive competitions. The Communist occupants "confis-
to be fought simultaneously in the South, where the German Landeswehr and
cated" that trophy from Estonian marksmen and executed most of them by
Iron Division were defeated in their attempt to overrun Balticum.
= shot in the neck.
Resurgence of a subjugated people. When Russia two and a half
Economy. Already before World War I Estonia had a remarkable posi-
centuries ago, after the Great Northern War, conquered Estonia, the "scorched
tion as an industrial country, especially in the fields of cellulose and textile
earth" method of the Russians left the country completely devastated. As the
industries. For instance, the Narva cotton mills with 50,000 spindles were at
Russian General Sheremetjev reported to the Czar: "There is nothing left to
that time the largest in Europe. During the independence period Estonia ex-
destroy; not a cock crows from Lake Peipus to the Gulf of Riga".
ported electric motors, telephone apparatuses and other manufactured goods
to various countries, as well as cellulose, canned food, candies, chocolate and
But the laborious and tenacious Estonian people recovered again, as they
liquors to the United States.
had many times before, and once more Estonia became the outpost of Western
culture in Eastern Europe. The history of Estonian literature is documented
More than one half of the Estonian national production for export came
by the publication of the first book in the Estonian language in 1535. The
from its highly developed agriculture. Estonian butter and bacon competed
University of Tartu (Dorpat) was founded in 1632. By comparison it may be
successfully on the world markets.
mentioned that the first university in Russia, the University of Moscow, was
However, the greatest Estonian industrial achievement was the develop-
founded only in 1755, and the oldest university in the United States, Harvard,
ment of the oil shale industry which produced fuel oil, gasoline, asphalt and
was founded in Cambridge, Mass., in 1636.
scores of other chemical products. In North-Eastern Estonia there exists a huge
reserve of at least 5,500 million tons of oil shale which the Estonians started
Despite the fact that Estonia was forced to endure Czarist Russian rule
mining in 1918 for use as fuel in factories and for railroad engines. As there
for two centuries, the Estonian people achieved an exceptionally high educa-
was no known process for distilling oil from oil shale, the Estonians became
tional level. As stated in the official publication of the Central Statistics Board
the pioneers in this field. Already in 1921 a newly developed cracking process
of the Soviet Union, there were 70.4 per cent illiterates among the inhabitants
was put into use and in a few years a large oil manufacture grew up. Next
of Russia proper in 1897, whereas illiteracy in the province of Estonia
to Russia and Romania Estonia became an important oil producing country
amounted to only 3.8 per cent.
in Europe, satisfying its own oil needs and exporting besides heavy oils and
At present time, while Estonia is under Soviet occupation, the latest Soviet
automobile gasoline also aviation gasoline of high quality.
data show an overall percentage of illiteracy in the Soviet Union to be 1.5,
(Since their occupation of Estonia, the Soviets have greatly expanded that
whereas the respective figure for Estonia is only 0.4 per cent.
industry, and are now predatorily exploiting those valuable treasures of the
The Estonians can be particularly proud of their folklore which has won
Estonian soil. Most of the products are being used in furthering Soviet
recognition for its originality, colorful variety and great artistic value. Its
economy, while Estonians themselves are generally deprived of those benefits
collections in the Folklore Archives in the university-city Tartu are by volume
of the natural resources of their own country).
and arrangement among the richest in the world.
During its independence Estonia-due to its natural resources, its highly
As a particular feature of Estonian national culture, gigantic singing fes-
developed agriculture, its profitable industries and its hard-working people-
tivals are held traditionally every five years since 1869. These unique concerts
was economically a very stable country. The best proof of this stable econom-
are performed by joint choirs ranging 20,000-25,000 singers, and massed brass
ical basis may be found in the Estonian currency, which was covered by 59
bands of 5,000 players. The audience on these festivals frequently exceeds
per cent in gold and foreign hard currencies, such as the U.S. dollar and the
100,000 people.
British pound sterling.
Estonians have also achieved noticeable results in almost every field of
On account of the aforementioned, Estonians may feel much satisfaction and
sports. International Grand Master Paul Keres is known as one of the strongest
even pride in everything they had been able to attain in the prosperous climate
chessmen in the world and has won special fame as a chess theoretician. Track
of freedom and independence. However, at present time their lot is of the
and field events, amateur wrestling and ball games proved to be the strongest
conquered and they can but pray to God that justice will prevail in the world,
points for Estonian athletes. Several world and European records of these
and their ancient native country shall enjoy freedom and independence soon
sports were held by Estonian sportsmen, and the wrestler Kristjan Palusalu
again.
is in the history of modern Olympic Games the first and only one to obtain
(1936 in Berlin) both a gold medal in heavyweight and the title of world
ESTONIAN AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL
champion in both, Greco-Roman and Free styles.
243 East 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10016
12°
16°
20°
24°
28°
Viipuri
FINLAND
HELSINKI
Hanko
SWEDEN
o
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B!
TALLINN
Narva
STOCKHOLM
Paldiski
ESTONIA
Haapsalu
Norrkoping
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Tartu
Pärnu
8
Goteborg
Sea
Valga
Valmiera
Ventspils
Césis
Kuldiga
LATVIA
RIGA
Rézekne
Baltic
Jelgava
Liepaja
Daugavpils
Siauliaio
,
1
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pKlaipèda
Panevezys
LITHUANIA
Koenigsberg
Kaunas
VILNIUS
4
Gdansk
GERMANY
POLAND
BERLIN
Poznan
WARSZAWA
100 50 0
100
200
300
400
500
Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford to be placed in the Congressional Record
of Tuesday, February 27, 1973.
MR. SPEAKER: Hungarians and Americans of Hungarian extraction
marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Hungary's greatest poet. The
American Hungarian Federation and all other Hungarian organizations in
the United States and Canada have declared 1973 the year of commemoration
for this poet, Alexander Petöfi, and have been conducting memorial programs
in his honor. The Washington program took place Jan. 13-14 at Trinity
College. My distinguished colleague from Maryland, Mr. Hogan, was the
main speaker.
Petöfi occupies a unique place in world literature. His style was
like that of Shelley and Burns, yet simplet and of an immediacy which is
seldom found in other poets. As a man, he had an ardent love of freedom
and was one of the early protagonists of democracy in Hungary. He was a
true patriot whd sacrificed his life in battleddufagg the Hungarian War
of Independence in 1848/1849. Petöfi fell at the hands of the invading
armies of the Russian Tsar, whose troops were called in by the Austrian
Emperor when he was unable to defeat the Hnggarians led by Louis Kossuth.
Petöfi was a writer of many moods. He was an admirer of nature, of
the Hungarian Plains. He was a descriptive writer of the rural life in
Hungary, yet also a romantic writer. He was a visionary who foretold the
manner of his own death, his future fame, and also the remarriage of his
wife. He was a patriot who declared his undying and undivided love for his
nation.
LIBRARY
Only where freedom and democracy are considered the highest virtues
can Petöfi really be understood and appreciated. Only in hearts truly
Page 2
devoted to freedom does his message come through clearly. A beautiful
example of Petöfi's faith and commitment was provided by Hungarian youth
on October 23, 1956, when their demonstration before the statue of Petőfi
sparked the glorious, but tragic, Hungarian Revolution.
In this 150th anniversary year of the birth of Petöfi, we pay
homage to the poet and patriot, and hope that Hungary may soon live in
accordance with the principles he espoused with his life and poetry alike.
###