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Ford Press Releases, March - June 1973
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12130709
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Ford Press Releases, March - June 1973
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Press Releases Chronological Files
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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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1973
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The original documents are located in Box D5, folder "Ford Press Releases, March - June 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 The Council donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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. Distribution: House Halleries and OFFICE COPY GR office only 12:30p 3/6/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Tuesday, March 6, 1973 House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford today joined Secretary of State William Rogers in urging that the Palestinian terrorists who murdered two American diplomats be executed. Ford said: "Just as I believe capital punishment is the appropriate penalty for first-degree murder in the United States, so, too, I believe the Palestinian terrorists who killed Ambassador Cleo Noel and his deputy should pay the extreme penalty. I am pleased to learn that the Foreign Minister of the Sudan has denied reports of a deal between the terrorists and the Sudanese government guaranteeing them immunity from capital charges. "If the terrorists are found guilty on murder charges and are executed, it is entirely possible that this may serve to discourage a repetition of such incidents in the future. A heinous crime that goes without proper punishment encourages the commission of more such crimes." # # # GERALD FORD LIBRARY Digitized from Box D5 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Tuesday, March 6, 1973 House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford today joined Secretary of State William Rogers in urging that the Palestinian terrorists who murdered two American diplomats be executed. Ford said: "Just as I believe capital punishment is the appropriate penalty for first-degree murder in the United States, so, too, I believe the Palestinian terrorists who killed Ambassador Cleo Noel and his deputy should pay the extreme penalty. I am pleased to learn that the Foreign Minister of the Sudan has denied reports of a deal between the terrorists and the Sudanese government guaranteeing them immunity from capital charges. "If the terrorists are found guilty on murder charges and are executed, it is entirely possible that this may serve to discourage a repetition of such incidents in the future. A heinous crime that goes without proper punishment encourages the commission of more such crimes." # # # LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE ) House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford today joined Secretary of State William Rogers in urging that the Palestinian terrorists who murdered two American diplomats be executed. Ford said: "Just as I believe capital punishment is the appropriate penalty for first-degree murder in the United States, so 9 too, I believe the Palestinian terrorists who killed Ambassedor Cleo Noel and his deputy should pay the extreme penalty. I am pleased to learn that the Foreign Minister of the Sudan has demied reports of a deal between the terrorists and the Sudanese government guaranteeing them immunity from capital charges. "If the terrorists are found guilty on murder charges and are e recuted, it is entirely possible that this may serve to discourage a repetition of such incidents in the future. A heinous crime that goes without proper punishment encourages the commission of more such crimes.W CCC GERALD FORD LIBRARY Distribution Full mail 1/15 am 3/7/13 MOFFICE COPY am 3/7/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Wednesday, March 7, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I applaud the decision of the Cost of Living Council to impose price controls on the largest oil companies. This action, the first of its kind to be taken since Phase III was inaugurated, should convince even the most skeptical that the Administration means business with Phase III and that Phase III will have teeth in it. As for this particular price control decision, the impact of petroleum product price increases is so far-reaching that the imposition of price controls on this industry is unquestionably justified. ### GERALD FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Wednesday, March 7, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I applaud the decision of the Cost of Living Council to impose price controls on the largest oil companies. This action, the first of its kind to be taken since Phase III was inaugurated, should convince even the most skeptical that the Administration means business with Phase III and that Phase III will have teeth in it. As for this particular price control decision, the impact of petroleum product price increases is so far-reaching that the imposition of price controls on this industry is unquestionably justified. # # # LIBRARY Distribution: Full 11:15am 3/7/73 mail am 3/7/73 M OFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Wednesday, March 7, 1973 Election of a Republican to Alaska's one congressional seat in this "non-election year" of 1973 has, I think, deep significance. I view State Sen. Don Young's victory in the Alaska balloting as an endorsement by Alaskans of the policies President Nixon has pursued since the start of his second term--his attempts to hold back Federal spending to avoid a tax increase or a fresh surge of inflation. The Republican victory in Alaska is especially noteworthy in view of the fact that Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two to one by registration in Alaska. The results indicate an independent-minded vote in Alaska and a tendency of independents to favor the policies of President Nixon. While I hesitate to draw any further conclusions from this one election as concerns 1974, it is entirely possible that the Alaska outcome portends a general upturn in Republican fortunes at the polls. ### GERALD FORD VIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Wednesday, March 7, 1973 Election of a Republican to Alaska's one congressional seat in this "non-election year" of 1973 has, I think, deep significance. I view State Sen. Don Young's victory in the Alaska balloting as an endorsement by Alaskans of the policies President Nixon has pursued since the start of his second term--his attempts to hold back Federal spending to avoid a tax increase or a fresh surge of inflation. The Republican victory in Alaska is especially noteworthy in view of the fact that Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two to one by registration in Alaska. The results indicate an independent-minded vote in Alaska and a tendency of independents to favor the policies of President Nixon. While I hesitate to draw any further conclusions from this one election as concerns 1974, it is entirely possible that the Alaska outcome portends a general upturn in Republican fortunes at the polls. # # # LIBRARY Distribution: Fifth District media Weekly - pm 3/9/73 plus Maine 3/12/23 E Presidents M office Copy of CONGRESSMAN 3/7/73 NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON-- Wednesday, March 14, 1973 Congressman Gerald R. Ford announced today he has sent American flags commemorating the signing of the Vietnam Peace Guarantee Agreement to each mayor and village president in the Fifth District. A total of 27 flags were mailed. The flags were flown over the Capitol on the day the peace guarantee agreement was signed, March 2. The flags are to be a symbolic link between Ford's constituents and the peace guarantee agreement. "I had the great privilege of attending the formal signing in Paris of the Vietnam Peace Guarantee Agreement," Ford said. "As I watched Secretary of State Rogers sign on behalf of the United States, I felt that I was representing all Americans who have prayed so long and earnestly for an honorable peace, and most particularly the people of the Fifth District of Michigan who made it possible for me to witness this impressive ceremony. I hope the flags will inspire the same feeling of pride and faith in our country which I felt." Foreign ministers who signed the peace guarantee agreement were those of the United States, Britain, France, the Soviet Union, China, North and South Vietnam, the Viet Cong, Canada, Hungary, Indonesia and Poland. The declaration commits the 12 governments to total support for the Jan. 27 peace agreement and respect for the Vietnamese people's fundamental national rights and the South Vietnamese people's right to self-determination. GERMLD FORD LIBRAR) ### to N 7 A 19g * m is GRALOR GERLAD 8' FORD LIBRARY LIBRAR. FORD OUT- : GERALD Sent to offset mewspapers prote MEMBER CUTLINES AT VIETNAM PEACE GUARANTEE SIGNING -- Congressional leaders had the privilege of witnessing the signing of the Vietnam peace guarantee agreement March 2 in Paris. Right behind the action, second row, left to right, are: Senate Republican Leader Hugh Scott, Senate Democratic Leader Mike Mansfield, House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford, and House Democratic Whip John McFall. Front row, left to right, are: China's Foreign Minister Chi Peng-fei, China deputy foreign minister Chang Wen-chin, William Porter, chief of the U.S. peace talks delegation, and Secretary of State William Rogers. ITEM TRANSFER REFERENCE FORM The item described below has been removed to: New File Location: audio - - Visual Document Description: One 9 1/2" X 61"2" black and white photograph, Vietnam Peace Guarantee Signing, Parie, March 2, 1973 Old File Location: Ford Congressional Press Releases, Chronological Series issue of March 14, 1973 By Dennis Lakony of Date January 19, 1978 archives Technician NLFP - 11/4/77 FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON-- Wednesday, March 14, 1973 Congressman Gerald R. Ford announced today he has sent American flags commemorating the signing of the Vietnam Peace Guarantee Agreement to each mayor and village president in the Fifth District. A total of 27 flags were mailed. The flags were flown over the Capitol on the day the peace guarantee agreement was signed, March 2. The flags are to be a symbolic link between Ford's constituents and the peace guarantee agreement. "I had the great privilege of attending the formal signing in Paris of the Vietnam Peace Guarantee Agreement," Ford said. "As I watched Secretary of State Rogers sign on behalf of the United States, I felt that I was representing all Americans who have prayed so long and earnestly for an honorable peace, and most particularly the people of the Fifth District of Michigan who made it possible for me to witness this impressive ceremony. I hope the flags will inspire the same feeling of pride and faith in our country which I felt." Foreign ministers who signed the peace guarantee agreement were those of the United States, Britain, France, the Soviet Union, China, North and South Vietnam, the Viet Cong, Canada, Hungary, Indonesia and Poland. The declaration commits the 12 governments to total support for the Jan. 27 peace agreement and respect for the Vietnamese people's fundamental national rights and the South Vietnamese people's right to self-determination. ### DERALD FORD LIBRARY Distribution Full Galleries 12:45 3/14/73 pm 3/14/73 office Copy CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Wednesday, March 14, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I heartily endorse the President's recommendations for mandatory minimum prison sentences for those convicted of certain Federal crimes and I also support the President's proposals for restoring the death penalty in connection with certain Federal crimes. While the jurisdiction of the Federal government is limited in the area of law enforcement, Washington must set an example for the Nation if the American people are not to be overwhelmed by lawlessness. I commend the President for exerting precisely the right kind of leadership in the law enforcement field. I was dismayed when the Supreme Court ruled out capital punishment, and I have long felt that drug pushers have been handled too gently in many cases. I therefore welcome the Presidential recommendations relating to the death penalty and drug trafficking. I might add that I fully agree with the President's proposal to increase the Federal sentence for arson to 15 years. Congress should act quickly on the death penalty and drug trafficking legislation, which will be coming to the Hill as separate bills. We should later proceed also to legislate mandatory minimum prison terms for persons using dangerous weapons in the execution of a crime and for those convicted as leaders of organized crime. Besides providing states and local communities with Federal grants in amounts that can be profitably used, the Congress should launch the Nation into a new get-tough era in dealing with crime. We should start by enacting the President's proposals. # # # DERALD FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Wednesday, March 14, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I heartily endorse the President's recommendations for mandatory minimum prison sentences for those convicted of certain Federal crimes and I also support the President's proposals for restoring the death penalty in connection with certain Federal crimes. While the jurisdiction of the Federal government is limited in the area of law enforcement, Washington must set an example for the Nation if the American people are not to be overwhelmed by lawlessness. I commend the President for exerting precisely the right kind of leadership in the law enforcement field. I was dismayed when the Supreme Court ruled out capital punishment, and I have long felt that drug pushers have been handled too gently in many cases. I therefore welcome the Presidential recommendations relating to the death penalty and drug trafficking. I might add that I fully agree with the President's proposal to increase the Federal sentence for arson to 15 years. Congress should act quickly on the death penalty and drug trafficking legislation, which will be coming to the Hill as separate bills. We should later proceed also to legislate mandatory minimum prison terms for persons using dangerous weapons in the execution of a crime and for those convicted as leaders of organized crime. Besides providing states and local communities with Federal grants in amounts that can be profitably used, the Congress should launch the Nation into a new get-tough era in dealing with crime. We should start by enacting the President's proposals. # # # BERALD FORD LIBRARY Remarks by Congressman Gerald R. Ford for the Congressional Record of March 22, Mr. Speaker, Sunday marks the 55th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Byelorussian Democratic Republic. Instead of a happy event and a time for celebration as it should be, it is unfortunately a sad reminder that during the past half century the Soviet regime has deliberately and persistently tried to erode Byelorussian traditions, culture, education and self-identity. The All-Byelorussian Congress met in December, 1917, in the city of Miensk, and on March 25, 1918, proclaimed the Byelorussian Democratic Republic. Unfortunately, the new state was unable to enjoy its sovereignty for long. The Russian Communists, in a display of naked imperialism, invaded Byelorussia. On March 25, 1918, the highest aspirations of the Byelorussian people for a free and independent life were fulfilled. Today, March 25th is a symbol of a dynamic spiritual force for Byelorussian Independence which unites all Byelorussians wherever they may be. The desire of the Byelorussian people for their national freedom has not perished. The fight for Byelorussian independence is the fight of all the captive nations. ### March23,1973 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE SPECIAL TO THE GRAND RAPIDS PRE SS CUTLINES STUDY GOVERNMENT WITH CONGRE SSMAN -- These three Grand Rapids students have been interning with Congre ssman Gerald R. Ford, second from left. The interns are, left to right, John Zadvinskis of 2235 Ontonagon S.E., Aquinas College junior; Vicki Wilson of 3590 Apache Court, Kalamazoo College sophomore; and John Leonard of 2031 Wealthy S.E., Aquinas freshman. Jeffrey Telego of 2478 Normandy Drive S.E., Olivet College senior, was unable tobe present for the picture. Miss Wilson has just finished a three-month internship. Zadvinskis and Leonard will be with Ford until mid-May, and Telego will wind up his Washingto stay May 9. ##### GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON MONDAY, MARCH 26, 1973 Kentwood and Grandville residents may buy Federally subsidized flood insurance effective Friday, Congre ssman Gerald R. Ford and Senator Robert P. Griffin announced Monday. The Housing and Urban Development Department informed Ford and Griffin that beginning March 30 all structures in Grandville and Kent wood used for residential, business, religious or agricultural purposes, structures occupied by nonprofit organizations, and structures owned by State or local governments or agencies thereof are eligibile for flood insurance coverage. Kentwood and Grandville qualified for the Federal flood insurance program when they agreed to adopt land use and control measures that will minimize flood damage to future construction. Insurance agents in those communities may obtain policies and other information from the National Flood Insurers servicing office, the Insurance Company of North America, in Detroit. HUD offici as said the Federal subsidy covers about 90 per cent of the cost of the flood insurance premiums. ##### Distribution: House 10:15 M OFFICE COPY Galleries Anly a.m. 4/4/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- April 4, 1973 Now that the President's veto of S. 7, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1972, has been sustained, I hope members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- will work together to enact effective and acceptable vocational rehabilitation legisla- tion into law. The handicapped of the Nation deserve our best efforts. ### FORD is LIBRARY 076830 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- April 4, 1973 Now that the President's veto of S. 7, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1972, has been sustained, I hope members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- will work together to enact effective and acceptable vocational rehabilitation legisla- tion into law. The handicapped of the Nation deserve our best efforts. ### REP. GERALD R. FORD 720 FEDERAL BUILDING 110 MICHIGAN STREET, N,W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49502 GERALD FORD LIBRARY CUTLINES INSTALLED --- House Republican Leader Geraid R. Ford congratulates Elton R. Smith of Caledonia after his installation as a member of the Federal Farm Credit Board. The 13-member board sets national policies for the Farm Credit System and its supervising Federal agency, the Farm Credit Administration. Smith, a dairy farmer, is president of the Michigan Farm Bureau and heads its affiliate companies--Michigan Agriculturai Cooperative Marketing Association and Farm Bureau Services, Inc. ##### Sent 4:30pm RE FORD LIDRERY BERALD 4/4/73 REDIT ADMINIST TRATIONAL FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20578 IN REPLY REFER TO: April 4, 1973 Press Assistant Office of Honorable Gerald R. Ford House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Sir: Attached are photos of the Congressman and Elton R. Smith, one of Mr. Ford's constituents, who yesterday was installed as a member of the Federal Farm Credit Board. In addition to your newsletter and your regular news outlets, may I suggest the following as potential users of the photo: Michigan Farm News 1 Michigan Farm Bureau P.O. Box 960 Lansing, Michigan 48906 American Farm Bureau Federation N 425 13th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004 We have made no distribution of the pictures from here. If you have any questions, please call at 755-2170. Sincerely, Roland W. Olson Assistant Director of Information 3 G. R. Press 4 5 middlaille Sund & News Barry Brand 6 Sparta Reminder 7 8 Belding Banner Ionia County news Distribution: House Galleries only M OFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- April 10, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford In sustaining the President's veto of the rural sewer and water bill, the House accurately reflected the view of the American people that we must get the Nation's fiscal affairs in order. The people know that if the Federal Government allows programs to proliferate and pours money out of a variety of spigots for the same purposes, the result will be a tax increase or a fresh spurt of inflation. I now am hopeful that the Democratic leadership in the Congress will cease their budget-busting tactics and will turn to a constructive course. ### FORD is LIBRARY GERALD CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- April 10, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford In sustaining the President's veto of the rural sewer and water bill, the House accurately reflected the view of the American people that we must get the Nation's fiscal affairs in order. The people know that if the Federal Government allows programs to proliferate and pours money out of a variety of spigots for the same purposes, the result will be a tax increase or a fresh spurt of inflation. I now am hopeful that the Democratic leadership in the Congress will cease their budget-busting tactics and will turn to a constructive course. ### LIBRARY M OFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- April 11, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I approve of the Environmental Protection Agency decision to give the auto industry a one-year delay in meeting the 1975 anti-pollution standards. This is a decision which is in the best interests of the consumer. It would have been most unwise to foist untested and highly expensive catalytic converters on the auto-buying public simply to be able to say we had met the deadline. As for Ralph Nader's charge that the Administration sold out to the automobile manufacturers, this is nothing short of ridiculous. There is absolutely no basis for such a charge. It is the public which would have had to pay for unwise insistence on the 1975 deadline, not the auto manufacturers. ###### GERALD FORD LIBRUPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- April 11, 1973 Statement by Ren. Gerald R. Ford I approve of the Environmental Protection Agency decision to give the auto industry a one-year delay in meeting the 1975 anti-pollution standards. This is a decision which is in the best interests of the consumer. It would have been most unwise to foist untested and highly expensive catalytic converters on the auto-buying public simply to be able to say we had met the deadline. As for Ralph Nader's charge that the Administration sold out to the automobile manufacturers, this is nothing short of ridiculous. There is absolutely no basis for such a charge. It is the public which would have had to pay for unwise insistence on the 1975 deadline, not the auto manufacturers. ###### BERALD FORD LIBRARY Statement 4/16/73 Mr. Speaker, I commend the President for his far-reaching Message on Energy, transmitted to the Congress today. The Administration has done a most thorough job of exploring every feasible way out of the energy crisis. It is now up to the Congress to accept the challenge posed by the President's recommendations and to consider them most carefully and with the greate st of urgency. The President has outlined a number of steps that might be taken to resolve our energy problems. Each of his recommendations deserves the most meticulous study. The Congress has its work cut out for it. There is no question that the already evident shortage of energy in the United Statest is one of the most critical challenge facing the Congress. We must deal with it on the basis of highest priority. and The the Pre sident 's recommendations will be most helpful as we tackle this task. ###### Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., to be placed in the Congressional Record of Wednesday, April 18, 1973. MR. SPEAKER: I commend the President for his far-reaching Message on Energy, transmitted to the Congress today. The Administration has done a most thorough job of exploring every feasible way out of the energy crisis. It is now up to the Congress to accept the challenge posed by the President's recommendations and to consider them most carefully and with the greatest of urgency. The President has outlined a number of steps that might be taken to resolve our energy problems. Each of his recommendations deserves the most meticulous study. The Congress has its work cut out for it. There is no question that the already evident shortage of energy in the United States is one of the most critical challenges facing the Congress. We must deal with it on the basis of highest priority. The President's recommendations will be most helpful as we tackle this task. ### FORD "" LIBRARY GERALD Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford for the Cong. Record of April 19, 1973 STATEMENT CONCERNING SECRETARY ROGER'S ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CONGRESS MR. SPEAKER: I wish to take note of the increasingly effective job the Department of State is doing in providing the American people with the information to make considered judgments about our foreign policy. Today Secretary Rogers is issuing his annual report to the Congress. No other government produces such a detailed and comprehensive accounting of its foreign policy. And Several weeks ago I participated in a foreign affairs conference in my native city, Grand Rapids. The Department of State's high-level participation, led by Under Secretary William Porter, was largely responsible for the success of this conference. ##### IDENTITY R FORD LIBRARY Bemarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford for the Cong. Record of April 19, 1973, in observance of Pan-American Day. U.S. Latin American Policy The Policies of the United States are consistent with and indeed encourage, productive trends in Latin America. --- Latin America today is characterized by change and a push to development and modernizątion. Encouraging trends of economic growth are being sustained, but increasingly, there is a recognition of the need to assure the common man a share in growth. New social and political institutions are growing up. New ties, within the region and outside of it, are being established. -- Relationships between the U.S. and Latin America today are characterized by a growing understanding of the global setting in which we have to take up solutions to our problems, the encouragement of efforts to find national solutions to national development problems, and by the acceptance of differences. -- Fundamental to this relationship are the principles initiated by President Nixon in 1969. These are: --- a firm commitment to the inter-American system, -- respect for national identity and dignity, -- continued U.S. assistance for hemispheric development, -- U.S. support for Latin American development initiatives, and -- a dedication to improving the quality of life. --- These principles have been our guide as, over the last four years, the US. has done its part to build a more mature and realistic relationship. --- There have been constraints in some areas, but as was noted in the House by Mr. Fascell Qn April 12, the introduction of the "Trade Reform Act of 1973" shows FORD that we are meeting our commitments, and that we are LIVERST GERALD -2- prepared, as we have always been, to do what we can "in the direction of inter-American economic partnership on a basis of equality". -- The record is sound in other areas, too. Our economic assistance programs have become increasingly collaborative. The total U.S. assistance effort is as high now as it was in the peak period of the mid- 1960's. Our economic assistance to Latin America in fiscal year 1971 was $602 million and in FY '72 it exceeded $1 billion. -- Further, U.S. policy reflects a pragmatic approach to problems shared by sovereign governments and a determination to remove points of friction not related to our real interests in the Hemisphere. In this context, there have been real successes in the past 3 1/2 years. Theogare: ---- Signed an historic agreement with Mexico on determining the present 2,000 mile boundary, -- Established a mechanism for peaceful settlement montey of boundary issues resulting from meanderings of the Rio Grande, -- Swan Islands Agreement, recognizing Honduran sovereignty, -- Abrogation of the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty, relinquishing all canal construction rights in Nicaragua, -- Quito Sueno agreement between U.S. and Colombia in which U.S. renounced all claims to sovereignty, -- Resolution of the fisheries dispute with Brazil. other -- Of course, there arearemaining problems, but the scene is no longer cluttered up. We have before us the issues of the Panama Canal, Expropriation, Chile, and the Fisheries disputes. -3- -- But in every case we've made unmistakably clear our willingness to negotiate, to approach problems in a spirit of compromise, and to consider all proposals. -- As can be seen, the new policy of President Nixon did not reflect any lessening of the importance we attach to Latin America or a retreat from commitments. It was a challenge to change the tone and character of our relationship, to replace the atmosphere of dependence with one of cooperation, and to use that cooperation not only to continue to address the problems of the hemisphere in more imaginative ways, but to tackle international problems of mutual concern. -- The General Assembly of the OAS, which adjourned only a few days ago, is testimony to the success of the policy. It was clear that the nations of this hemisphere can address their problems in realistic usts terms and that the relationship is sound enough permits challenge old ways of doing things. So there is no doubt the Administration hasser policy tha kint is responsive to changes in Latin America and in the world, and that it means not only delivering on commitments already made but making sure that new commitments are relevant and realizable. This is a reassuring conclusion as we mark Pan-American Day. #### Statement by Rep. Ford given to Bob Lewis of Booth News. 4/19/73 The Better Communities Act points the way to a healthy new direction for America. There is no question in my mind that, given the money without ashtony Washington encone move faster and the regulations and/the red tape, city officials coul d/ make all of their ineritable ****** Lifting of the requirement for local matching Federal ants go much further toward meeting community needs. / The Countx also would be helpful. Better Communities Act is a problem-solving program. We all want better communities, and the Better Communities Act will get us there. a The Batter Communities Act points the way to ** a healthyma new direction for America. There is no question in my mind that, given the money without the arbitrary Washington-imposed regulations and the inevitable red tape, city officials could move faster and make all of their Federal grants go much farther toward meeting community needs. Lifting of the requirement for local matching also would be helpful in getting local projects going. The Better Communities Act is a problem-solving program. We all want better communities, and the Better Communities Act tx will get us there. ## # GERALD FORD Distribution: 5th Dist Media air mail 12:30 pm 4/23/73 MOFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1973 Congressman Gerald R. Ford today pointed out he already has a bill pending in the Congress to require that railroad freight cars be equipped with reflectors or luminous material so they can be readily seen at night. "I am informed," Ford said, "that a number of Ionia Area residents are circulating petitions asking that the sides of trains be marked with reflectors or fluorescent paint strips. I introduced a bill on April 3, 1973, that would do exactly that." In a followup to introduction of his bill, Ford on April 9 asked House Commerce Committee Chairman Harley Staggers to request reports on the reflector bill from all interested Federal departments and agencies. This is a necessary first step in seeking enactment of legislation. Ford said he has been trying to get railroad freight car reflector legislation passed since 1957 but has run into strong opposition in every administration. "I am pressing hard for this legislation," Ford said. "I have read the newspaper stories about the two recent fatal night-time accidents at railroad crossings in Ionia County. As people in the Ionia Area have pointed out, requiring reflectors or luminous material on freight cars would cost the railroads money but the absence of this safety feature may be eosting drivers their lives." Ford said a report made on his bill in 1965 by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) is typical of the reaction of previous administrations to the legislation. The report stated: "The ICC cannot at this time make a finding that the net benefits to be derived from the use of these reflectors would be commensurate with the expenditure required for their installation and maintenance." ### GERALD FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1973 Congressman Gerald R. Ford today pointed out he already has a bill pending in the Congress to require that railroad freight cars be equipped with reflectors or luminous material so they can be readily seen at night. "I am informed," Ford said, "that a number of Ionia Area residents are circulating petitions asking that the sides of trains be marked with reflectors or fluorescent paint strips. I introduced a bill on April 3, 1973, that would do exactly that." In a followup to introduction of his bill, Ford on April 9 asked House Commerce Committee Chairman Harley Staggers to request reports on the reflector bill from all interested Federal departments and agencies. This is a necessary first step in seeking enactment of legislation. Ford said he has been trying to get railroad freight car reflector legislation passed since 1957 but has run into strong opposition in every administration. "I am pressing hard for this legislation," Ford said. "I have read the newspaper stories about the two recent fatal night-time accidents at railroad crossings in Ionia County. As people in the Ionia Area have pointed out, requiring reflectors or luminous material on freight cars would cost the railroads money but the absence of this safety feature may be costing drivers their lives." Ford said a report made on his bill in 1965 by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) is typical of the reaction of previous administrations to the legislation. The report stated: "The ICC cannot at this time make a finding that the net benefits to be derived from the use of these reflectors would be commensurate with the expenditure required for their installation and maintenance." ### Distribution Full Halleries 3pm 4/30/13 M OFFICE COPY pm 4/30/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Monday, April 30, 1973 Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on Watergate Affair The resignations were a necessary first step by the White House in clearing the air on the Watergate Affair --- and this does not imply guilt on the part of any White House official who has resigned. I am also pleased that the President is going to address the Nation on this matter and that he has named Elliot Richardson as attorney general with the responsibility of uncovering the whole truth about the Watergate case. I have the greatest confidence in the President, and I am absolutely positive he had nothing to do with this mess. I also have tremendous confidence in Elliot Richardson. He is a man of great integrity. The American people can rest assured that with Richardson directing the Watergate investigation and prosecution all of the facts will come to light and all of those involved will be exposed. Now we can expect that fact will be separated from fiction -- and this certainly needs doing. The Watergate Affair may have an adverse impact on the Republican Party in the 1974 election, but if so it would be most tragic and undeserved. I would emphasize that no Republican member of Congress was in any way involved in the Watergate Affair. ### GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- Monday, April 30, 1973 Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on Watergate Affair The resignations were a necessary first step by the White House in clearing the air on the Watergate Affair -- and this does not imply guilt on the part of any White House official who has resigned. I am also pleased that the President is going to address the Nation on this matter and that he has named Elliot Richardson as attorney general with the responsibility of uncovering the whole truth about the Watergate case. I have the greatest confidence in the President, and I am absolutely positive he had nothing to do with this mess. I also have tremendous confidence in Elliot Richardson. He is a man of great integrity. The American people can rest assured that with Richardson directing the Watergate investigation and prosecution all of the facts will come to light and all of those involved will be exposed. Now we can expect that fact will be separated from fiction - and this certainly needs doing. The Watergate Affair may have an adverse impact on the Republican Party in the 1974 election, but if so it would be most tragic and undeserved. I would emphasize that no Republican member of Congress was in any way involved in the Watergate Affair. ### Remarks of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, R-Mich., to be placed in the Congressional Record of Monday, April 30, 1973. MR. SPEAKER: Each year I send a questionnaire to my constituents in the Fifth Congressional District of Michigan in order to better inform myself regarding their views and opinions. This year my questionnaire deals with a variety of subjects including a proposed Congressional spending ceiling, federal tax credits to defray part of the cost of tuition paid by parents to send their children to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, restoration of the death penalty, abortion, and amnesty. For the information of my colleagues, my complete questionnaire is as follows: Distribution: Galleries only MOFFICE COPY 9:30 A.M. 5/1/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Tuesday, May 1, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford President Nixon demonstrated with his speech on the Watergate Affair that he fully deserves the trust and confidence of the American people. It was fitting and proper that the President assume responsibility for the Watergate Affair - and it was a most courageous act. Now that the President has given Attorney General-designate Elliot Richardson the authority to appoint a special prosecutor, there remains no doubt that the entire truth about the Watergate Affair will be revealed. I think it appropriate, therefore, that the American people now lay aside their concern with Watergate and turn their attention - as the President is doing - to matters of greater moment to the Nation. ### GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY Distribution: 5th Oir Mail District a.m. media MOFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE -FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--- May 3, 1973 Congressman Gerald R. Ford today said he has mailed out copies of his 1973 questionnaire to the nearly 162,000 households in the Fifth Congressional District. Ford said he is eager to take the pulse of the district on the subjects covered by the questionnaire. The topics involved range from a congressional spending ceiling to abortion and amnesty. "As spokesman in Congress for the Fifth District, I have the responsibility of representing as faithfully as possible the views of my constituents," Ford said. "Consequently, it will be very helpful to me to get a good sampling of the opinions held by the people in my district." Ford said his questionnaire is based upon questions drafted by political science professors at Grand Rapids Area colleges. "There are always those who contend some of the questions are slanted," Ford commented. "I therefore have asked the help of the political science professors in order to meet this criticism as best I can." There are seven yes-or-no questions and two multiple choice. The multiple choice questions deal with abortion and amnesty. The yes-or-no questions ask whether Congress should adopt an annual spending ceiling, whether Congress should give the President the power to raise or lower tariffs, whether to allow the use of Highway Trust Fund money for mass transit capital outlays, whether Congress should pass a law protecting the claimed right of newsmen not to reveal the identity of confidential news sources, whether to provide tax credits to parents to defray part of the cost of tuition paid to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, whether to restore the death penalty, and whether the U. S. should contribute to the postwar reconstruction of North Vietnam. # # # CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE -FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY------ May 3, 1973 Congressman Gerald R. Ford today said he has mailed out copies of his 1973 phousand questionnaire to the nearly 162,000 households in the Fifth Congressional District. Ford said he is eager to take the pulse of the district on the subjects covered by the questionnaire. The topics involved range from a congressional spending ceiling to abortion and amnesty. "As spokesman in Congress for the Fifth District, I have the responsibility of representing as faithfully as possible the views of my constituents," Ford said. "Consequently, it will be very helpful to me to get a good sampling of the opinions held by the people in my district." Ford said his questionnaire is based upon questions drafted by political science professors at Grand Rapids Area colleges. "There are always those who contend some of the questions are slanted," Ford commented. "I therefore have asked the help of the political science professors in order to meet this criticism as best I can." There are seven yes-or-no questions and two multiple choice. The multiple choice questions deal with abortion and amnesty. The yes-or-no questions ask whether Congress should adopt an annual spending ceiling, whether Congress should give the President the power to raise or lower tariffs, whether to allow the use of Highway Trust Fund money for mass transit capital outlays, whether Congress should pass a law protecting the claimed right of newsmen not to reveal the identity of confidential news sources, whether to provide tax credits to parents to defray part of the cost of tuition paid to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, whether to restore the death penalty, and whether the U. S. should contribute to the postwar reconstruction of North Vietnam. # # # Destribution Michigan Delegation M OFFICE COPY and Mich UPI CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- May 3, 1973 The entire Michigan congressional delegation today fired off telegrams to the Office of Management and Budget and the Environmental Protection Agency protesting a tieup of Federal funds which has stalled Michigan's water pollution control program. The delegation demanded to know from EPA why $501 million in Federal sewage treatment funds released thus far this year went to just 13 states, with Michigan getting nothing. Michigan's two senators and 19 congressmen also asked why the treatment works projects in these 13 states were certified before sewage treatment industrial user charges went into effect on March 1, giving those states an advantage. In the telegram to OMB, the Michigan delegation urged that all obstacles to the additional allocation of fiscal 1973 sewage treatment funds be removed. The delegation noted that President Nixon had allocated $2 billion for sewage treatment works in fiscal 1973, but only $501 million has been disbursed. Members quoted the President as saying this $2 billion would be "available immediately.' Complaining about the lack of funds, the delegation cited "long delays (by EPA) in developing and approving administrative regulations.' This, the members said, has "resulted in a virtual hold on the use of these funds as well as those for reimbursement." In its protest over the delay in funding, the delegation declared: "The lack of construction funds raises serious questions about the impact on the construction industry and the employment situation therein, particularly if there is no program acceleration in the near future. The lack of reimbursement is costly and damaging to local communities which have advanced funds from other programs and delayed project completion." The delegation said no contracts for new sewage treatment projects have been awarded in Michigan in nine months. The Michigan members asked that OMB give "the highest priority" to removing any impediments to the immediate use of fiscal year 1973 sewage treatment construction funds and disbursement for reimbursement funds. LIBRARY (more) Page 2 The Michigan delegation acted after a group of Michigan state legislators met in Washington with Sen. Robert P. Griffin, Reps. Elford A. Cederberg and Philip E. Ruppe, and spokesmen for Sen. Philip A. Hart and Reps. Gerald R. Ford and Guy VanderJagt to discuss the stagnation of Michigan's water pollution control program. ### CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- May 3, 1973 The entire Michigan congressional delegation today fired off telegrams to the Office of Management and Budget and the Environmental Protection Agency protesting a tieup of Federal funds which has stalled Michigan's water pollution control program. The delegation demanded to know from EPA why $501 million in Federal sewage treatment funds released thus far this year went to just 13 states, with Michigan getting nothing. Michigan's two senators and 19 congressmen also asked why the treatment works projects in these 13 states were certified before sewage treatment industrial user charges went into effect on March 1, giving those states an advantage. In the telegram to OMB, the Michigan delegation urged that all obstacles to the additional allocation of fiscal 1973 sewage treatment funds be removed. The delegation noted that President Nixon had allocated $2 billion for sewage treatment works in fiscal 1973, but only $501 million has been disbursed. Members quoted the President as saying this $2 billion would be "available immediately. " Complaining about the lack of funds, the delegation cited "long delays (by EPA) in developing and approving administrative regulations." This, the members said, has "resulted in a virtual hold on the use of these funds as well as those for reimbursement." In its protest over the delay in funding, the delegation declared: "The lack of construction funds raises serious questions about the impact on the construction industry and the employment situation therein, particularly if there is no program acceleration in the near future. The lack of reimbursement is costly and damaging to local communities which have advanced funds from other programs and delayed project completion." The delegation said no contracts for new sewage treatment projects have been awarded in Michigan in nine months. The Michigan members asked that OMB give "the highest priority" to removing any impediments to the immediate use of fiscal year 1973 sewage treatment construction funds and disbursement for reimbursement funds. GERALD FORD LIBRARY (more) Page 2 The Michigan delegation acted after a group of Michigan state legislators met in Washington with Sen. Robert P. Griffin, Reps. Elford A. Cederberg and Philip E. Ruppe, and spokesmen for Sen. Philip A. Hart and Reps. Gerald R. Ford and Guy VanderJagt to discuss the stagnation of Michigan's water pollution control program. ### FORD is LIBRARY r Distribution: Galleries 5:30pm 5/22/73M OFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Tuesday, May 22, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I commend the President for his forthright statement, which is his honest recollection of any and all aspects of the Watergate Affair. This statement should clear the air as far as all allegations involving the President are concerned. I accept the President's statement that he neither approved nor had knowledge of any unethical and illegal activities undertaken on his behalf in connection with the 1972 presidential campaign, or of the Watergate coverup. With regard to the President's orders concerning national security leaks, the President acted properly in his attempts to plug such leaks. No government, including a democracy, can function effectively if highly sensitive information is disclosed. No President can effectively carry out his responsibilities for the conduct of our foreign affairs if the confidentiality of high level negotiations is not preserved. ### CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Tuesday, May 22, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I commend the President for his forthright statement, which is his honest recollection of any and all aspects of the Watergate Affair. This statement should clear the air as far as all allegations involving the President are concerned. I accept the President's statement that he neither approved nor had knowledge of any unethical and illegal activities undertaken on his behalf in connection with the 1972 presidential campaign, or of the Watergate coverup. With regard to the President's orders concerning national security leaks, the President acted properly in his attempts to plug such leaks. No government, including a democracy, can function effectively if highly sensitive information is disclosed. No President can effectively carry out his responsibilities for the conduct of our foreign affairs if the confidentiality of high level negotiations is not preserved. ### CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDITE RELEASE- Tuesday, May 22, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I commend the Pre sident for his forthright statement, which is his honest recollection of any and all aspects of the Watergate Affair. This statement should clear the air as far as all allegations involving the President are concerned. I accept the President's statement that he neither approved nor had knowledge of any unethical and illegal activities undertaken on his behalf in connection with the 1972p presidential campaign, or of the Watergate coverup. With regard to the President's orders concerming national security leaks, the President acted properly in his attempts to plug such leaks. No government, including a democracy, can function effectively if highly sensitive information is disclosed. No President can effectively carry out his responsibilities for the conduct of our foreign affairs if the confidentiality of high level negotiations is not preserved. GESRA FORD LIBRARY Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford. R-Mich., to be placed in the Congressional Record of Wednesday, May 23. 1973. MR. SPEAKER: Robert McFadden Menaugh, superintendent of the House Radio-Television Gallery, today was presentedbby former Speaker John W. McCormack with the John W. McCormack Award as the outstanding employee of the House. On May 20, 1939, then Speaker William B. Bankhead appointed Bob as the first superintendent of the House Radio Gallery, later to be known as the Radio-TV Gallery. Bob has now served with five Speakers. The establishment of the Gallery was approved by a House Resolution a few weeks prior, crowning a two year effort by a handful of radio journalists. The House Press Gallery (which was then over a hundred years old) had barred membership to radio newsmen. Shortly after his appointment as House Radio Gallery superintendent, Bob was called on to help set up the Senate Radio Gallery and for & while helped run both Galleries. Mr. Menaugh left the Gallery in 1941 to enter the Army. He spent four years in the Pentagon, most of the time as Executive Officer of the War Intelligence Division of the War Department Bureau of Public Relations. He achieved the rank of Major. After the war, Bob returned to his duties at the Gallery as superintendent, where he serves today. In his years as superintendent of the House Radio-TV Gallery, Bob Menaugh has not only withessed a great deal of history, he has helped make it. It was under his leadership that television news coverage made its early beginnings on the Hill. A notable moment in this regard was the LIBRARY Page 2 arrangement made for the first live televised broadcast of a State of the Union, Joint Session event. In connection with eight Inaugurals, Bob has assisted in the Joint Committee for that event in planning the stands for the East Front of the Capitol. Five modifications have been made to the Canter Stand to accommddate the increasing use of television and radio. At the request of both national political parties the Executive Committee of the Radio-TV Correspondents' Galleries accepted the job of accrediting and issuing credentials to the scores of radio-TV reporters covering these events. Bob has headed the staff handling these arrangements, which included 18 conventions, beginning in 1940. Helping Cangress understand the needs and the intricacies of the electronic media has been a task which Bob Menaugh has handled with understanding, patience and foresight. Under his guidance, the House Radio-TV Gallery has grown from a small room, now partially occupied by the Rules Committee, located between the two front elevators in the east front of the Capitol, to a modern complex of studios and work rooms just above the House chamber, from which correspondents work when covering the House. When Bob first took over the operations of the Gallery, there were 26 reporters accredited from a handful of organizations. Today there are over 500 accredited radio-TV correspondents representing 115 organizations. Menaugh was born in southern Indiana, so far south thatsmall city of Salem is almost a Louisville suburb. In 1936 he married Miss Helen Hitch of Indianapolis. They reside in Alexandria, Virginia. They are active in Page 3 the Westminster Presbyterian Church where Bob has served as Deacon. They have one daughter, Judy, married and living in Flint, Michigan, where she is Director of Public Relations for the Flint Institute of Art. ### BERALD LISTARY M OFFICE-COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- May 24, 1973 Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford I am shocked by the death of Congre ssman Bill Mills. Bill Mills was one of the most promising young members of the House of Representatives. His death is a loss to us all and is most tragic. ###### GERALD FORD LIBRARY Distribution: 5th District media OFFICE COPY air mail 4:30 pm 5/26/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY-- May 30, 1973 House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford today announced he has appointed Katherine Siddall, 17, of East Grand Rapids, Mich., as the first Republican girl page in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kathy will serve as a page during June and July. She actually is one of two Republican girl pages coming on duty June 1, but she is technically the first GOP girl page in the House because her appointment was approved by the House Republican Personnel Committee before that of the other GOP girl. The other Republican girl page is Nancy Sue Bailey of Birmingham, Ala., an appointee of Rep. John Buchanan. Ford said: "I am delighted to be able to appoint Kathy as a page. She is obviously a very fine girl. I am sure this will be a great experience for her." House Speaker Carl Albert recently appointed the very first House of Representatives girl page. Ford said Kathy is an outstanding student and an all-around athlete who has won varsity letters at East Grand Rapids High School in basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball. A pitcher on the softball team, Kathy has won the team's most-valuable-player award for two years in a row. The first House Republican girl page works in a women's apparel store after school, and on weekends does dog-census work for the City of East Grand Rapids. She hopes to become a lawyer. Kathy is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Siddall, 2715 Berwyck Rd., S.E. Ford said the House GOP leadership plans to arrange for Republican pages to attend committee meetings and otherwise become acquainted with House legislative procedures this summer when they are not occupied with their regular duties. # # # FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON WEDNESDAY-- May 30, 1973 House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford today announced he has appointed Katherine Siddall, 17, of East Grand Rapids, Mich., as the first Republican girl page in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kathy will serve as a page during June and July. She actually is one of two Republican girl pages coming on duty June 1, but she is technically the first GOP girl page in the House because her appointment was approved by the House Republican Personnel Committee before that of the other GOP girl. The other Republican girl page is Nancy Sue Bailey of Birmingham, Ala., an appointee of Rep. John Buchanan. Ford said: "I am delighted to be able to appoint Kathy as a page. She is obviously a very fine girl. I am sure this will be a great experience for her." House Speaker Carl Albert recently appointed the very first House of Representatives girl page. Ford said Kathy is an outstanding student and an all-around athlete who has won varsity letters at East Grand Rapids High School in basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball. A pitcher on the softball team, Kathy has won the team's most-valuable-player award for two years in a row. The first House Republican girl page works in a women's apparel store after school, and on weekends does dog-census work for the City of East Grand Rapids. She hopes to become a lawyer. Kathy is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Siddall, 2715 Berwyck Rd., S.E. Ford said the House GOP leadership plans to arrange for Republican pages to attend committee meetings and otherwise become acquainted with House legislative procedures this summer when they are not occupied with their regular duties. # # # Statement by Rep. Ford for Pravda 6/4/73 I am hopeful that the meetings between Mr. Nixon and Mr. Brezhnev will provide a sound foundation for improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union for years to come. It is possible that these meetings will pave the way for a second SALT Agreement reducing the danger of nuclear warfare, a new trade relationship which will be beneficial to both the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., a European Security Treaty which will result in a mutual balanced forces reduction, the elimination of mutual irritants and an easing of tensions, and a newera of space cooperation. If these meetings are as successful as they might be, we could emerge with real prospects for a generation of peace. ####### MOFFICE copy CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 6, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford The President's appointment of Former Defense Secretary Melvin Laird as his chief domestic adviser is an excellent move and is most welcome news. The President could have made no better choice. I am pleased that Gen. Haig has decided to resign his commission and to remain on the White House staff. Alexander Haig is a most capable individual. There is no question but that both of these actions strengthen the White House staff and should lead to a big improvement in White House relations with Congress. ### GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 6, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford The President's appointment of Former Defense Secretary Melvin Laird as his chief domestic adviser is an excellent move and is most welcome news. The President could have made no better choice. I am pleased that Gen. Haig has decided to resign his commission and to remain on the White House staff. Alexander Haig is a most capable individual. There is no question but that both of these actions strengthen the White House staff and should lead to a big improvement in White House relations with Congress. ### LIBRARY V CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE sent 6/8/13 To Be Sent to All 5th District Weeklies except Letterpress a.m. CUTLINES 'IT'S GREAT BEING A PAGE' -- Kathy Siddall, 17, of East Grand Rapids is all smiles as she checks signals with Congre ssman Gerald R. Ford after her first few days as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ford named Kathy as the first Republican girl page in the Hourse. She will serve during the months of June and July. #i#### E " Wookly li-port R Norhis Hopari mey COOELE ITEM TRANSFER REFERENCE FORM The item described below has been removed to: New File Location: audio Visual materials Document Description: I 8 X10 BW Plato Ford and Karly Siddall, First Republican girl page in the House Press release on back, dated June 8, 1973 Old File Location: Press Releases, Chronological Box 5 Folder January June, 1973 By Denni Lakomy & Date March 6, 1973 NLFP - 11/4/77 Distribution : House Falleries 4.00 pm 6/13/73 m OFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 13, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I find the new peace-pledge agreement negotiated by Henry Kissinger encouraging. It is a signal achievement if the Vietnamese signatories to the pact abide by it. As Kissinger has said, one would have to be naive to believe that a simple restatement of the Jan. 27 ceasefire agreement will end ceasefire violations. But a new effort had to be made, and the new agreement holds fresh promise that maybe all fighting will end. We can only hope and pray that this will be so. ### GERMED FORD LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 13, 1973 Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford I find the new peace-pledge agreement negotiated by Henry Kissinger encouraging. It is a signal achievement if the Vietnamese signatories to the pact abide by it. As Kissinger has said, one would have to be naive to believe that a simple restatement of the Jan. 27 ceasefire agreement will end ceasefire violations. But a new effort had to be made, and the new agreement holds fresh promise that maybe all fighting will end. We can only hope and pray that this will be so. ### LIBRARI House Gallinees 11:15am 6/14/73 5th Diet weeklies am. 6/14/13 OFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON-- THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 1973 The Department of Labor has agreed to a three-week delay in the enforcement of emergency standards for working in fruit orchards and other farm areas where crops have been treated with organophosphorous pesticides, Representative Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.) announced today. The pesticide regulations were announced last month to become effective June 18 for compliance by all farmers with one or more employees. They brought a storm of objections from fruit growers in Michigan and other States who particularly protested the lack of customary public hearings and opportunity for the growers and pesticide experts to contribute their own practical knowledge of the problem. The Department acted under an emergency provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The standards lay down a series of regulations detailing how long workers must be kept out of fields treated with a number of pesticides, and also specify other protective measures including, in some cases, the required use of protective clothing. "At the June 5th White House meeting of the Republican Leadership of the Congress I personally told the President about this problem," Ford said. "A meeting with Secretary of Labor Brennan was promptly arranged to which I invited other Republican Members of Congress whose constituents are equally concerned about the sudden pesticide order. "We agreed that some standards of protection against certain pesticides are required under the law but Secretary Brennan was receptive to my argument that the views of farmers who actually use these pesticides to produce abundant food should be carefully considered. My constituents and those of the other Congressmen from fruit growing areas were virtually unanimous in contending that the emergency regulations first published in the Federal Register on May 1st are unrealistic both as to the degree of danger involved and the time allowed for compliance.' (more) LIBRARY Page 2 Representative Ford has been assured that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now considering changes in the emergency standards and that revised regulations will be published June 25 with an additional two weeks for public comment to be allowed before enforcement is attempted. "I commend Secretary Brennan for personally and promptly acting to allow all citizens concerned in this matter to be heard and to bring more facts and expert opinion to bear on this complex regulation problem," Representative Ford said. ### CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON-- THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 1973 The Department of Labor has agreed to a three-week delay in the enforcement of emergency standards for working in fruit orchards and other farm areas where crops have been treated with organophosphorous pesticides, Representative Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.) announced today. The pesticide regulations were announced last month to become effective June 18 for compliance by all farmers with one or more employees. They brought a storm of objections from fruit growers in Michigan and other States who particularly protested the lack of customary public hearings and opportunity for the growers and pesticide experts to contribute their own practical knowledge of the problem. The Department acted under an emergency provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The standards lay down a series of regulations detailing how long workers must be kept out of fields treated with a number of pesticides, and also specify other protective measures including, in some cases, the required use of protective clothing. "At the June 5th White House meeting of the Republican Leadership of the Congress I personally told the President about this problem," Ford said. "A meeting with Secretary of Labor Brennan was promptly arranged to which I invited other Republican Members of Congress whose constituents are equally concerned about the sudden pesticide order. "We agreed that some standards of protection against certain pesticides are required under the law but Secretary Brennan was receptive to my argument that the views of farmers who actually use these pesticides to produce abundant food should be carefully considered. My constituents and those of the other Congressmen from fruit growing areas were virtually unanimous in contending that the emergency regulations first published in the Federal Register on May 1st are unrealistic both as to the degree of danger involved and the time allowed for compliance." (more) LIBRARY Page 2 Representative Ford has been assured that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now considering changes in the emergency standards and that revised regulations will be published June 25 with an additional two weeks for public comment to be allowed before enforcement is attempted. "I commend Secretary Brennan for personally and promptly acting to allow all citizens concerned in this matter to be heard and to bring more facts and expert opinion to bear on this complex regulation problem," Representative Ford said. # # # House Galleries only 9:30Am MOFFICE COPY 6/14/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 14, 1973 Comment by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on President's Anti-Inflation Speech The President's approach is right on target. The strong actions taken by the President to deal with inflation will be welcomed by consumers throughout the country. His is the right medicine at this point in time. The best course is to stop inflation cold with an across-the-board price freeze and then to apply effective price controls. We all know it; Phase III just didn't work. I am pleased with the freeze and the promise of Phase IV. I am also pleased that the President has ordered an investigation of recent price increases, with the prospect of rollbacks. Nobody in America should be gouging the consumer. As the President said, the consumer comes first. It's now the obligation of the Congress to join with the President in implementing an effective anti-inflation program. ### GERALD FORD VIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 14, 1973 Comment by Rep. Gerald R. Ford on President's Anti-Inflation Speech The President's approach is right on target. The strong actions taken by the President to deal with inflation will be welcomed by consumers throughout the country. His is the right medicine at this point in time. The best course is to stop inflation cold with an across-the-board price freeze and then to apply effective price controls. We all know it; Phase III just didn't work. I am pleased with the freeze and the promise of Phase IV. I am also pleased that the President has ordered an investigation of recent price increases, with the prospect of rollbacks. Nobody in America should be gouging the consumer. As the President said, the consumer comes first. It's now the obligation of the Congress to join with the President in implementing an effective anti-inflation program. ### 6/18/73 Special to Andrew Tully The most ridiculous assertion being made in connection with the Watergate Affair is that no longer can the Nixon Administration-- or any Republican, for that matter--talk about law and order. This statement is nonsensical because despite the fact that the Watergate Affair first surfaced as a result of a breaking and entering, the present Administration has made tremendous progress in fighting professional crime in America. And, with the cooperation of Congress, further advances can be expected. We all remember what the situation was in the Sixties. Permissiveness. Violence. A real threat that crime was becoming uncontrollable. And, worst of all, the steps necessary to control crime were not being taken. The Nixon Administration came to office in 1969 with a conviction that law and order had to be restored. One of the first actions taken by the Administration was the mounting of an all-out attack against crime in the United States. The Administration beefed up the manpower in Federal enforcement and prosecution agencies. Under prodding by the Administration, Congress enacted legislation stepping up the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and crime in the District of Columbia. With the Administration recommending higher figures, the Congress sharply increased Federal financial aid to State and local criminal justice systems until this aid totalled $1.5 billion for the three fiscal years from 1970 through 1972. This was a clear departure from the philosophy that had pervaded national crime-fighting efforts up to that time. The result was dramatic progress in bringing America back from a period of record-breaking levels of lawlessness. Through the combined efforts of Federal, State and local agencies, serious crime in the United States is being brought under control. Aggressive leadership has produced positive results: Federal aid to State and local law enforcement agencies has FORD (more) GERALD LIBRARY Page 2 increased dramatically; Justice Department funding has been augmented to provide more marshals, more judges, more narcotics agents and more Assistant U. S. Attorneys in the field; 600 new Special F.B.I. agents have been added; and Federal spending on efforts to curb juvenile delinquency has increased twelvefold. We have not only reversed a steady rise in the crime rate; we have actually brought about a nationwide decrease in the rate of serious crime. The Nixon goal of improving the American correctional system has been advanced, in large part, through the initiatives of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA). Currently the Congress is moving to extend the life of LEAA and to increase the authorizations for that agency to about $1 billion a year. LEAA also is being strengthened. It is being made more accountable. The administration of assistance programs is being made more centralized. The formulas for matching Federal funds are being simplified; and funding incentives for inter- governmental coordination and cooperation in areas of law enforcement and criminal justice are being provided. The primary responsibility for fighting crime lies with the States. The LEAA program aids those elements in our federal system which are best able to fight crime. Our anti-crime program is on the right track. We are taking the right measures. The only way to attack crime in America is the way crime attacks our people--without pity. This is why I am strongly supporting the President's latest efforts to step up the war against crime--a comprehensive revision of existing Federal criminal laws and the centralization of drug law enforcement efforts through creation of a new Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (FDEA). The Drug Enforcement Administration has become a reality as the result of an Administration reorganization plan. This coordinated attack against drug traffic has become a reality because a majority of the members of the U. S. House of Representatives had the good sense to reject a move by the House Government Operations Committee to disapprove the reorganization proposal. (more) Page 3 The need for centralizing drug enforcement activities in one Federal agency became clear during Floor debate. I strongly supported the establishment of this new agency. How important is the sharpening of the attack against drug trafficking? It is still estimated that one-third to one-half of all individuals arrested for street crimes are narcotics abusers and addicts. No single law enforcement problem has occupied more time, effort and money in the past four years than that of drug abuse and drug addiction. When the present Administration assumed office in 1969, only $82 million was budgeted by the Federal Government for law enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation in the field of drug abuse. That figure has been increased to $785 million for fiscal 1974, nearly 10 times as much. The record shows that narcotics production has been disrupted, more traffickers and distributors have been put out of business, and addicts and abusers have been treated and started on the road to rehabilitation. Turning again to the need for revision of existing Federal criminal laws, let me emphasize that we should increase the sentences for heroin and morphine trafficking and restore the death penalty for certain crimes. Last March 22 I introduced the Administration bill providing for the death penalty for wartime treason and for murder committed under certain circumstances. The death penalty can be a deterrent to crime. I strongly support general revision of the Federal criminal laws because this will provide us with laws that are workable and responsive to the demands of a modern Nation. Most crime in America does not fall under Federal jurisdiction. Those who serve in the front lines of the war against crime are the State and local law enforcement authorities. But the present Administration has been providing State and local authorities with the leadership and the aid necessary to turn the tide against the criminal. As a consequence, we have won quite a few battles in our constant jousting with the forces of crime-- and we are on our way to winning the war against the criminal element in our society. # # # GERALD LISRARY Distribution: House Galleries only M OFFICE COPY 4:30pm 6/21/73 CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 21, 1973 Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford The signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Seven Principles Agreement by President Nixon and Soviet leader Brezhnev is an event of the greatest significance for the future of world peace. There is good reason to believe that this agreement will culminate by the end of next year in a U.S.-Soviet treaty that would limit and reduce offensive nuclear weapons, a companion pact to last year's agreements limiting defensive nuclear missiles and submarines. President Nixon has led us to a most promising point in the development of peaceful relations between the two superpowers of the world. The words, a generation of peace, have become a phrase that accurately sums up the prospect for the future of mankind. ### GEARLD K.FORD LIBRAMA CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- June 21, 1973 Statement by House Republican Leader Gerald R. Ford The signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Seven Principles Agreement by President Nixon and Soviet leader Brezhnev is an event of the greatest significance for the future of world peace. There is good reason to believe that this agreement will culminate by the end of next year in a U.S.-Soviet treaty that would limit and reduce offensive nuclear weapons, a companion pact to last year's agreements limiting defensive nuclear missiles and submarines. President Nixon has led us to a most promising point in the development of peaceful relations between the two superpowers of the world. The words, a generation of peace, have become a phrase that accurately sums up the prospect for the future of mankind. ### Distribution: Fifth District only pm 6/22/23 MOFFICE COPY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON MONDAY, JUNE 25, 1973 Three out of five Fifth District residents responding to Congressman Gerald R. Ford's 1973 questionnaire would like to see the Supreme Court ruling on abortions reversed. That became known today as Ford announced the results of his survey, tabulated in a computerized count. Ford reported that 27,770 persons had filled out his questionnaire, nearly one-third again as many as last year. Offered three choices, only 31 per cent of those responding to Ford's question on abortion said they favor allowing the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortions to stand. Nearly half--45 per cent--favored a constitutional amendment prohibiting abortions in all but extreme circumstances while 18 per cent want a constitutional amendment restoring to the states the power to regulate abortions. The combined vote for the proposed constitutional amendments, both now in the House Judiciary Committee, was 63 per cent. The numbers do not add up to 100 per cent because the remainder did not answer the question or voted for more than one choice. An overwhelming majority of those answering Ford's questions--a full 80 per cent--rejected the idea of U.S. aid for the postwar reconstruction of North Vietnam. The Administration has not submitted any aid proposal to Congress, but in the Paris Peace Agreement the United States agreed to provide North Vietnam with economic aid. Two out of three of the Ford questionnaire respondents (67 per cent) voted against diversion of Highway Trust Fund monies for mass transit. The House on April 19 defeated a move to give states and cities the option of using up to $700 million in Trust Fund money for rail and bus systems. Ford fought the move. The House last Wednesday appropriated $980 million for mass transit from general revenues. Ford supported the legislation. (more) LIBRARY Page 2 The questionnaire respondents divided sharply on the question of amnesty for deserters and draft-dodgers. Ten per cent favored unconditional amnesty while 37 per cent were for giving amnesty to those willing to serve two or three years in government service. Forty nine per cent opposed amnesty under any conditions. Summing up the rest of the questionnaire results, Ford reported that the respondents heavily favored restoring the death penalty for certain crimes, favored Federal income tax credits for part of the cost of sending children to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, endorsed giving President Nixon the power to raise or lower tariffs as a tool in trade negotiations, strongly favored having Congress adopt an annual spending ceiling even at the expense of existing programs, and favored protecting the right of newsmen not to reveal the identity of news sources. Ford is the author of a bill which would provide a Federal income tax credit of up to $200 per child for parents sending their children to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. He said House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills, D-Ark., has informed him the tax credit proposal "undoubtedly" will be included in the omnibus tax reform bill to be written by Mills' committee. Ford said this means the tax credit provision will pass the House. However, he said he could make no prediction as to what will happen to it in the Senate. ### LIBRARY CONGRESSMAN NEWS GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON MONDAY, JUNE 25, 1973 Three out of five Fifth District residents responding to Congressman Gerald R. Ford's 1973 questionnaire would like to see the Supreme Court ruling on abortions reversed. That became known today as Ford announced the results of his survey, tabulated in a computerized count. Ford reported that 27,770 persons had filled out his questionnaire, nearly one-third again as many as last year. Offered three choices, only 31 per cent of those responding to Ford's question on abortion said they favor allowing the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortions to stand. Nearly half--45 per cent--favored a constitutional amendment prohibiting abortions in all but extreme circumstances while 18 per cent want a constitutional amendment restoring to the states the power to regulate abortions. The combined vote for the proposed constitutional amendments, both now in the House Judiciary Committee, was 63 per cent. The numbers do not add up to 100 per cent because the remainder did not answer the question or voted for more than one choice. An overwhelming majority of those answering Ford's questions--a full 80 per cent--rejected the idea of U.S. aid for the postwar reconstruction of North Vietnam. The Administration has not submitted any aid proposal to Congress, but in the Paris Peace Agreement the United States agreed to provide North Vietnam with economic aid. Two out of three of the Ford questionnaire respondents (67 per cent) voted against diversion of Highway Trust Fund monies for mass transit. The House on April 19 defeated a move to give states and cities the option of using up to $700 million in Trust Fund money for rail and bus systems. Ford fought the move. The House last Wednesday appropriated $980 million for mass transit from general revenues. Ford supported the legislation. (more) Page 2 The questionnaire respondents divided sharply on the question of amnesty for deserters and draft-dodgers. Ten per cent favored unconditional amnesty while 37 per cent were for giving amnesty to those willing to serve two or three years in government service. Forty nine per cent opposed amnesty under any conditions. Summing up the rest of the questionnaire results, Ford reported that the respondents heavily favored restoring the death penalty for certain crimes, favored Federal income tax credits for part of the cost of sending children to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, endorsed giving President Nixon the power to raise or lower tariffs as a tool in trade negotiations, strongly favored having Congress adopt an annual spending ceiling even at the expense of existing programs, and favored protecting the right of newsmen not to reveal the identity of news sources. Ford is the author of a bill which would provide a Federal income tax credit of up to $200 per child for parents sending their children to nonprofit nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. He said House Ways and Means Chairman Wilbur Mills, D-Ark., has informed him the tax credit proposal "undoubtedly" will be included in the omnibus tax reform bill to be written by Mills' committee. Ford said this means the tax credit provision will pass the House. However, he said he could make no prediction as to what will happen to it in the Senate. # # # Remarks by Rep. Gerald R. Ford. R-Mich,, to be placed in the Congressional Record of Tuesday, June 26, 1973. MR. SPEAKER: Several of my colleagues led by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. PATTEN) today are discussing the Vienna negotiations on MBFR. We are heartened by the fact that the Soviet Union and its allies have accepted the general framework for such talks, and we are pushing ahead toward a mutual balanced reduction of the forces of the Warsaw Pact.and NATO in Europe. Agreement will not only strengthen detente and peace and security in Europe but also reduce the arms burden on members of both alliances. It will allow us to reduce the number of our troops in Europe without interfering with NATO strategy and strength. We are aware of the obstacles still in the way, among them the question of what a balanced withdrawal means and also the dispute involving participation in the conference and the area to be included. NATO stremously objected to the Soviet proposal to exclude Hungary and her territory from the MBFR zone. Finally, a compromise was reached not to treat Hungary as a direct participant but as a special participant in the preliminary talks. THis compromise was made without prejudice to the status of Hungary at the future main conference or in any MBFR agreements. The West also retained the right toraise the issue at the fall conference. In my opinion, we should continue along the lines set forth in the compromise and seek to have Hungary admitted to the main conference as a full participant. ### Distribution: Fifth District Media air mail to dailes pm 6/29/73 M OFFICE COPY 6/29/73 NEWS CONGRESSMAN GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford regarding Watergate and the Banking and Currency Committee (Memo to Fifth District News Media: I understand that an attempt will be made by Bob Kleiner at a press conference Monday morning to tie me in with Watergate. The following statement is my comment on any charges that might be made in connection with the House Banking and Currency Committee vote last Oct. 3 against a committee investigation of the Watergate Affair.) "On Oct. 3, 1972, the House Banking and Currency Committee voted 20 to 15 against conducting an investigation of the June break-in and bugging of Democratic National Headquarters. "All 14 Republican members of the committee voted against the proposed investigation. So did six Democrats. Had these six Democrats voted with other Democratic members of the committee to proceed with the investigation, the vote would have been 21 to 14 to go ahead with the probe. It is therefore ridiculous for Fifth District Democrats--or for that matter, for Democrats anywhere--to charge that Republicans blocked an investigation of Watergate by the House Banking and Currency Committee. "The motivation of the committee Democrats who voted against the investigation was the same as that of the Republicans. The investigation would have interfered with the proper prosecution of the suspects arrested in connection with the Watergate break-in and would have been interpreted as infringing on their constitutional right to a fair trial. "The White House did not even discuss this matter with me in advance of the Oct. 3 meeting of the Banking and Currency Committee. The House Republican Leadership did meet with Republican members of the committee on Sept. 26 and 27 in the Office of the Republican Whip (Rep. Leslie Arends, R-I11.) but these meetings took place at the request--I emphasize, at the request--of the committee Republicans and not on the initiative of the leadership or the White House. The Republican committee members wanted to discuss with the leadership the problem that confronted them--the fact that public committee hearings could jeopardize the rights of the Watergate defendants. I never received a request from the White House that the House Republican Leadership meet with Republican members of the House Banking and Currency Committee. For anyone to try to tie me in with Watergate because of the vote Oct. 3, 1972 in the Banking and Currency Committee against an investigation of Watergate is utterly ridiculous. Such charges are a complete fabrication without any basis in fact." ### 6/29/73 NEWS CONGRESSMAN GERALD R. FORD HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RELEASE Statement by Rep. Gerald R. Ford regarding Watergate and the Banking and Currency Committee (Memo to Fifth District News Media: I understand that an attempt will be made by Bob Kleiner at a press conference Monday morning to tie me in with Watergate. The following statement is my comment on any charges that might be made in connection with the House Banking and Currency Committee vote last Oct. 3 against a committee investigation of the Watergate Affair.) "On Oct. 3, 1972, the House Banking and Currency Committee voted 20 to 15 against conducting an investigation of the June break-in and bugging of Democratic National Headquarters. "All 14 Republican members of the committee voted against the proposed investigation. So did six Democrats. Had these six Democrats voted with other Democratic members of the committee to proceed with the investigation, the vote would have been 21 to 14 to go ahead with the probe. It is therefore ridiculous for Fifth District Democrats--or for that matter, for Democrats anywhere--to charge that Republicans blocked an investigation of Watergate by the House Banking and Currency Committee. "The motivation of the committee Democrats who voted against the investigation was the same as that of the Republicans. The investigation would have interfered with the proper prosecution of the suspects arrested in connection with the Watergate break-in and would have been interpreted as infringing on their constitutional right to a fair trial. "The White House did not even discuss this matter with me in advance of the Oct. 3 meeting of the Banking and Currency Committee. The House Republican Leadership did meet with Republican members of the committee on Sept. 26 and 27 in the Office of the Republican Whip (Rep. Leslie Arends, R-Ill.) but these meetings took place at the request--I emphasize, at the request--of the committee Republicans and not on the initiative of the leadership or the White House. The Republican committee members wanted to discuss with the leadership the problem that confronted them--the fact that public committee hearings could jeopardize the rights of the Watergate defendants. I never received a request from the White House that the House Republican Leadership meet with Republican members of the House Banking and Currency Committee. For anyone to try to tie me in with Watergate because of the vote Oct. 3, 1972 in the Banking and Currency Committee against an investigation of Watergate is utterly ridiculous. Such charges are a complete fabrication without LIBRARY any basis in fact." ###