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1974/10/17 - President Ford and Hispanic Leaders
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1974/10/17 - President Ford and Hispanic Leaders
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The original documents are located in Box 5, folder "1974/10/17 - President Ford and
Hispanic Leaders" of the Fernando E.C. De Baca Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
October 15, 1974
For further information
contact:
E. B. Duarte
Director, Public Affairs
202/254-5940 (0)
202/265-3350 (H)
ADVISORY TO EDITORS
WASHINGTON -- President Ford will meet Thursday, October 17,
with 16 Hispanic American leaders to discuss concerns of the
Spanish speaking community.
The meeting is scheduled to last 45 minutes, beginning at
12:15 P.M. It will be held in the White House Cabinet Room.
The session is being arranged by Fernando E. C. De Baca,
Special Assistant to the President; he is being assisted by
the Cabinet Committee on Opportunities for Spanish Speaking
People.
Reynaldo P. Maduro, Executive Director of the Cabinet
Committee and De Baca will also attend the meeting.
Hispanic leaders invited to meet with President Ford are:
(List of names of leaders, hometown, and title or
identification to be supplied by Mr. De Baca's
office)
The session will mark the second time the President has
met with Spanish speaking leaders since he took office.
He met with six Spanish-surnamed. Congressmen and eight
Administrative representatives at a September 4 White
House gathering.
While serving as Vice President, Mr. Ford met last April
with a group of Spanish speaking community leaders at the
White House.
NOTE TO EDITORS
A briefing on President Ford's October 17 meeting with the
Spanish speaking leaders will be held at 2 P.M. in the
White House West Wing Press Office.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Fernando E. C. De Baca, Special Assistant to the President,
and some selected meeting participants will take part in
the briefing.
Media representatives who do not have White House press
credentials must obtain clearance to gain entry to the
West Wing.
Those planning to attend the briefing are asked to call
E. B. Duarte at the Cabinet Committee (254-5940) by 5 P.M.
Wednesday, October 16.
Photographers will be permitted to take pictures of the
President's meeting with the Hispanics from 12:15 to
12:25 P.M.
FORD LIBRARY i GERALD
- 2 -
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 17, 1974
MEETING WITH HISPANIC-AMERICAN LEADERS
Thursday, October 17, 1974
12:15 P.M. (45 minutes)
The Cabinet Room
From: Fernando E. C. De Baca
I.
PURPOSE
To elicit suggestions for addressing the needs and
concerns of the nation's Spanish speaking Americans
and to demonstrate your personal interest and the
commitment of your Administration in addressing these
concerns.
II.
BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS AND PRESS PLAN
A. Background: This event is a continuation of your
desire and willingness to meet with significant
special groups. Last April 11 you met with a
cross-section of Hispanic organization and com-
munity representatives. On September 4, 1974 you
met with Hispanic-American Members of Congress and
major Hispanic Administration appointees. Today's
meeting includes the heads of all major Hispanic
organizations in the country.
While population statistics on Spanish origin
people differ, the Census Bureau currently esti-
mates the national Hispanic population at 10.8
million. Due to current birth rate and immigration
projections, the number and proportion of Americans
of Hispanic descent will increase dramatically in
this decade with actual population majorities ex-
pected for Arizona, California, New Mexico and
Texas by 1980. Yet, the Hispanic American ranks
at the bottom of almost every demographic enumerator
when compared with other racial and ethnic groups.
Spanish speaking Americans suffer from the highest
unemployment rate, highest school drop out rate,
lowest level of educational attainment and lowest
median income of any segment of the U. S. population.
GERALD
LIBRARY
- 2 -
B. Participants:
Mr. Joe Benites, National President
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Mr. Antonio Morales, National Chairman
American G I Forum
Mr. Edward Valenzuela, National President
Incorporated Mexican American Employees (IMAGE)
Ms. Margaret Cruz, National President
Mexican American Political Association (MAPA)
Mr. John Flores, National Chairman
Spanish Speaking Coalition on Domestic Affairs
Ms. Vilma Martinez, General Counsel
Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF)
Mr. Jose Aceves, National Executive Director
Latin American Manufacturer's Assn. (LAMA)
Ms. Gilda Gjurich, Director
National Economic Development Association (NEDA)
Ms. Paquita Vivo, National President
National Organization of Puerto Rican Women
Mr. Ricardo Zazueta, National Executive Director
SER (Mexican American)
Mr. Luis Alvarez, National Executive Director
ASPIRA (Puerto Rican)
Mr. Jose Casanova (Businessman)
State of Florida
Mr. Manuel Gonzales, Director, State Commission
State of New York
Mr. Arturo Hevia (Businessman)
State of Florida
Mr. Edward Barrera (Businessman)
State of Michigan
Mr. Jesus Monroy (Businessman)
State of California
Mr. Ruben Figueroa, Director, State Commission
State of Connecticut
Mr. Rafael Alvarez (Businessman)
State of Florida
(Administration Officials)
Mr. Reynaldo Maduro
Executive Director, Cabinet Committee on
Opportunities for Spanish Speaking People (CCOSS)
(White House Staff)
Mr. Fernando E. C. De Baca
Special Assistant to the President
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
Ms. Rose Marie Roybal
Staff Assistant to Mr. De Baca
- 3 -
C. Press Plan: Press photo opportunity in the
Cabinet Room. Press briefing following event
by no more than five meeting participants.
III.
TALKING POINTS
1. Buenas tardes y bienvenidos. I have been
meeting with representatives of special groups
during the last few weeks and am delighted to
meet with you today to talk openly and with no
specific format about this nation's Spanish
speaking people.
2. Last April I had the opportunity to visit with
several of you. That meeting was particularly
rewarding to me in that I had the opportunity
to become better informed of the diverse needs
and diverse make-up of the Spanish speaking
community of this nation.
3. Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting with
the Hispanic-American Members of Congress and
major Administration appointees. We talked
about the need for greater participation of
Spanish speaking Americans in government and
private industry. We spoke about the need for
effective bilingual education programs and the
necessity for bilingual job training, particularly
in major metropolitan areas. Additionally, we
talked about the opportunity presented by the
Bicentennial to educate all Americans to the
Hispanic heritage and the solid contributions
of Hispanics to American history.
4. I was delighted to learn of the actions taken
this Spring by Civil Service Commission Chairman
Bob Hampton in expanding and upgrading the
Sixteen Point Program for Spanish Speaking
Americans and I look forward to improved progress
in Federal employment of Hispanic Americans in
the current year, despite the projected reduc-
tions in the size of the Federal workforce. I
am also very much aware of the positive contribu-
tions of groups like IMAGE, LULAC and the GI
Forum in making these conferences a success.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 4 -
5. Despite the fact that we now have more Spanish
speaking Americans in full-time, policy-making
positions and more Hispanics in the Federal
career service than ever before in our nation's
history, much remains to be done. For this
reason, I am having Fernando De Baca and other
members of my staff review this matter for
additional appropriate direction to the depart-
ments and agencies. I think this is one area
where it is absolutely essential that the
Federal government set a positive example for
the private sector and for state and local gov-
ernments.
6. A key to the upward movement of any group in
our society has been economic progress. I was
pleased to learn that the business development
programs at OMBE and SBA have paid off so hand-
somely for those Hispanic businessmen who have
been able to take advantage of these services.
The Hispanic businessman has proven to be a
successful competitor and a solid contributor
to the economy. And in turn, his contribution
to the community has proven significant as well.
7. While I know that you will be presenting many
problems and concerns at today's meeting, I urge
your input on the major issues of the day--
especially on the problem of inflation and its
impact on Hispanic Americans.
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
PROPOSED SEATING CHART
THE PRESIDENT
Fernando E. C. De Baca
Reynaldo Maduro (CCOSSP)
Antonio Morales (GI FORUM)
Joe Benites (LULAC)
Jose Aceves (LAMA)
Ed Valenzuela (IMAGE)
Vilma Martinez (MALDEF)
Paquita Vivo (PRW)
Ricardo Zazueta (SER)
Raul Yzaguirre (NCLR)
Luis Alvarez (ASPIRA)
Ruben Figueroa (CONN.)
Margaret Cruz (MAPA)
Gilda Gjurich (NEDA)
John Flores (CSSDA)
Jose Casanova (CF)
Manuel Gonzales (NY)
Jess Monroy
Arturo Hevia
Rose Marie Roybal
Rafael Alvarez
Pete Villa
Ed Barrera
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
PROPOSED SEATING CHART
THE PRESIDENT
Fernando E. C. De Baca
Reynaldo Maduro (CCOSSP)
Antonio Morales (GI FORUM)
Joe Benites (LULAC)
Jose Aceves (LAMA)
Ed Valenzuela (IMAGE)
Vilma Martinez (MALDEF)
Paquita Vivo (PRW)
Ricardo Zazueta (SER)
Raul Yzaguirre (NCLR)
Luis Alvarez (ASPIRA)
Ruben Figueroa (CONN.)
Margaret Cruz (MAPA)
Gilda Gjurich (NEDA)
John Flores (CSSDA)
Jose Casanova (CF)
Manuel Gonzales (NY)
Jess Monroy
Arturo Hevia
Rose Marie Roybal
Rafael Alvarez
Pete Villa
Ed Barrera
GERALD LIQUARY P. FORD
1. Identify main issues for emphasis -
2. Determine who should present issue -
direct explicit - concise - precise
3. Avoid duplications
4. Assure maximum input (avoid confusion of
issues)
5. Assure Puerto Rican, Cubans as well
as Mexican Americans coverage -
6. Avoid token participation (window dressing)
7. Organize presentations for maximum effectiveness
8. Demonstrate coordination of Fernando De Baca's
support thru organizational and community
representatives
9. Do not over structure or become too rigid
10. Avoid overplaying
GERALD ? LEDRARY FORD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 17, 1974
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
PRESS
CONFERENCE
OF
FERNANDO DE BACA
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
JOSE ACEVES
PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE I
LATIN AMERICAN MEMBERS ASSOCIATION
JOSE CASANOVA
NATIONAL HISPANIC ASSEMBLY
ANTONIO MORALES
AMERICAN G.I. FORUM OF THE UNITED STATES
THE
BRIEFING
ROOM
to
2:02 P.M.
EDT
MR. ROBERTS: Ladies and gentlemen, as you know,
the President met today with 18 Hispanic American
leaders to discuss concerns of the Spanish-speaking
community.
The President was with the group for more than
an hour, and we have with us after the meeting to give
you a little information on what transpired, Fernando
De Baca, who is the Special Assistant to the President,
and three of the participants in the meeting -- Jose
Aceves, who is President and Executive Director of the
Latin American Members Association of San Leandro,
California; Jose Manolo Casanova, who is Chairman of
the Naitonal Hispanic Assembly of the State of Florida
from Miami; and Antonio Morales, who is the National
Chairman of the American G.I. Forum of the United States
from Fort Worth, Texas.
And I think Mr. De Baca will lead off with a
summary, and then the other gentlemen will have something
to say, and then you will be able to get your questions in.
MR. DE BACA: Thank you, Mr. Roberts. We
have just concluded a one and a half hour meeting with
President Ford. This event was a continuation of the
President's desire and willingness to meet with
significant special groups.
MORE
(OVER)
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
3TAI03MMI 807
Now last April, as Vice President, he met with
a cross section of Hispanic organizations and community
representatives.
3HT
On September 4 of this year, he met with the
Hispanic American Members of Congress and with major
Hispanic Administration appointees. Today's meeting
includedthe heads of all major Hispanic organizations
in the country.
I am very pleased, in addition to the people
who have been introduced to you, to present to you
Mr. Luis Alvarez, who represents the major Puerto Rican
organization in New York, who is to my right here, Luis
Alvarez.
MUROT
We also have with us Mr. Joseph Benites
representing the largest Spanish-speaking organization
of Hispanic Americans, organizations of Hispanic Americans
in the country, LUAC, the League of United American
Citizens.
We have a number of other leaders here the
President of the IMAGE Organization, Mr. Edward Valenzuela,
who is present here as well.
While the population statistics on Spanish-origin
people differ, the Census Bureau currently estimates that
the National Hispanic population is close to 11 million
people.
Now we believe that there are probably some-
where between 14 and 16 million Hispanic Americans in
this country. Hispanic Americans are the emerging
minority in this country with actual projections, physical
projections, placing them in a very large percentage in
California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona.
to
Additionally, we have very, very large
percentages of Spanish-speaking people in the Middle
West, certainly in New York, in Connecticut, and
Florida with the Cuban population, and many other parts
of the country.
Despite the large number of Hispanics in
this country, the Hispanic American ranks at the bottom
of almost every demographic enumerator when compared
with other racial and ethnic groups.
Spanish-speaking Americans suffer from the
highest unemployment rate -- 40 percent in some areas --
highest school drop-out rate in this country, and the
lowest level of educational attainment. Not only that,
but we rank among the lowest in median income of any
segment in the U.S. population.
MORE
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
- 3 -
Now today's meeting was devoted to a
number of issues. It was a very substantive meeting.
It was a very productive meeting, I feel, and you will
certainly hear from the national heads present with us
this afternoon.
We spoke about problems of employment, the
need to have a Presidential communique emphasizing
the Spanish-speaking program formerly known as the
President's Sixteen Point Program for Spanish-speaking
Americans, the need for more appointments to commissions,
boards and agencies in the super grades, and policy-
making categories.
We spoke about the problems posed by the
recent CETA legislation, the need for more manpower
programs for our Hispanic people, particularly bilingual
manpower training programs.
We spoke about bilingual education and the
need for strong funding and sufficient funding for
that program, about grants to Spanish-speaking schools
and colleges, recognition of foreign degrees, particularly
in the Cuban communities.
We spoke about housing problems and problems
of the health delivery system. We mentioned to the
President our feelings about any Bracero program that
might be under discussion or consideration.
We spoke about the problems of normalizing
relations with Cuba, Castro Cuba, and strong objections
were voiced in that regard.
We spoke about economic development and
about the illegal alien problem in the Southwest.
And the gentlemen who are here with me this
afternoon will certainly be pleased to answer your
questions. Perhaps I should now turn over the podium
to Mr. Luis Alvarez.
MR. ALVAREZ: Thank you, Mr. De Baca.
My name is Luis Alvarez. I am the National
Director of Aspira. Aspira, as you may know, is the
largest private Puerto Rican agency. It is primarily
an educational agency, leadership development, and we
presently have major operations in New York, New
Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Illinois,
and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
MORE
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
- 4 -
Today we are servicing over 7,000 youngsters
and last year we placed over 2,000 in colleges and
universities. It was particularly a pleasure for me
to meet with the President. I found the meeting to be
both very warm, candid, and very constructive.
We were rather emphatic in our support for
the bilingual education bill. As you know, it is a
major bill that has been closely identified with all
the Hispanic people in this country, and we urged him
to support it.
We also touched on the need to really think,
re-look at the whole underlying strategy around revenue
sharing. It has been a strategy that has not met the
needs of the Spanish-speaking people because many of
the funds are going to the State courthouses and, as you
know, our communities are not in the State courthouses.
So we urged the President that special set-asides should
be considered. I do think this is particularly critical
to our community for our institutional life.
As you know, we are an emerging community. Our
institutions are fragile, and need long-sustained support
because they will be the pillars of our society. I will
be prepared to answer any questions a little later on, but
for me personally it was both an honor and a pleasure
to meet with the President.
MR. DE BACA: Mr. Morales.
MR. MORALES: My name is Antonio Morales,
National Chairman of the G.I. Forum, an organization
primarily made up of Spanish-speaking Veterans that
delves into the field of civil rights in our 26 years
of existence.
First off, I would like to say that this
meeting today is historical in aspect; that for the
first time the Mexican-American community, the Puerto
Rican community, the Cuban community, got together to
crystalize what we feel are some of the most important
issues affecting all of our communities.
In starting out, we know any type of affirmative
program must have total commitment from the top level on
down to the administrators of various programs. This
is our main reason for meeting with President Ford. We want
to be assured that that commitment is there so that when we
go back to the Hill and participate in any type of hearings,
when we talk to the Secretaries -- whether it be the
Department of Labor, HEW, et cetera -- we know that
we have that commitment from President Ford, himself.
MORE
FORD & LIBRARY BERALD
- 5 -
9W
We feel that we have covered every spectrum.
Perhaps more time will be needed, but I think the specific
issues are going to be dealt through Fernando De Baca's
office, in which the total 18 people that were represented
there are in full support of the method in which we can
express not only the problems but the solutions as
we
see
them.
NOV
Thank you very much.
MR. DE BACA: Mr. Jose Casanova from Florida,
MR. CASANOVA: My name is Jose Casanova from
Miami, Florida. I am a Cuban-American involved in
refugee work, co-chairman of the Cuban Refugee Assistance
Fund and, of course, our concerns are in similar areas,
but with one exception, and that was in relation to
the Cuban problem.
I was very pleased to hear the President
rather emphatically say that the situation as far as
the United States is concerned has not changed at all.
He did recognize the fact that the the OEA is holding
a meeting in the near future, and the possibility
existed that the votes might be there to lift sanctions
against Cuba. I to
to
But he said that the United States was not
obligated to establish commerce with Cuba because
of this. He also called the attention to the fact that
Castro's attitude is quite evident in the way he has
acted in terms of his recent speeches and those of
the Cuban government representations.
We also, of course, are very much interested
in other areas such as bilingual education, and we are b[uow
interested in, as perhaps the newest minority group
that has joined the citizenship of the United States,
to participate in Government activities and perhaps
not only in the private but in the public field to make
our contribution to this society.
Overall, I must that we feel that this
is a great first step in the right direction, and that
we have had a very receptive, very warm President in
the conversations, and also I might add a very cooperative
Mr. Fernando De Baca to help us.
tsy
Thank you.
MORE
GERALD LEBRARY P. FORD
-6-
MR. DE BACA: Mr. Roberts, if I may indulge in
a little bit of time here, I do want to be sure that we
know who is here. Mr. Aceves represents the Latin
American Manufacturers Association which is charged with
the economic development area and has done a lot in the
minority business enterprise area.
So, if you have any questions to be directed
in that area, he is available.
In the employment area, the image organization
of the government employees' association of Hispanics
across the country, the national president is also here,
Mr. Valenzuela. And also, as I mentioned earlier, Mr.
Joe Benites, the national president of LUAC is seated
here with many, many chapters across this country, and
many things to offer, I think, in the way of advice and
comments regarding the meeting with the President
We are open for questions at this point.
Was there any mention of the reinstitution
of the Bracero program, or what was the discussion on the
Bracero program with the President?
MR. DE BACA: Yes, there was extensive
discussion of the Bracero program, and I am wondering
if anyone here would care to address their impressions of
the discussion surrounding that question.
MR. ALVAREZ: The point was brought to the
President that any kind of Bracero program would be very
hypocritical of the immigration quotas that we have
in the United States. We have a limited amount of
individuals that can come legally to the United States
from Mexico and to embark in the new Bracero program
would be in direct contrast to that policy.
The organizations there were very much
against any type of Bracero program and, of course,
President Ford has been getting advice from other
areas where perhaps he could go into a limited Bracero
program and ask the Mexican government through President
Echeverria in his meeting Monday to help enforce the
illegal aliens coming into this country.
We see the problem has multi-aspects into it.
One is that so many illegal aliens have been in the
country long enough now to establish legal residency, yet this
is perplexed with the fact in order to attain citizenship
in the United States, he has to take a written examination.
MORE
FORD & LIBRARY BERALD
- 7 -
So the organizations have joined in a lawsuit
against the U.S. Government through the Organization of
American States to remove this barrier so that some
of our own immediate parents and their parents can enjoy
the full privileges of citizenship in this country.
Q Could Mr. Casanova please tell us exactly
what the President said about U.S. relations with Cuba
and what is involved in that area?
MR. CASANOVA: I think I covered the subject
rather generally, and I have come away with a very
encouraged feeling in terms of the Government's position.
I think it is still a firm position and the way I
interpreted it -- it is my own interpretation -- that
there is no appearance of any change in Castro's attitude.
As a matter of fact, the President specifically
mentioned the recent aggressive stand in public speeches
and reference in the last couple of weeks by the Cuban
government towards the United States and himself personally
and I came away encouraged that the position of the
Government, justifiably so, has not changed, because
Castro's position towards what he so-calls "imperialism"
has not changed.
Q
Did President Ford tell you that he is
not going to recognize Cuba diplomatically, that
there would be no what exactly did President Ford
tell you?
MR. CASANOVA: The President said exactly what
I have just said.
Q
I think I understand you to say you made
the presentation to him. What did President Ford tell
you in response to your presentation?
MR. CASANOVA: I think I covered it and I
will repeat that he said there was no change in policy and
he did not feel at this time that there was any justification
for a change in policy. These are not his words verbatim,
but the gist of his conversation.
Q Could I follow that up? You said that
the President, even if the OAS voted to keep, or to
establish relations that would free the other countries,
that he would not establish commerce. Does that mean
diplomatic relations, too?
MORE
FORD i GERALD LIBRARY
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MR. CASANOVA: He said that, of course, he 2
could not control or be responsible for the actions of TUO to
other countries and that there was a possibility that at
the next meeting of the OEA, the sanctions on Cuba might
be lifted if they had enough votes.
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MR. DE BACA: Perhaps I can clarify that last
question simply by saying that the President did indicate
there was no change in our policy toward Cuba, period.
He also indicated that certain member nations of the OAS
were discussing this topic actively and that we would enoitnem
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GERALD FORD LIBRARY
9
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broosa
Q
Was the situation about the Cabinet
committee for the Spanish speaking discussed with the
President?
MR. DE BACA: On the Cabinet committee, there
was some discussion of the Cabinet committee. The
President, of course, at the September 4 meeting with
the Hispanic Congressmen and with the Hispanic American
Administration appointees did indicate his support
for legislation extending the Cabinet committee through
the end of the current fiscal year.
His position remains the same, and there was
only some brief discussion regarding the Cabinet
committee on that point.
Q What was the position of the group in
terms of their support for the Cabinet committee?
to
MR. DE BACA: Perhaps you should hear from the
group.
MR. VALENZUELA: Several of the major
organizations did get together to discuss the future,
what they felt as far as support for the Cabinet
committee. The feeling or concurrence of the group was
that we would support-the organizations would support--
the Cabinet committee with certain changes, with
conditional changes, and that we have the Administration-
the President as I understand, has agreed to these
changes and, therefore, we are willing to give full
support to the Cabinet committee. We wish to see it
continued with those specific changes.
.ЯМ
Q
What are the changes?
MR. VALENZUELA: Number one, that the national
organizations be included in some advisory or some
capacity to advise and hold the Cabinet committee account-
able to some certain degree to have some input into the
activities of the Cabinet committee and to always have
the information coming back.
Number two, that the position of the chairman
of the Cabinet committee be subject to the Hatch Act
so that it would not have the problem of politics
involved with regard to the chairman of the committee.
Number three, that the chairman not be
selected until some final decision was made with the
future of the Cabinet committee so that it would continue
in existence, so there would not be any jockeying around
to try to get someone for the position until we knew
what the future of the Cabinet committee was, and four,
some structural changes in this Cabinet committee itself.
noy
MORE
GERALD LEBRARY FORD
- 10 -
MR. ALVAREZ: If I may, I would just like to
go on record saying that we at Aspira have still
reserved our basic decision regarding the Cabinet
committee. We share the concern of the other national
organizations, but I am more interested in seeing that
the Cabinet committee does function and that it does
function effectively and that it begins to undertake
activities that support the emerging institutions of
85W
our community because, frankly, many of the staffs
come and go and we in the community must stay, so I am
frankly going to hold back reservation on making a
decision until we see clearly how the i's are being
dotted and the t's are being crossed.
to
BBW Was the meeting with the President of
Mexico
discussed?
MR. DE BACA: Yes, the meeting with the
President of Mexico was addressed. The point was made
we have in this country presently 11 million people,
about seven million of those are of Mexican-American
descent, and it represents a vast reservoir of human
talent that has not been previously tapped in our
relations with Latin American countries, and Mexico
especially
to
MR. MORALES: I think there was one important
item that was not brought up yet; that is, the entire
organization, the entire group totally and unanimously
supported the selection of Fernando De Baca in this
position and we have asked the President to provide
proper and sufficient staffing, proper and sufficient
authority so that he can address himself to the
consensus of this wide community.
MR. DE BACA: Let me say also for the record,
Mr. Roberts, if I may, that there are some very serious
concerns about the minority procurement area, business
procurement area. Mr. Aceves, as I said, is here. He
can
address
that
area.
We are particular concerned about the Alyeska
project in Alaska, the trans-Alaskan pipeline and the
very fact that many of the dollars, the subcontracting
dollars with regard to that project have already
been committed and very little Hispanic participation was
involved. For that matter, very little black minority
to
participation was involved, and there were serious
concerns in both the Hispanic and black communities
regarding that problem.
Q
Will you be traveling with the President
to the meeting with Echeverria?
MR. DE BACA: There will be a decision on that
this afternoon.
THE PRESS: Thank you.
END
(AT 2:23 P.M. EDT)
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
November 5, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
ANNE ARMSTRONG
FROM:
FERNANDO E. C. DE BACA
SUBJECT:
Meeting with Hispanic American
Leaders, October 17, 1974
At your direction and with your support, a meeting was arranged
between the President and Hispanic-American leaders on October 17,
1974, at 12:30 PM, in the Cabinet Room of the White House. In addi-
tion to the list of participants attached at Tab A, Reynaldo Maduro,
Executive Director, CCOSSP, and I attended the meeting. Also
present were William J. Baroody and Dr. Theodore Marrs, who
asked to be seated as observers. The meeting lasted from approx-
imately 12:20 PM until approximately 1:48 PM with two brief inter-
ruptions requiring the President to momentarily leave the room.
Following the meeting with the President in the Cabinet Room, a
press conference was held in the White House Briefing Room (Tab B).
The following is a summary of the major points raised by participants
at the October 17, 1974, meeting:
Joe Benites, President of LULAC, was the first to speak. He thanked
the President for inviting the various Hispanic leaders present to dis-
cuss the problems facing Hispanic Americans. He asked that the Presi-
White House dent consider sponsoring a White House Conference on the Spanish
Conference
Speaking. The President replied by saying that a conference for the
on the
sake of a conference was self defeating, and that it was possible to
Spanish
study a problem to death. Unless a conference were to accomplish
Speaking
something in terms of recommendations for actions to solve pressing
problems, it would be useless.
GERALD ? LEBRARY FORD
-2-
Paquita Vivo, President of National Conference of Puerto Rican
Hispanic
Women, expressed her concern over the multitude problems faced
Women
by Spanish-origin women. Sexist bias and cultural bias combine to
exclude the Spanish speaking woman from economic and educational
advancements.
Gilda Bojorquez Gjurich, National Republican Hispanic Assembly,
focused on the depressed state of the home construction market and
how high interest rates work to the detriment of new mortgages and
Housing
homestarts. She also expressed concern for inclusion of Hispanic
Concerns
minority contractors in the housing industry. The President replied
that under pending legislation before the Congress, about 3 billion
dollars would become available to the mortgage and construction
industries for new mortgages and homestarts.
Ed Valenzuela, President of IMAGE, requested an Executive Order
or Presidential Memorandum reaffirming the support of the Adminis-
Employ-
tration for the 16 Point Program (Spanish Speaking Program). He
ment
expressed disappointment in the small number of Spanish Speaking
Concerns
supergrades and judges. He recommended that the White House
employ the services of a qualified Spanish Speaking executive
recruiter. The President replied he would talk to Chairman
Hampton of the Civil Service Commission regarding his opinion
on the need for such a document, and that he would query Bill
Walker on the possibility of employing a Hispanic recruiter.
Ricardo Zazueta, Executive Director, SER/Jobs for Progress,
focused on the issue of parity for the Spanish speaking within the
CETA
CETA/revenue sharing bill. Specifically, he suggested that tisty
million dollars be assured for Section 301 (b) of CETA in the pending
FY 1975 Labor-HEW Appropriations Bill; That a formula be developed
to assure that an equitable share of public service employment monies
and jobs go to the Spanish speaking: and that the Spanish speaking be
equitably represented on all commissions and boards appointed by the
President. The President replied he would check into the CETA funding.
Jose Manolo Casanova. Expressed concern over lack of Cuban super-
grades, and uncertainty of the direction of foreign policy toward Cuba.
GERALD ? FORD
-3-
The President replied that he saw no need for a change in our
Cuba
foreign policy toward Cuba so long as Fidel Castro continued his
present policy of exporting revolution. He said he would have to
see a change in Castro's attitude toward this country before we
could consider a change in our attitude toward Cuba.
Participants were against the renewal of a Bracero Program with
Bracero
the Mexican government unless wages would be paid on a level with
Program
prevailing wages in that area. They did not want to see existing wages
depressed. The President replied that it was a complicated situation.
Employment problems existed all along the border. There was no
commitment as yet regarding a renewal of the bracero program nor
the illegal alien situation. He would seek fulber cooperation with the
President of Mexico on these two problems.
FORD i LIBRARY 03RALD
October 15, 197
For fr her information
contact:
E. B. Duarte
Director, Public Affairs
202/254-5940 (0)
202/265-3350 (H)
ADVISORY TO EDITORS
WASHINGTON --- President Ford will meet Thursday, October 17,
with 16 Hispanic American leaders to discuss concerns of the
Spanish speaking community.
The meeting is scheduled to last 45 minutes, beginning at
12:15 P.M. It will be held in the White House Cabinet Room.
The session is being arranged by Fernando E. C. De Baca,
Special Assistant to the President; he is being assisted by
the Cabinet Committee on Opportunities for Spanish Speaking
People.
Reynaldo P. Maduro, Executive Director of the Cabinet
Committee and De Baca will also attend the meeting.
Hispanic leaders invited to meet with President Ford are:
(List of names of leaders, hometown, and title or
identification to be supplied by Mr. De Baca's
office)
The session will mark the second time the President has
met with Spanish speaking leaders since he took office.
He met with six Spanish-surnamed Congressmen and eight
Administrative representatives at a September 4 White
House gathering.
While serving as Vice President, Mr. Ford met last April
with a group of Spanish speaking community leaders at the
White House.
NOTE TO EDITORS
A briefing on President Ford's October 17 meeting with the
Spanish speaking leaders will be held at 2 P.M. in the
White House West Wing Press Office.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Fernando E. C. De Baca, Special Assistant to the President,
and some selected meeting participants will take part in
the briefing.
Media representatives who do not have White House press
credentials must obtain clearance to gain entry to the
West Wing.
Those planning to attend the briefing are asked to call
E. B. Duarte at the Cabinet Committee (254-5940) by 5 P.M.
Wednesday, October 16.
Photographers will be permitted to take pictures of the
President's meeting with the Hispanics from 12:15 to
12:25 P.M.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
- 2 -
OCT 13 1974
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 11, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR: MRS. ANNE ARMSTRONG
FROM:
WARREN RUSTAND usr
SUBJECT:
Approved Presidential Activity
Please take the necessary steps to implement the following and confirm
with Mrs. Nell Yates, ext. 2699. The appropriate briefing paper should
be submitted to Dr. David Hoopes.
Event: Meeting with selected Spanish speaking leaders from the
major national Hispanic Organizations
Date: Thursday, October 17, 1974 Time: 12:15 p.m. Duration: 45 mins.
Location: The Cabinet Room
Press Coverage: Press Photo
Participants:
12 selected Hispanic leaders and a representative (one)
from the Cabinet Committee on Opportunities for Spanish
Speaking People
cc:
Mr. Hartmann
Mr. Marsh
Mr. Cheney
Dr. Hoopes
Mr. Jones
Mr. Nessen
Mr. O'Donnell X2168 / 2669
Mr. De Baca
Mr. Buchen
GERALD LEBRARY ? FORD
Mr. Burch
September 26, 1974
TO:
Warman Rustand
FROM:
Fernando E.C. De Baca
SUBJECT:
Schedule Proposal For The
President.
Attached please find the Schedule of Proposal for the
President.
Please do not hesidate to contact me if I can be of
further assistance.
Attachment 1
FORD & LIBRARY 074429
SCHEDULE PROPOSI FOR THE PRESIDENT
DATE:
September 24, 1974
FROM:
Fernando C. De Baca
VIA:
Warren Rustand
MEETING:
With selected Spanish speaking leaders from the
major national Hispanic Organizations.
DATE:
Between October 14 and October 31, 1974
PURPOSE:
To provide a forum for the airing of major
problems and issues confronting Hispanic Americans.
FORMAT:
-Cabinet Room
-30 Minutes
-Selected Hispanic leaders (twelve), and a repre-
sentative (one) from the Cabinet Committee on
Opportunities for Spanish Speaking People. A
tentative participant listing will be attached.
PRESS COVERAGE:
Press pool photo opportunity.
RECOMMEND:
Anne Armstrong
Dean Burch
Fernando C. De Baca
STAFF:
Anne Armstrong
Fernando C. De Baca
BACKGROUND:
On April 11, 1974, sixteen Hispanic community
representatives met with Vice President Ford to
request his support for development of a national
policy directed at the specific needs of Hispanics.
Subsequent to this meeting, Fernando C. De Baca
was named as his Special Assistant in charge of
Hispanic Affairs, a position which was the direct
outgrowth of the previously held meeting.
Over the past three weeks, the President has re-
ceived requests for separate audiences from
Hispanic leaders wishing to bring to his attention
major problems facing Spanish speaking Americans.
This event would permit Hispanic leaders represent-
ing the Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Latin
American communities to meet as a group to directly
address their concerns to the President. Further-
more this event would serve to demonstrate the
President's personal interest and concern for
providing increased opportunities for the Hispanic
American.
TALKING POINTS:
Talking points will be provided.
Approve
Disapprove
FORD & LIBRARY GERATO
MEMORANDUM FOR: E.B. Duarte
DATE:
Oct. 11, 1974
FROM:
Rose Marie Roybal
SUBJECT:
Request Assistance with the following:
PUBLICITY
Lead: E.B. Duarte
- select Primary Print Media (General)
- Select Primary Print Media (General)
- Coordinate with John Carlson,
WH Press Office for notification of Media
Representatives and issuance of WH Press Release
- Meet with WH Photographer and coordinate photos
*Group photo
*Wide Lens photo
Generate memo to Carlson confirming meeting details
(see model)
CCOSSP
-Briefing Material for President t/Armstrong
Lead: Maduro
- -00btain President's Briefing Book
- Ms. Armstrong's Book
- Update on CCOSSP's 16 Point Program
- Generate Memo SSL 9/2/74
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
December 20, 1974
OCT.17
Dear Gilda:
I am enclosing a photograph fromoour
meeting with the President. I took
the liberty of having it mounted to
make it more suitable for framing.
This photograph comes with President
Ford's and my best wishes for a joyous
holiday season.
Sincerely,
Fernando E. C. De Baca
Special Assistant to the President
Mrs. Gilda Bojorquez Gjurich
926 N. Los Flores Avenue
Montebello, California
90641
FORD & LIBRARY BERALD
December 20, 1974
Dear Gilda:
I am enclosing a photograph fromoour
meeting with the President. I took
the liberty of having it mounted to
make it more suitable for framing.
This photograph comes with President
Ford's and my best wishes for a joyous
holiday season.
Sincerely,
Fernando E. C. De Baca
Special Assistant to the President
Mrs. Gilda Bojorquez Gjurich
926 N. Los Flores Avenue
Montebello, California
90641
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
December 20, 1974
Dear Gilda:
I am enclosing a photograph fromoour
meeting with the President. I took
the liberty of having it mounted to
make it more suitable for framing.
This photograph comes with President
Ford's and my best wishes for a joyous
holiday season.
Sincerely,
Fernando E. C. De Baca
Special Assistant to the President
Mrs. Gilda Bojorquez Gjurich
926 N. Los Flores Avenue
Montebello, California
90641
GERALD ? LLERARY FORD