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Exchange of Remarks Between the President and the Soviet Cosmonauts and United States Astronauts, The Rose Garden [Ford Speech or Statement]
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7341253
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Exchange of Remarks Between the President and the Soviet Cosmonauts and United States Astronauts, The Rose Garden [Ford Speech or Statement]
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1975-10-13
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1975
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Digitized from Box 17 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 13, 1975
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
EXCHANGE OF REMARKS
BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT
AND THE
SOVIET COSMONAUTS
AND
UNITED STATES ASTRONAUTS
THE ROSE GARDEN
12:49 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Obviously, I am extremely delighted
to have the opportunity to greet each of the astronauts and
cosmonauts this time on earth. As I recall, we talked
together last July. At that time you were making great
history and our conversation was at the range of about
140 miles from the earth itself.
It was a great occasion with the Apollo and the
Soyuz being linked at the same time, but let me say that this
was a great demonstration, what took place, because it shows
that there can be and there is cooperation between the
United States and the Soviet Union in the area of space.
But, actually, the handshake, in my opinion, was far,
far more significant than the talk that had been going on
prior to the operation.
But even more significant, of course, was the
activity of literally thousands and thousands of scientists,
technicians and others in putting together over a three-year
period a successful effort which shows what can be done between
the people and the Governments of two great nations.
And this joint effort, I hope and trust, will be
but a forerunner of what we can do on an expanded basis,
not only in space and science, but in many other areas.
Now, when the space shuttle becomes operational
at the turn of the decade, we will be on the threshold
of even greater opportunities, a new era in space activity.
These reuseable space vehicles will provide effective as well
as economic means to utilize and build upon our capabilities
in space. Already there are commercial as well as scientific
interests involved in making use of what this potential
shows for us.
The history books, of course, that will be written
in the years ahead will recognize that these five individuals
were really great pioneers in an effort between these
two countries. And it indicates, of course, or the history
books will indicate, that this was the beginning, and
hopefully a good beginning, of this new e
S.
MORE
Page 2
Now, as a token of this mission, we have a rather
unique presentation to be made by General Stafford to the
cosmonauts and at this point, General Stafford, would you
proceed with the ceremony?
GENERAL STAFFORD: Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President.
To start with, we have one minor presentation before
that. When we linked together, we had plaques made, aluminum,
for the United States and the Soviet Union, one on each side,
and we have put those together. So at this time, sir, to
start with, both crews would like to present you with the
plaque that was put together.
THE PRESIDENT: Let me express to all five of you
my deep personal gratitude for this wonderful symbol of what
you all can do in space and what you have achieved. I am sure
that General Secretary Brezhnev values this, cherishes this as
much as I do.
I will certainly have this in the office in a very
prominent place, and I thank both of you as well as our own
three astronauts for the wonderful thoughtfulness in making
this presentation.
GENERAL STAFFORD: To Aleksey and Valeriy,
President Ford wanted to make a presentation that was symbolic
of the mission. I think it is very unique in its symbolic
effort, it is the communications and power cables between
the Command Module over to the Docking Module and on these
was carried the voice communications right after our hookup
and through most of the television transmissions you saw.
First to Aleksey and then to Valeriy Kubasov.
THE PRESIDENT: Let me say, again, General Stafford,
that I know that all of you from the United States had a
wonderful visit in the Soviet Union. You traveled extensively
and were warmly received by the people of the Soviet Union.
I am certain that the two Russian cosmonauts will
be equally and very warmly welcomed throughout the United
States. I recall vividly the warmth that you received in the
welcome when we went over to Alexandria, Virginia here a little
over a year ago and enjoyed the crab feast. But as you travel
around the United States, you will find all Americans will
respect the great achievements that were accomplished by the
five of you, that they will welcome you into their cities,
into their homes, and I am sure when you return to the Soviet
Union, you will have a warm and friendly feeling toward
214 million Americans.
MORE
Page 3
COSMONAUT LEONOV: (As translated) Mr. President, we very
often remember our wonderful visit with you at the last occasion
when we flew together to Alexandria and have seen the
extremely warm hospitality that you showed us. These
were agreeable moments in our preparation for the flight.
We remember with pleasure your conversations
with each one of us during the flight. These, at this time,
were the pleasant minutes during the flight itself.
Your words joined us together and one group of people
representing all of the people on earth. So, therefore,
please allow me in the name of our crew to thank you very
much for all of the attention you have shown us.
Valeriy Kubasov and I have been entrusted with a
great honor of transmitting a letter from Secretary Brezhnev
to you.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very, very much.
COSMONAUT LEONOV: Mr. President, the last time that
we were here, we gave you a small, modest little pin of
Apollo-Soyuz, Right now, the crews of Soyuz and Apollo
feel that they should give you a little bit better present
as a symbol of the flight.
Thank you very much for your attention.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, sir.
I still have the model of the Apollo and the Soyuz
in the office. I took that little momento that you gave
me and had it put on the base of the model and we will
somehow find a way that this is appropriately displayed as
well.
Thank you, again, very, very much.
END
(AT 12:49 P.M. EDT)