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Nixon - Ford Cabinet Meeting Statement, 8/06/1974
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Nixon - Ford Cabinet Meeting Statement, 8/06/1974
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Philip W. Buchen Files
Philip Buchen's General Subject Files
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Presidential impeachment
Presidential transitions
Watergate Affair, 1972-1974
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The original documents are located in Box 27, folder "Nixon - Ford Cabinet Meeting
Statement, 8/06/1974" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential
Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 27 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Material 11/7/24 by qun.
Prugh? 3 not A 12/9/8 raponed. the of
original
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Rod
GERALD R. LLBRARY FORD
Memo to the record:
Attached is an approximate translation of the stenographic notes
attached to the copies of Ford's speaking points for the 8/6/74
Cabinet meeting. The translation was done by Susan Bos, daughter
of Ford Library staff member Ilse Bos. The notes apparently
concern the handling of the original and copies which were
highly confidential. It is probable that these copies were
made in preparation for Ford's appearance before the Hungate
subcommittee in October 1974.
Bill Bill Montt Mc
4/7/81
FGRD i LIBRARY BERALD
Remanentsof the VP2 girl
VP
Cr in U 8 6
Cabinet meeting of 8/6
President each)
Fthe (onable)
Ce
Loack
rn
5
is
willing with this highly confidential
keep in
safe
duplicate of the O this
01, / Rod
attaching to a duplicat
CoGinot meeting
6 aug '74
GENTLEMEN,
AT THE OUTSET I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SEVERAL POINTS.
FIRST, EVERYONE HERE RECOGNIZES THE DIFFICULT POSITION
I AM IN, I AM A PARTY IN INTEREST.
SECOND, NO ONE REGRETS MORE THAN I DO THIS WHOLE
TRAGIC EPISODE. I HAVE DEEP PERSONAL SYMPATHY FOR YOU
MR. PRESIDENT, AND YOUR FINE FAMILY.
THIRD, I WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT HAD I KNOWN AND HAD
-
IT BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME WHAT HAS BEEN DISCLOSED IN REFERENCE
TO THE WATERGATE AFFAIR IN THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, I
WOULD NOT HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF THE STATEMENTS THAT I HAVE
MADE, EITHER AS MINORITY LEADER OR AS VICE PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES.
FOURTH, I DO NOT EXPECT TO MAKE ANY RECOMMENDATION
TODAY TO THE PRESIDENT AS TO WHAT HE SHOULD DO AND NEITHER
DO I EXPECT TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION TO ANY OF THE
OTHERS AT THIS MEETING.
FORD : GERALD LIBRARY
(MORE)
-2-
FIFTH, WHETHER THE FULL DISCLOSURES WILL MEET THE
CONSTITUTIONAL DEFINITION OF AN IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE IS A
MATTER THAT CAN ONLY BE FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE UNITED STATES
SENATE IN A PROCEEDING AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CONSTITUTION.
FINALLY, LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT I EXPECT TO CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT FULLY THE ADMINISTRATION'S FOREIGN POLICY AND
FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION.
TORD LIBRARY
EsGinot meeting
6 Bug '74
GENTLEMEN,
AT THE OUTSET I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SEVERAL POINTS.
FIRST, EVERYONE HERE RECOGNIZES THE DIFFICULT POSITION
I AM IN, I AM A PARTY IN INTEREST.
SECOND, NO ONE REGRETS MORE THAN I DO THIS WHOLE
TRAGIC EPISODE. I HAVE DEEP PERSONAL SYMPATHY FOR YOU
MR. PRESIDENT, AND YOUR FINE FAMILY.
THIRD, I WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT HAD I KNOWN AND HAD
I
IT BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME WHAT HAS BEEN DISCLOSED IN REFERENCE
TO THE WATERGATE AFFAIR IN THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, I
WOULD NOT HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF THE STATEMENTS THAT I HAVE
MADE, EITHER AS MINORITY LEADER OR AS VICE PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES.
FOURTH, I DO NOT EXPECT TO MAKE ANY RECOMMENDATION
TODAY TO THE PRESIDENT AS TO WHAT HE SHOULD DO AND NEITHER
DO I EXPECT TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION TO ANY OF THE
OTHERS AT THIS MEETING.
FORD is LIBRARY
(MORE)
-2-
FIFTH, WHETHER THE FULL DISCLOSURES WILL MEET THE
CONSTITUTIONAL DEFINITION OF AN IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE IS A
MATTER THAT CAN ONLY BE FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE UNITED STATES
SENATE IN A PROCEEDING AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CONSTITUTION.
FINALLY, LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT I EXPECT TO CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT FULLY THE ADMINISTRATION'S FOREIGN POLICY AND
FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION.
UsGinot mee fina
6 Bug '74
GENTLEMEN,
AT THE OUTSET I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SEVERAL POINTS.
FIRST, EVERYONE HERE RECOGNIZES THE DIFFICULT POSITION
I AM IN, I AM A PARTY IN INTEREST.
SECOND, NO ONE REGRETS MORE THAN I DO THIS WHOLE
TRAGIC EPISODE. I HAVE DEEP PERSONAL SYMPATHY FOR YOU
MR. PRESIDENT, AND YOUR FINE FAMILY.
THIRD, I WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT HAD I KNOWN AND HAD
I
IT BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME WHAT HAS BEEN DISCLOSED IN REFERENCE
TO THE WATERGATE AFFAIR IN THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, I
WOULD NOT HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF THE STATEMENTS THAT I HAVE
MADE, EITHER AS MINORITY LEADER OR AS VICE PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES.
FOURTH, I DO NOT EXPECT TO MAKE ANY RECOMMENDATION
TODAY TO THE PRESIDENT AS TO WHAT HE SHOULD DO AND NEITHER
DO I EXPECT TO MAKE ANY SUCH RECOMMENDATION TO ANY OF THE
OTHERS AT THIS MEETING.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
(MORE)
-2-
FIFTH, WHETHER THE FULL DISCLOSURES WILL MEET THE
CONSTITUTIONAL DEFINITION OF AN IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE IS A
MATTER THAT CAN ONLY BE FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE UNITED STATES
SENATE IN A PROCEEDING AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CONSTITUTION.
FINALLY, LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT I EXPECT TO CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT FULLY THE ADMINISTRATION'S FOREIGN POLICY AND
FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION.
GENALD LISSANY : FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
HIGH PRIORITY
August 6, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE VICE PRESIDENT
Attached is a copy of the briefing
paper and talking points for the
Cabinet Meeting at 11:00 a.m. today.
David N. Parker
Special Assistant to the President
GERALD n. FORD LIBRANT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CABINET MEETING
Tuesday, August 6, 1974
11:00 a.m. (60 minutes)
The Cabinet Room
From: David NAP. Parker
I.
PURPOSE
To brief the Cabinet on the latest developments
and your decisions related to impeachment and to
hear brief status report from Ken Rush on the
economic situation.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS AND PRESS PLAN
A.
Background: The last Cabinet Meeting was
held on July 11th to review what the Admini-
stration is doing to curb inflation.
B.
Participants: List attached at Tab B.
C.
Press Plan: Meeting has been announced --
press photo opportunity.
III. AGENDA
A.
Tell the Cabinet the reasons for your re-
cent decisions related to the current impeach-
ment effort (Talking Points at Tab A).
B.
Express your belief that the Constitutional
process in an impeachment effort has to be
followed and that the Cabinet must continue
to move this Government forward during the
difficult period ahead.
C.
Since we are going to stay, we have to con-
tinue to tend to the business at hand; there-
fore, Ken Rush, would you give us a few com-
ments on where we are going on the economic
front.
D.
FORD
Ask the Cabinet to push ahead on their
legi-
slative programs and remind them that
we
will
have a session within the next couple of
weeks
LIBRAR
to discuss the 1975 initiatives.
(Khachigian)
August 5, 1974
TALKING POINTS -- CABINET MEETING, AUGUST 6, 1974
-- I just want to talk for a few minutes about the
decision I announced yesterday, and then I want to go to
Ken Rush because I want all of you to be aware of our
movement on the economic front.
-- Within the past decade, two of my political
adversaries left the Presidency. Jack Kennedy was so
tragically killed, and Lyndon Johnson, with all his great
pride, was literally hounded from office. I believe
deeply and profoundly that the institution of this office
must not sustain -- without a defense -- yet another
hammer blow.
-- You must all understand that I cannot now resign
because the constitutional course must be adhered to. To
circumvent that route and to desert the principles which
give our government legitimacy would be a regrettable
departure from American historical principles.
-- By choosing to pursue this constitutionally pre-
scribed course I believe I have chosen the course which
is in the best interests of the Nation. Each time I have
entered into diplomatic negotiations, I have done so with
an eye towards the generations which follow us. History
sometimes demands of us dimensions that we don't always
appreciate in the short-term. But to ignore those
FORD : LIBRANT CERALD
Page 2
dimensions is to invite permanent injury in the avoidance
temporary sacrifices.
-- I defend the total context of my actions because
that is my human instinct. But I defend them, more
importantly, because I am only a visitor in a revered
institution of our democracy. To believe this, as I do,
permits no other direction to take.
-- These will be difficult times. They will be
times of testing. There will be diversions. But let us
proceed with our work. And let us not be ashamed of the
great goals for which we aim -- a world at peace, a country
in prosperity and at work, and a sense of steady deter-
mination to do the right thing. I urge you to continue
your efforts to serve this government with the same
sacrifice, energy and ability you have contributed each
day. I need you, and each of your fellow citizens need
you.
-- In a quarter of a century of public service, I have
seen America in two wars. I have seen crises in Berlin
and Cuba; the Mideast and South America. I have seen a
cold war which drained our energies and invited confron-
tation. I have seen our Nation torn by social change and
civil disruption. We came here to do something about our
GERALD FORD LIGHARY
Page 3
lives and our fortunes. I am proud of what we have done,
and I hope you shall all help me answer the call to those
challenges.
0.00 USE
LIBRARY
PARTICIPANTS
Vice President Ford
Secretary Kissinger
Secretary Simon
Secretary Schlesinger
Attorney General Saxbe
Secretary Morton
Secretary Butz
Secretary Dent
Secretary Brennan
Secretary Weinberger
Secretary Lynn
Secretary Brinegar
Director Ash
Ambassador Scali
Counsellor Burch
Counsellor Rush
Absent
Counsellor Armstrong
Others
Chairman Bush
Herbert Stein, CEA
Kenneth Cole, Domestic Council
Staff
Alexander Haig
William Timmons
Ronald Ziegler
Leonard Garment
Raymond Price
Brent Scowcroft
Kenneth Clawson
William Baroody
Patrick Buchanan
David Gergen
David Parker
03
Jerry Jones
Robert Hartmann
LIBRARY
Ken Khachigian
Jerry Warren
PARTICIPANTS
Vice President Ford
Secretary Kissinger
Secretary Simon
Secretary Schlesinger
Attorney General Saxbe
Secretary Morton
Secretary Butz
Secretary Dent
Secretary Brennan
Secretary Weinberger
Secretary Lynn
Secretary Brinegar
Director Ash
Ambassador Scali
Counsellor Burch
Counsellor Rush
Absent
Counsellor Armstrong
Others
Chairman Bush
Herbert Stein, CEA
Kenneth Cole, Domestic Council
Staff
Alexander Haig
LISSAST GERALD : FUND
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
HIGH PRIORITY
August 6, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE VICE PRESIDENT
Attached is a copy of the briefing
paper and talking points for the
Cabinet Meeting at 11:00 a.m. today.
David N. Parker
Special Assistant to the President
FORD LIBRARY is CTV
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CABINET MEETING
Tuesday, August 6, 1974
11:00 a.m. (60 minutes)
The Cabinet Room
From: David NAP. Parker
I.
PURPOSE
To brief the Cabinet on the latest developments
and your decisions related to impeachment and to
hear brief status report from Ken Rush on the
economic situation.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS AND PRESS PLAN
A.
Background: The last Cabinet Meeting was
held on July 11th to review what the Admini-
stration is doing to curb inflation.
B.
Participants: List attached at Tab B.
C.
Press Plan: Meeting has been announced --
press photo opportunity.
III. AGENDA
A.
Tell the Cabinet the reasons for your re-
cent decisions related to the current impeach-
ment effort (Talking Points at Tab A).
B.
Express your belief that the Constitutional
process in an impeachment effort has to be
followed and that the Cabinet must continue
to move this Government forward during the
difficult period ahead.
C.
Since we are going to stay, we have to con-
tinue to tend to the business at hand; there-
fore, Ken Rush, would you give us a few com-
ments on where we are going on the economic
front.
D.
Ask the Cabinet to push ahead on their legi-
slative programs and remind them that we will
have a session within the next couple of weeks
to discuss the 1975 initiatives.
(Khachigian)
August 5, 1974
TALKING POINTS -- CABINET MEETING, AUGUST 6, 1974
-- I just want to talk for a few minutes about the
decision I announced yesterday, and then I want to go to
Ken Rush because I want all of you to be aware of our
movement on the economic front.
-- Within the past decade, two of my political
adversaries left the Presidency. Jack Kennedy was so
tragically killed, and Lyndon Johnson, with all his great
pride, was literally hounded from office. I believe
deeply and profoundly that the institution of this office
must not sustain -- without a defense -- yet another
hammer blow.
-- You must all understand that I cannot now resign
because the constitutional course must be adhered to. To
circumvent that route and to desert the principles which
give our government legitimacy would be a regrettable
departure from American historical principles.
-- By choosing to pursue this constitutionally pre-
scribed course I believe I have chosen the course which
is in the best interests of the Nation. Each time I have
entered into diplomatic negotiations, I have done so with
an eye towards the generations which follow us. History
sometimes demands of us dimensions that we don't always
appreciate in the short-term. But to ignore those
FORD
Page 2
dimensions is to invite permanent injury in the avoidance
temporary sacrifices.
-- I defend the total context of my actions because
that is my human instinct. But I defend them, more
importantly, because I am only a visitor in a revered
institution of our democracy. To believe this, as I do,
permits no other direction to take.
-- These will be difficult times. They will be
times of testing. There will be diversions. But let us
proceed with our work. And let us not be ashamed of the
great goals for which we aim -- a world at peace, a country
in prosperity and at work, and a sense of steady deter-
mination to do the right thing. I urge you to continue
your efforts to serve this government with the same
sacrifice, energy and ability you have contributed each
day. I need you, and each of your fellow citizens need
you.
-- In a quarter of a century of public service, I have
seen America in two wars. I have seen crises in Berlin
and Cuba; the Mideast and South America. I have seen a
cold war which drained our energies and invited confron-
tation. I have seen our Nation torn by social change and
civil disruption. We came here to do something about our
FORD is GREATO LIBRARY
Page 3
lives and our fortunes. I am proud of what we have done,
and I hope you shall all help me answer the call to those
challenges.
FORD
PARTICIPANTS
Vice President Ford
Secretary Kissinger
Secretary Simon
Secretary Schlesinger
Attorney General Saxbe
Secretary Morton
Secretary Butz
Secretary Dent
Secretary Brennan
Secretary Weinberger
Secretary Lynn
Secretary Brinegar
Director Ash
Ambassador Scali
Counsellor Burch
Counsellor Rush
Absent
Counsellor Armstrong
Others
Chairman Bush
Herbert Stein, CEA
Kenneth Cole, Domestic Council
Staff
Alexander Haig
William Timmons
Ronald Ziegler
Leonard Garment
Raymond Price
Brent Scowcroft
Kenneth Clawson
William Baroody
Patrick Buchanan
David Gergen
David Parker
Jerry Jones
Robert Hartmann
Ken Khachigian
Jerry Warren
LERALD
FORD LIBRANT
PARTICIPANTS
Vice President Ford
Secretary Kissinger
Secretary Simon
Secretary Schlesinger
Attorney General Saxbe
Secretary Morton
Secretary Butz
Secretary Dent
Secretary Brennan
Secretary Weinberger
Secretary Lynn
Secretary Brinegar
Director Ash
Ambassador Scali
Counsellor Burch
Counsellor Rush
Absent
Counsellor Armstrong
Others
Chairman Bush
Herbert Stein, CEA
Kenneth Cole, Domestic Council
Staff
Alexander Haig
FORD LIBRATT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
HIGH PRIORITY
August 6, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE VICE PRESIDENT
Attached is a copy of the briefing
paper and talking points for the
Cabinet Meeting at 11:00 a.m. today.
David N. Parker
Special Assistant to the President
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CABINET MEETING
Tuesday, August 6, 1974
11:00 a.m. (60 minutes)
The Cabinet Room
From: David NAP. Parker
I. PURPOSE
To brief the Cabinet on the latest developments
and your decisions related to impeachment and to
hear brief status report from Ken Rush on the
economic situation.
II. BACKGROUND, PARTICIPANTS AND PRESS PLAN
A.
Background: The last Cabinet Meeting was
held on July 11th to review what the Admini-
stration is doing to curb inflation.
B.
Participants: List attached at Tab B.
C.
Press Plan: Meeting has been announced --
press photo opportunity.
III. AGENDA
A.
Tell the Cabinet the reasons for your re-
cent decisions related to the current impeach-
ment effort (Talking Points at Tab A).
B.
Express your belief that the Constitutional
process in an impeachment effort has to be
followed and that the Cabinet must continue
to move this Government forward during the
difficult period ahead.
C.
Since we are going to stay, we have to con-
tinue to tend to the business at hand; there-
fore, Ken Rush, would you give us a few com-
ments on where we are going on the economic
front.
D.
Ask the Cabinet to push ahead on their legi-
slative programs and remind them that we will
have a session within the next couple of weeks
FOLD
to discuss the 1975 initiatives.
LIBRAR
(Khachigian)
August 5, 1974
TALKING POINTS -- CABINET MEETING, AUGUST 6, 1974
-- I just want to talk for a few minutes about the
decision I announced yesterday, and then I want to go to
Ken Rush because I want all of you to be aware of our
movement on the economic front.
-- Within the past decade, two of my political
adversaries left the Presidency. Jack Kennedy was so
tragically killed, and Lyndon Johnson, with all his great
pride, was literally hounded from office. I believe
deeply and profoundly that the institution of this office
must not sustain -- without a defense -- yet another
hammer blow.
-- You must all understand that I cannot now resign
because the constitutional course must be adhered to. To
circumvent that route and to desert the principles which
give our government legitimacy would be a regrettable
departure from American historical principles.
-- By choosing to pursue this constitutionally pre-
scribed course I believe I have chosen the course which
is in the best interests of the Nation. Each time I have
entered into diplomatic negotiations, I have done so with
an eye towards the generations which follow us. History
sometimes demands of us dimensions that we don't always
appreciate in the short-term. But to ignore those
FORD
LIBRARY
Page 2
dimensions is to invite permanent injury in the avoidance
temporary sacrifices.
-- I defend the total context of my actions because
that is my human instinct. But I defend them, more
importantly, because I am only a visitor in a revered
institution of our democracy. To believe this, as I do,
permits no other direction to take.
-- These will be difficult times. They will be
times of testing. There will be diversions. But let us
proceed with our work. And let us not be ashamed of the
great goals for which we aim -- a world at peace, a country
in prosperity and at work, and a sense of steady deter-
mination to do the right thing. I urge you to continue
your efforts to serve this government with the same
sacrifice, energy and ability you have contributed each
day. I need you, and each of your fellow citizens need
you.
-- In a quarter of a century of public service, I have
seen America in two wars. I have seen crises in Berlin
and Cuba; the Mideast and South America. I have seen a
cold war which drained our energies and invited confron-
tation. I have seen our Nation torn by social change and
civil disruption. We came here to do something about our
1000
LIBRARY
Page 3
lives and our fortunes. I am proud of what we have done,
and I hope you shall all help me answer the call to those
challenges.
R.FORD
PARTICIPANTS
Vice President Ford
Secretary Kissinger
Secretary Simon
Secretary Schlesinger
Attorney General Saxbe
Secretary Morton
Secretary Butz
Secretary Dent
Secretary Brennan
Secretary Weinberger
Secretary Lynn
Secretary Brinegar
Director Ash
Ambassador Scali
Counsellor Burch
Counsellor Rush
Absent
Counsellor Armstrong
Others
Chairman Bush
Herbert Stein, CEA
Kenneth Cole, Domestic Council
Staff
Alexander Haig
William Timmons
Ronald Ziegler
Leonard Garment
Raymond Price
Brent Scowcroft
Kenneth Clawson
William Baroody
Patrick Buchanan
David Gergen
David Parker
Jerry Jones
Robert Hartmann
FOND
Ken Khachigian
Jerry Warren
GERALD
LIBRARY
PARTICIPANTS
Vice President Ford
Secretary Kissinger
Secretary Simon
Secretary Schlesinger
Attorney General Saxbe
Secretary Morton
Secretary Butz
Secretary Dent
Secretary Brennan
Secretary Weinberger
Secretary Lynn
Secretary Brinegar
Director Ash
Ambassador Scali
Counsellor Burch
Counsellor Rush
Absent
Counsellor Armstrong
Others
Chairman Bush
Herbert Stein, CEA
Kenneth Cole, Domestic Council
Staff
Alexander Haig
ORD
LIBRARY