Ford Administration Notes of the Cabinet Meeting

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON file Notes of the Cabinet Meeting June 4th, 1975, 2:00 p.m. The President entered the Cabinet Room at 2:10 p.m. GERALD The Press entered at 2:12 p.m.; departed at 2:15 p.m. R. The President opened the meeting and thanked the mem- FORD bers of the Cabinet and staff for the warm welcome. LIBRARY He indicated that a major vote had just taken place and that the Administration sustained the veto on the Jobs Bill by a vote of 277 to 145. He mentioned that one week to ten days ago, the Administration could not have sustained the veto. The message the President gave to the Republicans was that if Republicans could not hold the line on this one, it would open the flood gate. The President was generous in his praise for everyone, specif- ically naming (for their testimony) Weinberger, Morton, and Zarb; and for the Congressional effort, Jack Marsh and Max Friedersdorf. The President added that he believed this was a significant victory, a major victory, and per- haps themmost important vote for the Administration since he has been President. The President then began his discussion of foreign policy, indicating that he left with hopes and returned with no re- grets. That in discussing that which had transpired in Europe on the return flight, the feeling was that they were very satisfied; it was a successful trip and they made all of the headway they had hoped to make, The President be- lieved the meeting with NATO was important for several rea- sons: 1) To strengthen the Alliance, 2) To indicate his personal interest in and maintainence of European relation- ships; and 3) Also, to serve notice that the Alliance needs to recognize Spain as a part of NATO for the defense of Europe. The United States has an arrangement with Spain, which adds to the total defense of Europe. Historically, the European Community has not welcomed Spain because of its dictatorship and support of the German Empire during World War II. DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958 Sec. 3.6 Bylit NARA, Date 1/16/97 The President's discussion with the Prime Minister of Portu- gal was cordial. The United States was very firm and blunt in its discussion with him. The United States indicated to the Prime Minister that it sees many deficiencies in its pre- sent Government. In fact, the President asked him to de-