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Congressional - General
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4520474
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Congressional - General
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Philip W. Buchen Files
Philip Buchen's General Subject Files
subjects
Supreme Court of the United States. (02/02/1790 - )
Military bases
Legislation
Abortion
Presidential appointments
Legislative liaison
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4520474
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1976-05-01
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5
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1976
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1974-09-01
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9
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1974
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The original documents are located in Box 7, folder "Congressional - General" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
9/4
Eua,
Thought you
might be
interested in
the attached
Caroline Phillips
FORD Republic
GERALD LIBRARY
Research
Commettee
Digitized from Box 7 of the Philip Buchen Files
at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Cabinet,
distinguished justices, Members of Congress, welcome guests,
my fellow citizens:
The circumstances that have led me to this place
at this time are known to all of us. We would be denying
reality and deceiving ourselves to suppose that all that has
gone before is now forgotten, that we are met under conditions
anything less than extraordinary.
But in the last few months of trial, indeed in
the course of the last tumultuous decade, we have shown our-
selves to be an extraordinary people, with strength sufficient
to sustain us in time of great tragedy, through the long and
terrible night of hated war, and lately through a sad and
wrenching drama of political upheaval.
This strength within ourselves has proven mightier
than all our armaments, more precious than our great store of
national wealth, and as enduring as our Constitution, whose
brilliance is not dimmed by time, whose strength has not been
diminished by trial and stress.
America tonight is stronger, safer, richer, and
in greater spirit of union than ever before.
FORD
LIBRARY
We approach the two hundredth anniversary of
our independence more confident of the worth of our ancient
institutions than at any time in our recent past.
And we are prepared to move forward--together--
to even greater heights of achievement for our Nation and
for our people than we have ever known in two centuries of
unprecedented accomplishment.
For my own part, I am prepared to lead this
Nation with the strength it requires, with the fairness it
deserves, and with the honesty it has the right to expect
of me.
For a quarter of a century, it was my great
privilege to serve in the Congress of the United States.
In that long span of time, I came to revere the Congress
as an institution and to respect its members as men and
women who deeply believe in their country and who work very
hard in its service.
It is in the nature of this great institution
that a certain amount of partisan rivalry, a certain degree
of ideological conflict, a certain differing of sincerely-held
opinions will exists, and this is as it should be.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
We are a free people, free to differ with each
other, free to hold to competing ideas, free to express
dissenting views without fear of reprisal.
But in all of this, we are fellow Americans,
and as Abraham Lincoln said more than a century ago, "We
are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies."
This, then, is a time for conciliation rather
than discord, for unity and not division, for trust and
cooperation to replace fear and hostility.
And SO to my colleagues in the House and Senate,
I invite you--I ask you--to join me in a common effort to
solve the problems that confront the Nation and trouble its
people.
Let us, together, work to rid the Nation of the
scourge of inflation that afflicts every American. Let us,
together, seek to find the solutions to the growing problems
of housing and health, energy resources and environmental
concerns, public safety and the pursuit of justice, civil
rights and civil liberties, transportation and education,
urban blight and rural decay, and the vast array of other
problems that demand our urgent attention.
GERALD
LISSAST
These are difficult and complex problems, not
given to easy solution. But let us do our best, for that is
all we can do. And let us begin now, for we have seen too
much of delay.
To my Cabinet, composed of men of great skill
and dedication, I pledge to you and to the American people
the full employment of your talents and energies in helping
me to lead the affairs of this Nation. You will have a
persuasive voice in the councils of this government, and an
active hand in its work.
And you will be expected to work with the Congress,
as well as with me, in a common striving for progress for our
people.
To the distinguished justices of the Supreme
Court, and to their fellow jurists throughout the Nation, I
pledge a renewed dedication to the law and to the Constitution,
which have stood this Nation in good stead in its most difficult
and dangerous hours.
I pledge to you a firm commitment that in my
Administration, the ideal of "equal justice under law" will
not be simply a phrase to adorn the portals of justice, but
a promise to all Americans who enter there.
LIBRAST GERALD FORD
To the emissaries, of the 119 nations of the earth
with whom we have relations, and to their leaders and their
people, I pledge again a constant and constructive search for
peace within the family of man.
It is my hope that at the completion of my term in
this office, I can say to all the people of the world, as I
have said to my fellow Americans tonight, "We are not enemies,
but friends."
Finally, and most importantly, to my friends and
fellow citizens throughout this great land, I offer these
thoughts.
In the last several years, we have been through
a difficult time. We have been a divided people, divided
first by the passions of war and lately by the poison of
Watergate.
We have been a fearful people, fearing the civil
unrest of the last decade, fearing the alarming growth of
crime, fearing the growing cancer of drug abuse among our young,
fearing to walk the streets of our own neighborhoods at night,
fearing worst that something had gone terribly wrong with our
institutions of government and their ability to respond to the
minister
people's will and/to their needs.
GERALD FORD
And we have been a saddened people:
--saddened by the assassination, or attempted
assassination, of some of our most beloved leaders;
--saddened by the great sorrow of having lost
55,000 wonderful young men in a war that seemed to some
unjustified, and to all of us unending;
--saddened by the sight of a proud man and a
great leader brought low by the curse of fate;
--saddened also by the feeling that the joys
we knew in days of national innocence were all behind us,
that the future for us would only hold more war, more death,
more tragedy.
But I see a different future lying before us.
I see a nation that works. I see people deriving satisfaction
and pleasure and pride from their lives. I see a government
that responds to people's needs but does not order people's lives.
I see a re-emergence of the old values--values like simple
honesty and common decency- as new national resources with
which to build a nobler, safer, more successful society.
This need not be a dream of Utopia; together we
can make it the future of America, our future.
GERALD
ONE
LIBRARY
Tonight, let us begin anew to live the kind of
life we want to live, as individuals and as a Nation--a life
of optimism and faith, a life of close kinship with our
neighbors, a life with room for joy, born not of innocence
but of new experiences with happiness, a life of peace
within ourselves and with those about us.
Let us resolve tonight that tomorrow, and all
our tomorrows, will be better days for Americans and for
America.
That is my fervent wish and my confident hope
as I begin the task of leading a people which is greater than
I, and a Nation greater than any other.
###
LIBRARY GERALO $ FORD
Congrassional
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHARLES LEPPERT
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN T.W.B.
SUBJECT:
Congressional Wives Cook Book
In view of the charitable nature of the Congressional Wives
Club and the past association of the President and the
First Lady with this organization, I see no problem in the
President's autographing the recipe submitted by Mrs. Ford
for inclusion in the 1976 edition of the club's cook book.
Since this is Mrs. Ford's recipe, it would make more sense
if she autographed the recipe.
If you have additional questions in this regard, please don't
hesitate to contact me.
cc: Nancy Ruwe
FORD & LIBRARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHARLES LEPPERT
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
T.W.B.
SUBJECT:
Congressional Wives Cook Book
In view of the charitable nature of the Congressional Wives
Club and the past association of the President and the
First Lady with this organization, I see no problem in the
President's autographing the recipe submitted by Mrs. Ford
for inclusion in the 1976 edition of the club's cook book.
Since this is Mrs. Ford's recipe, it would make more sense
if she autographed the recipe.
If you have additional questions in this regard, please don't
hesitate to contact me.
cc: Nancy Ruwe
LIBRARY GERALD FORD
LIVER DELUXE
1 lb. liver, sliced thin
1 large onion, sliced thin
2 cups brown gravy
8 pcs. bacon, fried crisp
sprinkle of parsley
1/2 cup flour
dash of salt, pepper
2 Tbsp. butter
Melt butter in skillet and saute onion. Dredge slices of liver in
flour and brown each side. Pour gravy on liver and season with
parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 minutes. and
arrange on a serving platter. Place bacon on top of liver.
Serves 4.
FORD $ LIBRARY GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
Cong -
WASHINGTON
July 14, 1975
(see
Refugees)
MEMORANDUM FOR
The Honorable Edward H. Levi
The Attorney General
Referencing your letter to me of July 11, 1975, your proposal
to initiate consultation with the House and Senate Judiciary
Committees with respect to your authorizing parole for a
limited number of Laotians and new categories of Vietnamese
and Cambodians is consistent with the President's program for
refugees from Southeast Asia. This has been checked with
the appropriate offices in the White House.
Thank you for your inquiry.
T.W.B.
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
LIBRA SWALD B. FORD
Cong
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 9, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHILIP BUCHEN
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF wf
SUBJECT:
Request for the President's
position on Gay Rights.
The attached is self-explanatory. I had felt that my May 15
reply to Mr. Segal's initial letter was sufficient and would
close the matter. However, a second letter was received
which was sent to files without acknowledgment. I am now
in receipt of a third letter.
Before the latest letter is sent to files, I felt that you should
have an opportunity to review the matter. I am concerned
that a lack of response will give this group a basis for a
"cause" which they will not hesitate to publicize. On the
other hand, I have no desire to continue the correspondence.
Your further handling or guidance will be appreciated.
Many thanks.
is
FORD
LIBRARY
Gay
Activists
JUL 7 1975
Alliance Philadelphia
1
BOX 15786 MIDDLE CITY STATION PHILADELPHIA, PA. 19103
July 3, 1975
Max L. Friedersdorf
Assistant to: the President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Friedersdorf:
On May 17, 1975 I received a reply from you reqarding
my letter to you on May 8, 1975. Not being sure of
your answer I wrote you again on May 27, 1975. As of
this date I have not received a reply.
My last letter was in regards to House Bill # 5452,
and I also asked for the Presidents views on gay rights
in general. I hope that this letter helps to freshen
your memory. Looking forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Much day Segal
Director Gay Raiders
Executive Committee G.A.A.
MS/db
FORD i LIBRA
Dear Mr. Segalt
This will acknowledge receipt of the information
you provided me, under date of May 8, concerning
H.R. 5452.
BIAY
It is not customary for the President to comment
on legislation before the Congress, except for
bills introduced by Administration request. The
reason for this is that a bill is subject to amend-
meats in committee and on the floor and in many
instances it does not reach the White House in the
form in which It was originally introduced.
1603 Pennsylvania Avenue
However, should H.R. 5452 come to the White
House for Presidential action, I will make certain
that your views are offered for consideration.
Dear Mr. Friedersdorf:
Sincerely,
On March 25, 1975 & Bill (#5452) was introduced into
Congress by 25 co-sponanze. That bill is for gay rights.
Max L. Friedersdorf
Over 18 cities Assistant to the Presidentation. Over 14
State political committees have endorsed gay rights, And
on April 23, 1975 Governor Milton J. Shapp of Pennsylvania
issued it Executive order committing his administration to
Mr. Mark Segalnding discrimination against gays.
Gay Activists Alliance Philadelphia
Box 15786 along with a List of emiorsements
Middle City Station seize, and other
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
keep
the
Price
in
general.
Looking forward to your capiy.
Sincerely,
Making Mark Segal
RECEIVED
MAY 1 91975.
Executive Director Gay Raiders
Committee G.A.A.
CENTRAL FILES
of
FORD
bee w/ine MS/do Enclosure: to James Cannon - FYI
0792
1817
*
FILES. PLEASE RETURN PROMPTLY.
16-78100-1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Cong.
WASHINGTON
DOD abortion
policy
July 1, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CONNOR
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN P.W.B.
SUBJECT:
Re Caspar Weinberger's memo of
June 24, 1975 re Department
of Defense's Policy with
respect to women having
abortions in hospitals on
military bases
This office has received letters from the following
members of Congress urging that the President change
the policy as represented by a Presidential Order in
1971 concerning abortions at military bases in the
U.S.:
Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick
Congressman Timothy E. Wirth
Congressman Donald M. Fraser
Senator Charles H. Percy
We have referred these letters to the Defense Department
for reply and attached is a copy of a reply sent Congress-
woman Fenwick.
On the basis of this reply, it appears that the Defense
Department is not contemplating a change in policy,
although certainly no policy can be maintained which
pays heed to unconstitutional State laws.
If the purpose of the Weinberger memo to the President
is to raise this problem to the Presidential level, I
vigorously object to doing so. If the President merely
wants to be informed on this subject, I suggest that we
ask the Department of Defense to prepare a report on the
subject rather than to have the President guided by
Cap's proposed memo.
Attachments
23 JUN 1375
Honorable Millicant Ferwick
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mrs. Fenwick:
I have been asked to reply to your June 4th letter to the President
concerning Department of Defense abortion policy at military
hospitals.
The Department of Defense is presently reevaluating the subject
with a view toward an appropriate recommendation to the President
in light of current federal and state law. The task is complicated
by recent enactment of detailed legislation by several states,
attempting to regulate this area more procisely than in the period
prior to the Supreme Court decisions you mention. Several of the
new state requirements have been found to be inconsistent with
constitutional principles enunciated by the Supreme Court: bat
courts have recognized that certain state requirements may be
constitutionally valid. Given the complex relationship between
state and federal regulations'st military bases, we believe that
policy on this subject should not be changed without carefully con-
sidering all relevant legal issues.
A3 for abortion requests by refugees, the State Department has
authorized the U.S. Public Health Service to make contractual
arrangements with qualified off-base facilities when Department
of Defense facilities cannot provide the service for policy or other
reasons. It is cur understanding that HEW coordinators at each
refugee site are presently making the necessary arrangements,
FORD
including transportation out of state if local laws prodibit the
abortion.
GERALD
LIBRAMY
2
We have taken the liberty of sending your letter to Mrs. Julio Vadala
Taft of the Interagency Task Force, who is familiar with the details
of this policy; - are advised that her office will be in touch with you
shortly.
We appreciate year interest in this sensitive and complicated matter.
If we can be of further assistance to you, please de not hesitate to
contact us.
Sincerely years,
Signed Martin R. Hoffmann
Martin B. Hoffmane
Coordination:
White House Officials
Special Asst. to the Secretary
OSD Control #WH20802-
of Defense, Rm. 3E941, Pentagon
General Counsel - GC 1468
Subject - Abortions - #529
JSells/Chron/jo
ASD (LA)
Rewritten: JNelsom/jp/19 Jun 75
Chron
Legislative Affairs
GERALD LIBRARY 4. FORD
Date:
June 28, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
Phil Buchen
CC (for information):
James Cannon
Bob Hartmann
Jack Marsh
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Wednesday, July 2
Time:
12 Noon
SUBJECT:
Caspar Weinberger's memo of June 24, 1975
re Department of Defense's Policy with respect
to women having abortions in hospitals on military
bases.
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
FORD : LIBRARY GERALD
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
Jim Connor
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
HEALTH
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH. EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
DEPAR IDVATIVE THENE one OF
WASHINGTON, D. C.20201
June 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Newspaper reports state that the Department of Defense is
considering changing their policy with respect to women
having abortions in hospitals on military bases. As you
will recall, the present policy is that abortions on military
bases should be done in conformity with the laws of the
States where the bases are located.
When the Catholic Bishops met with you last week, they
specifically inquired as to whether there was going to be
a change in policy and reiterated their endorsement of the
existing policy and their opposition to any change. I
advised them that I knew of no plan for any change and that
I thought the present policy was a good one.
I do not see any advantage to be gained by changing the
policy nor to public indications that the policy is about
to be changed, and for that reason I would recommend that
we try to discourage any further consideration of changing
an existing policy which thus far has not caused any
particular problems nor, so far as I am aware, any
particular demand for change.
I also think that the Catholic Bishops would quite justi-
fiably feel they had been misled if, a few days after their
conference when none of us had any idea that any policy
change was planned, a proposed change is publicly discussed
by "Pentagon spokesmen."
Caspar W. Weinberger
FORD : LIBRARY BERALD
CONFIDENTIAL
Congramional
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 10, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: Max Friedersdorf
FROM:
Phil Buchen T.W.B.
SUBJECT:
Your memorandum to me of June 5
Our office has made some discreet inquiries about the matters
you raised, and we cannot find any information. However, we
shall keep the matter in mind and advise you if we learn of
anything.
Determined to be an administrative marking
Cancelled per E.O. 12356, Sec. 1.3 and
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
Bv KR
HARS date 5/11/88
LIBRARY GERALD R. 0880
CONFIDENTIAL
THE WHITE HOUSE 5:45
WASHINGTON
Mr. Buchen,
Dudly chapman
called and sand
HUD had not
been able to
find anything else
on the CSC,
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL
June 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF m.6.
SUBJECT:
HUD Scandals (Prospective)
Congressman Bill Ford (D-Mich) has mentioned to Charlie
Leppert an impending scandal involving HUD & Civil Service,
that would be embarrassing to the Administration.
Representative Herm Schneebeli has also mentioned a HUD
scandal brewing at Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and has sent a
letter to Secretary Hills. Herm says the FBI is investigating
the Sunbury matter.
CC: Jack Marsh
Determined to be an administrative marking
CONFIDENTIAL
Cancelled per E.O. 12356 Sec. 1.3 and
Archivist's memo of March 16, 1983
By
KR
NARS date 5/11/88
:
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
Cong
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: 6.6.75
TO:
Phil Buchun
FROM: Max L. Friedersdorf
For Your Information
Please Handle
Please See Me
Comments, Please
Other
BERALD R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF
THRU:
VERN LOEN VL
FROM:
CHARLES LEPPERT, JR. Cag
SUBJECT:
Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich)
FEA appointment
Rep. John Dingell has indicated to me that the proposed appointment of a
Mr. Rosenburg of Michigan, could cause some problems. Dingell suggests
that a careful FBI check be undertaken prior to the announcement of any
appointment and that somebody check on Rosenburg through the Auditor
General of the State of Michigan.
CC: Doug Bennett
GERALD R. FORD
To Barry
6/2
May 29, 1975
Dear Senator:
This will acknowledge receipt and thank you for
your recent letter to the President concerning
the reported exchange of letters between former
President Nixon and the British and French
leaders about the supersonic transport.
You may be assured that your letter has been
passed along for consideration by the President
and the appropriate members of the staff,
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
William T. Kendall
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Honorable Hubert H. Humphrey
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510
Dec: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for DIRECT REPLY
bcc: w/incoming to General Scowcroft - FYI
bcc: w/incoming to John Marsh - FYI
WTK:EF:VO:vo
JOHN SPARKMAN, ALA., CHAIRMAN
5-23
MIKE MANSFIELD, MONT.
CLIFFORD P. CASE, N.J.
FRANK CHURCH, JOAHO
JACOB K. JAVITS, N.Y.
STUART SYMINGTON, MO.
HUGH SCOTT, PA.
CLAIBORNE PELL. R.I.
JAMES B. PEARSON, KANS.
GALE W. MC GEE, WYO.
CHARLES H. PERCY, ILL.
GEORGE MC GOVERN, S. DAK.
ROBERT P. GRIFFIN, MICH.
United States Senate
HUBERT H. HUMPHREY, MINN.
HOWARD H. BAKER, JR., TENN,
DICK CLARK, IDWA
JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR., DEL.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
PAT M. HOLT, CHIEF OF STAFF
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
ARTHUR M. KUHL. CHIEF CLERK
May 19, 1975
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. President:
The Environmental Defense Fund recently informed
me that the London Observer has asserted that
President Nixon assured British and French leaders
in writing that he would do all he could to ensure
that the Concorde is not discriminated against
in America. I share their concern that such a
letter, if it exists, could affect the Federal
Aviation Administration's ability to reach an
objective decision on permitting Concorde operations
in the United States.
In order to clarify the record, I urge you to comply
with the Fund's request for public disclosure of
the aforementioned letter. I think it would also
be useful to indicate if a copy of the letter was
provided to the FAA.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Hubert H. Humphrey
GERALD R. FORD
June 2, 1975
Dear Senator:
This will acknowledge receipt and thank you
for the letter to the President, of today's
date, requesting as Acting Chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Relations a favorable
decision to permit the release of documents
pertaining th the 1973 Paris Cease-fire
Agreement to the Committee.
Please be assured your letter will be called
promptly to the attention of the President and
the appropriate members of the staff.
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
William T. Kendall
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Honorable Mike Mansfield
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
bcc: w/incoming to General Scowcroft for substantive reply
in coordination with Philip Buchen
Lbcc: w/incoming to Phil Buchen - action as above
bcc: w/incoming for your information
Don Rumsfeld
John Marsh
Max Friedersdorf
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
WTK:EF:VO:vo
JOHN SPARKMAN, MA., CHAIRMAN
INSPIELD, MONT.
CLIFFORD P. CASE, N.J.
THUNCH, IDAHO
JACOB K. JAVITS, N.Y.
SYMINGTON, MO.
HUGH SCOTT, PA.
R.I.
JAMES 3. PEARSON, KANS.
ONLY WYO.
CHARGES H. PERCY, ILL.
OAK.
ROBERT GRIEFIN, M.CH.
Dirited Sta
COMPANY MINN.
HOWARD BAKER. JR., TENN.
IOWA
RIDEN, 13., DEL.
COMMITTEE ON FO'
PAT M. HOLT, CHIEF OF STAFF
WASHINGTON
ARTHUR it. KUHL, CHIEF CLERK
June 2, 1975
Dear Mr. President:
As you know, on two occasions the Committee on
Foreign Relations has requested copies of all pertinent
Cⁿᵈ
documents which concern any commitments to or under-
standings with South Vietnam relative to the 1973 Paris
Cease-fire Agreement.
On May 20 the Committee discussed this matter
further and by agreement of all Members present decided
to make a complete study of all aspects of the commitments
question. In view of this action, the Committee respect-
fully reiterates its request for copies of all pertinent
documents. I hope that upon reconsideration you will
decide to respond favorably to the Committee's request for
these documents.
Sincerely yours,
fries Mike Mansfield mansfied
Acting Chairman
The President
The White House
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
To Dudley Cong
May 30, 1975
6/3/75
Dear Senator:
This will acknowledge receipt and thank you
for your May 30 letter to the President urging
that he rescind the 1971 Presidential Order
relating to abortions at military bases and
issue a new order to comply with Federal law
rather than State laws as provided in the
1971 Order.
You may be assured your letter will be called
to the attention of the President at the earliest
opportunity. In the meantime, copies will be
shared with the appropriate members of the
staff.
With kindest regards,
Sincerely,
William T. Kendall
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Honorable Charles H. Percy
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dec: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for appropriate handling and
reply.
bcc: w/incoming to Office of the Military
BERALD Aide R. FORD - SIBRARY
your
information.
WTK:EF:VO:vo
GEORGE MC GOVERN, S. DAK., CHAIRMAN
HERMAN E. TALMADGE, GA.
CHARLES H. PERCY, ILL.
United States Senate
PHILIP A. HART, MICH.
ROBERT DOLE, KANS.
WALTER F. MONDALE, MINN.
HENRY BELLMON, OKLA.
EDWARD M. KENNEDY, MASS.
RICHARD SCHWEIKER, PA.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION AND HUMAN NEEDS
GAYLORD NELSON, WIS.
ROBERT TAFT, JR., OHIO
(CREATED PURSUANT TO S. RES. 281, BOTH CONGRESS)
ALAN CRANSTON, CALIF.
MARK O. HATFIELD, OREG.
HUBERT H. HUMPHREY, MINN.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
KENNETH SCHLOSSBERG, STAFF DIRECTOR
GERALD S. J. CASSIDY, GENERAL COUNSEL
May 30, 1975
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
The White House
me
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
On April 3, 1971, President Nixon issued a Presidential Order directing that
"the policy on abortions at military bases in the U.S. be made to correspond
with state law." Military health agencies still adhere to this Order
even though many state laws are in conflict with the 1973 Supreme Court ruling
on abortion.
While military abortion policy should be updated to conform to federal law
solely on Constitutional grounds, the current confinement of 130,000
Vietnamese refugees on U.S. military bases makes prompt action particularly
necessary. Many refugee women fled from Vietnam unprepared to provide them-
selves with contraceptive protection, and contraceptive services are only now
beginning to be instituted at refugee installations. Refugee women are unable
to leave the military bases to seek civilian medical care. This situation
places an unnecessary additional burden on many Vietnamese refugees and need-
lessly denies them a medical service legally available to American women.
In order to bring military medical policy in line with federal law, and in
order to alleviate one of the countless burdens endured by Vietnamese refugees
awaiting processing out of U.S. military camps, I urge that you act as quickly
as possible to rescind the 1971 Presidential Order, to issue a new order
directing all federally-provided medical services to conform to federal law,
and to distribute through all appropriate official channels the new directive
to prevent further confusion on military abortion policy.
I hope that your concern is an great as my own and that you will act promptly
to eliminate this unnecessary injustice to these new residents in our country.
Sincerely,
thank H. Ray
Charles H. Percy
United States Senator
CHP:tml
BERRED FORD LIBRART
THE WHITE HOUSE woll
WASHINGTON
cong
attached is
a cy of
similar ltr.
Do you
THE FORM June LIBRARY many
reply to the
letter
Cong
to Barry
for reply
May 30, 1975
Dear Mrs. Aboug:
This will acknowledge receipt and thank you
for your recent letter to the President con-
corning the reported exchange of letters
between former President Nixon and British
and French leaders about the supersenic
transport.
Please be assured that your letter was passed
along to the President and the appropriate
members of the staff,
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
Vernon C. Loss
Deputy Assistant
to the President
BERALD R. FORD
The Honorable Bella S. Aboug
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dec: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for DIRECT REPLY - please
provide this office with copy.
bcc: w/incoming to General Scowcroft - FYI
bcc w/incoming to John Marsh - FYI
VCL:EF:VO:vo
5-22
BELLA ABZUG
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
20TH DISTRICT, NEW YORK
1506 LONGWORTH OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
COMMITTEES:
GOVERN MENT OPERATIONS
PUBLIC WORKS
Congress of the United States
DISTRICT OFFICES:
252-7TH AVENUE
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10001
House of Representatives
725 WEST 181ST STREET
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10033
Washington, D.C. 20515
720 COLUMBUS AVENUE
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10025
May 15, 1975
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States
The White House
me
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. President:
As a member of the House Public Works and Transportation Subcommittee,
and a Representative from New York City, I have a vital interest in the
decision regarding the introduction of the supersonic transport into
regular service. I am opposed to permitting these aircraft into
I
regular service, and hope that the decision by the FAA is based upon
unbiased considerations.
It is my understanding, however, that on January 19, 1973, former
President Nixon wrote to the British and French Prime Ministers indicating
that he would do all he could to insure that the Anglo-French Concorde
supersonic transport be treated "equitably in the United States."
I am concerned that the Administration has therefore already made its
decision on the SST, and that the results of the formal proceedings
and tests which have been undertaken as part of the decision-making
process will not be the determining factor in deciding the issue.
I therefore request that your office make available to me a copy
||of this letter. I also wish to know whether the position stated in
the letter regarding the treatment of the Concorde continues to be
that of the Administration.
Sincerely.
BELLA S. ABZUG
Member of Congress
BSA:csc
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE WITH RECYCLED FIBERS
Cong
May 29, 1975
Dear Tem:
Thank yes low your May 20 letter to the President
expressing your concern over provisions of Exe-
cutive Order 11359, providing for the inspection
of issume. estate, and gift tax reterns by the
Senate Committee on Government Operations.
Please be assured that your letter will be called
to the attention of the President and the appropriate
members of the staff. You will hear further as soon
as possible,
With kindeet regards,
Siseevely,
Verson c. Leen
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Henorable Themas N. Kindness
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
bee: w/Incoming to Fred Webber, Dept. of the Treasury, for DRAFT REPLY
beer w/incoming to Philip Buchen - FYI 2
VCL:EF:VO:kt
JUDICIARY
SMALL BUSINESS
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
1440 LONGWORTH House OFFICE
BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
of the United States
DISTRICT OFFICES:
301 HIGH STREET
(202) 225-6205
HAMELTON, CHIO 45011
house of Representatibes
(513) 395-5656
JAMES T. CHRISTY
if EAST MAIN STREET
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Washington, D.C. 20515
GREENTLLE, OHIO 45331
ROGER W. GILLESPIE
(5:3) 543-8817
DISTRICT ASSISTANT
May 20, 1975
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
President
The United States of America
Washington, D.C.
20500
Dear Mr. President:
ME
I am greatly concerned that criticism will be justly aimed
at Executive Order 11859 of May 7, 1975, published in the Federal
Register, Volume 40, No. 91, at page 20265, on May 9, 1975.
As a citizen, I am offended by the concept of such a broad
and sweeping Executive Order dealing with private matters. As
a Representative of over 460,000 constituents in the Eighth Con-
gressional District of Ohio, I feel that a protest must be stated.
The scope of the Executive Order in question seems very
broad and inclusive, in that it covers all income, estate and
gift tax returns for a twenty year period of time, and the pur-
poses to be served by this sweeping authority are not clearly
stated in the Executive Order. In fact, upon inquiry, I have
discovered that the purposes of this disclosure that are sought
to be served differ quite sharply from the statement contained
in the Executive Order.
Although the Executive Order is based upon the authority
contained in Section 6103 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1954, it would seem proper that it should be limited by provi-
sions similar to those contained in Section 6103 (d), which
would require a resolution by the Senate authorizing such a
study by the Senate Committee on Government Operations.
Under this Executive Order a Subcommittee of the Senate
could furnish a written statement specifying the purpose of the
inspection, and all that would then be required is that the Com-
missioner of Internal Revenue establishes that the inspection
relates to a matter within the jurisdiction of that Subcommittee.
FORD LIBRARY
page 2
May 20, 1975
The alternative is that the Commissioner has received the written
consent of the taxpayer; and I would submit that this alternative
would seldom be employed. I believe that this alternative should
be employed in every case. That is, the consent of the taxpayer
should be obtained in every single incident of the use of the
authority in Executive Order 11859.
Please reconsider the content of Executive Order 11859.
I believe, along with many others, that the American public is
entitled to a far greater degree of protection of its privacy
that is provided for in Executive Order 11859. Income tax returns,
as well as estate and gift tax returns, are submitted by U.S.
citizens with the understanding that the returns and their
contents are not to be disclosed except in certain ways expressly
provided by law. Regrettably, the ways provided by law may not
be adequate to properly protect their rights and interests.
I stand ready to be of such service as you may deem appro-
priate in this matter.
Respectfully yours,
Jom Kindness
THOMAS N. KINDNESS
Member of Congress
TNK/ns
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
Cong
WASHINGTON
February 11, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DONALD RUMSFELD
JACK MARSH
BOB HARTMANN
PHILIP BUCHEN
WILLIAM SEIDMAN
WILLIAM BAROODY
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF m.6.
A number of Congressmen and Senators have indicated that it
would be useful for them to know when a major White House spokes-
man is coming to their state or district before the event takes
place. In most instances we are aware of your schedule but it
would be helpful if you would inform our office of your travel
and speaking plans in advance.
If appropriate we will notify the Congressmen and/or Senators
whose districts or states will be involved.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
December 19, 1974
To:
Bill Timmons
From: Phil Buchen
Attached to a copy of a memorandum
proviously sent to Jack Marsh by
Phil Areeda. By all means, we should
support the new bill that will repoal
P.L. L. 93-178.
Attachments
PWBuchen:ed
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
Cong.
Vita
Wednesday 10/30/74
9:10 Bob Reintsema, Acting Deputy Under Secretary
(189) 967-3663
for Legislation, at Commerce
------
would like to
talk with someone about the legal interpretation of
the President signing a bill -- veto aspects, etc,
Referred the call to Lazarus to return.
GERALD LISRADY : FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date 10/4
TO:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
WILLIAM TIMMONS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
FOR YOUR COMMENTS
FOR APPROPRIATE HANDLING
OTHER feleigen in DERALO FORD LIBRARY
93D CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 1398
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SEPTEMBER 30, 1974
Ms. HOLTZMAN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Government Operations
RESOLUTION
1
Resolved, That the President of the United States is
2 directed to furnish the House of Representatives the following
3 information:
4
(1) The nature, source by agency within the executive
5 branch, and cost of each service, facility, and payment pro-
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
6 vided by, or at any expense to, the United States to, or for
7 the benefit of, Richard M. Nixon, his wife, or any of his
8 daughters or sons-in-law, from August 9, 1974, to the date
9 of the adoption of this resolution, including any-
10
(A) personnel, whether part- or full-time;
11
(B) office or recreational facilities;
12
(C.) travel and moving;
V
2
1
(D) medical services and facilities;
2
(E) office supplies, equipment, and other personal
3
property; and
4
(F) maintenance services for real property.
5
(2) Any decision that has been made by the White
6 House, or any_agency within the executive branch, with
7 respect to continuing any such service, facility, or payment.
8
(3) Any decision that has been made by the General
9 Services Administration, or any other agency within the
10 executive branch, to bring about the return to the United
11 States of any thing of value (including any office furniture,
12 any property improvements, and any gifts from foreign
13 powers) given to or utilized by Richard M. Nixon, his wife,
14 or any of his daughters or sons-in-law, at the expense of the
15 United States, while Richard M. Nixon was President of the
16 United States.
FORD + LIBRARY GERALD
Con
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION
WASHINGTON
September 18, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
William E. Timmons
SUBJECT:
Resolution of Inquiry
In tab A is a resolution of inquiry, H. Res. 1367,
introduced on September 16th by Rep. Bella Abzug
and thirteen other Members. As you know this
procedure is highly privileged and may be called
up after seven legislative days under the House
rules.
In tab B is a letter to you from Subcommittee
Chairman William Hungate requesting answers
to many of the questions in H. Res. 1367.
In tab C is a suggested response to Mr. Hungate
which has been cleared by Messrs. Buchen, Areeda,
Marsh and Hartmann. Senator Scott and Rep. Rhodes
were also consulted and the letter meets their approval.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the letter in tab C.
FORD & 0ERALD LIBRARY
FIRST DRAFT
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Thank you for your September 17th letter requesting information
to assist the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice of the Committee on the
Judiciary in its consideration of H. Res. 1367, introduced by
Representative Abzug and others.
The pardon power conferred upon the Executive by Article II,
Section 2, of the Constitution is clear and needs no explanation. Decisions
relating to pardons, from a legal point of view, also do not require
elaboration. From a public policy perspective, however, I feel that
Executives are obligated to explain their reasons for action under the
bardon authority. Therefore, I announced my decision and motives in a
televised message to the American people on September 8th and on
September 16th answered questions about the pardon at a news conference
in the White House.
Regardless of any background information or advice I may have
received, I take responsibility for the pardon of Richard Nixon. I believe
it was the right course to follow in accord with my own conscience and
conviction. The objective of healing the wounds that divide Americans
will not be served by continued debate over the circumstances leading
up to a decision which in the final analysis was mine alone.
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
- 2 -
I trust the Subcommittee will agree with me that our attention
must be focused on the great many national issues facing our country
rather than pursuing courses that lead to division, hostility and
recrimination.
Sincerely,
Honorable William L. Hungate
Chairman, Subcommittee on Criminal Justice
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
FORD is LIBRARY BERALD
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
REGARDING CHANGES IN HOUSE VOTING PROCEDURES
September 17, 1975
It has been suggested to the Chair by the leadership on both sides of the aisle, by
representatives of the Committee on House Administration, and by other Members that
certain procedures associated with the use of the electronic voting system be changed--
specifically, those procedures required to change a vote once it has been cast.
Under the present procedure, a Member may change a vote simply by repeating the method
used for casting his original vote and may do so any number of times during the progress
of a vote.
After due consideration of all the factors involved in directing an adjustment in
voting procedures, the Chair has come to the conclusion that it would be better if the
House were to return to the system for changing votes which was in effect prior to the
advent of the electronic system-that is, that Members should come to the Well at the
conclusion of the vote to announce and make changes in their votes. Accordingly, the
Chair has directed that the voting computer be re-programmed, effective September 22,
1975, so that once votes have been cast during a voting period they may be changed only
if Members come into the Well at the conclusion of the 15 minute minimum voting time,
seek recognition and announce their vote changes after their names are called by the
Reading Clerk, When called by name, Members should state "Off, Aye, On No" or "Off
No, on Aye" or "Off Aye, On Present", and at the same time hand in a red, green or
amber tally card to indicate a final vote of "No", "Aye", or "Present." The computer
will accept no vote changes from the voting stations in the Chamber, other than from
"Present" to "Aye" or "No".
The specific procedure is as follows: at the end of the 15 minute voting period
permitted under Clause 5, Rule XV, the Chair will follow his present practice of
asking if there are additional Members who wish to be recorded. When the Chair
ascertains that there are no other Members attempting to be initially recorded, the
Chair will then inquire if there are Members who wish to change their votes. As
indicated, a Member who wishes to change his vote must come to the Well, and when his
name is called, announce his change and submit a red, green or amber voting card to
the Tally Clerk to indicate his corrected vote. The Tally Clerk will then enter the
corrected vote into the computer and the changed vote will then be reflected on the
large voting panel over the Speaker's Rostrum, on the south wall of the Chamber.
While this process is continuing, Membe: who have not initially voted may, of
course, still be recorded but they must do so by submitting a card at the Well, for
the voting stations throughout the Chamber will be turned off during these proceedings.
As stated, these new procedures will be in effect on next Monday. The Chair trusts
that Members will view these changes as the Chair intends them--as an attempt to
further improve upon and preserve the usefulness and integrity of the voting procedures
of this House.
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF m.6.
SUBJECT:
Judge John Paul Stevens/Congressional Reaction
While having some difficulty reaching Members, we have the
following comments concerning the President's announcement
today about the Supreme Court vacancy:
Chuck Wiggins - "Would have been my first guess. He is an
excellent choice and should have no trouble being confirmed."
Bob Michel - Pleased with nominee being from the 7th Circuit.
John McFall - Should be easy to confirm. Sounds like a good
fella with a good legal background.
Ed Hutchinson - Very pleased with the President's selection,
applauded the abilities of Stevens and commented about the
fine job Stevens had done while being a member of the House
Judiciary Committee staff.
Bob McClory - In route home from West Virginia, was not able
to personally contact him. Talked to Martha Morrison of his
Washington, D. C. staff who said she recognized Stevens' name
and said she would get word to the Congressman as soon as he
arrived.
John Rhodes - Left word, unable to reach him
The Speaker - Left word with Mike Reed. He hoped there would
be no trouble on confirmation.
Peter Rodino - Not available, left word with staff.
FORD
John Anderson - Left word, unable to reach.
GERALD
Tip O'Neill - "Who?" "I never heard of him -- who is he?"
Read
biography to him and he said, "Good luck."
Ed Derwinski - Didn't know him, but pleased to be notified in advance.
Morgan Murphy - Unable to reach, left word. He and Stevens live a
few blocks apart on the same street in South Chicago.
REACTIONS ON
JOHN PAUL STEVENS
(Calls made November 28, 1975, between
3:15 and 4:00 p.m.)
SCOTT, H.
Did not know him. Thought it was the Levi-
Rumsfeld influence. "Probably a fraternity
brother of Don's. 11
THURMOND
"Is he a strict constructionist?"
PERCY
Knows him well, of course, and says he is an
"exceptional jurist". He said he told the FBI
when they called that his health might be a
problem. Was a classmate of his.
MANSFIELD
Never heard of him. Will he cause trouble with
the Reagan people?
HART, P.
Unreachable. Left word with Sid Woolner.
BAYH
Left word with L.A. - he is trying to reach
Senator.
TUNNEY
No answer at office, home or district office.
R.
FORD
LIBRARY
REACTIONS ON
JOHN PAUL STEVENS
(Calls made November 28, 1975, between
3:15 and 4:00 p.m.)
FONG
Thank you.
MATHIAS
Out of pocket; left word with David
Winstead.
R. BYRD
Left word.
McCLELLAN
Left word.
KENNEDY
Thank you. Good to learn that it is a
Federal judge. They do not get enough
recognition and are well trained for
the position.
BURDICK
Thanks for the courtesy.
ABOUREZK
Thanks but what happened to the plans
to name a woman? Too bad for you
guys that Nancy Reagan isn't an attorney.
STEVENSON
Out of pocket -- left word with Les Goldman.
W. SCOTT
Thanks.
R.
GENATE
FORD
7
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 21, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CONNOR
THROUGH:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
KEN LAZARUSK
SUBJECT:
Congressional Mail
In response to your inquiry of May 18, 1976, I note the following:
NAME
SUBJECT
ACTION
Rep. Drinan
On behalf of constituent
Answered 3/29/76 PWB
inquiring about WH
Christmas creche
Rep. Ketchum
Conscientious objector
Answered 4/6/76 KAL
working for United Farm
Workers as alternative
service
Rep. Harkin
Concern over security
Answered 4/12/76 KAL
clearance held by
former Pres. Nixon
Rep. Anderson
Policy regarding persons Draft response provided
receiving gov't. pensions for C. Leppert 5/21/76
while employed at top
level posts
Rep. Mosher
On behalf of E. Bose re
Referred to FCC for
CB license to First
draft reply 5/11/76
Lady
FORD : BERALD LIBRARY
April 12, 1976
Dear Mr. Brown)
This is to supplement Mr. Leppert's letter of March 23
concerning Congressman Harkin's request for certain
information regarding the Nixon trip to China.
Upon checking with the CIA, I was advised that Mr. Nixon,
as a former President, did not need or have a security
clearance and therefore there was no debriefing requirement,
travel restriction, or restriction on divulgence of information,
I trust this satisfies your inquiry.
Sincerely,
/s/
Kenneth A. Lazarus
Associate Counsel
to the President
Mr. Clyde Brown
Office of the Honorable Tom Harkin
514 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20515
FORD & LIBRARY BERALD
April o, 1710
Dear Congressman Ketchum:
Thank you for your letter of March 3, 1976, concerning
the President's clemency program. I have read the
article you enclosed concerning Fred Haag and its reference
to alternative service,
I have checked with the Pardon Attorney in the Department
of Justice and be advises me that Mr. Haag is not participating
in the President's clemency program and is not performing
alternative service under the supervision of the Reconciliation
Service of Selective Service. The article is not clear but
Mr. Haag may be doing alternative service under Court order
as supervised by the U. S. Probation Cificer. There is no
indication which District Court might be involved.
1 hope this information is responsive to your inquiry.
Sincerely,
/s/
Kenneth A. Lazarus
Associate Counsel
to the President
The Honorable William M. Ketchum
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
GERALD ? 10#0
March 29, 1976
Dear Father Drinan:
This responds further to your letter of February 27 inquiring
on behalf of one of your constituents with respect of the legal
propriety of displaying a ereche in one of the public rooms of
the White House.
As your constituent noted, there has been a court decision with
regard to the display of a creche on park lands in the District
of Columbia. In Allen V. Morton, 495 F.2d 65 (D. Cir., 1973)
the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit held that the National Park Service's involvement with
the annual Christmas Pageant of Peace, which included member-
ship on planning and organization committees and the display of
a creche, violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amend-
ment. In applying a three-part test to determine Establishment
Clause compliance, the court found that the Park Service practice
did reflect a clearly secular purpose and did not have a primary
effect that advanced or inhibited religion, but that the participation
did amount to an unconstitutional "excessive entanglement" with
religion. It was this "excessive entanglement" which caused
the court to hold that the Park Service participation violated the
Establishment Clause.
In reaching its decision, the court focused upon the Park Service
membership in planning and organization committees of the
Pageant, its financial and logistical support, and the presence
of the ereche. The case did not hold that the mere placement of
a creche on public lands violates the Establishment Clause but
only that the total participation by the Park Service in this
Instance amounted to an unconstitutional excessive entanglement
with religion.
LIBRARY BERALD # Ford
The utilization of a creche in the White House is a far different
matter from the complex governmental relationship which was
the subject of the Allen V. Morton case. The creche in the East
Room of the White House was displayed and presented by the
President and Mrs. Ford as a part of the First Family's Christmas
celebration. Although, the creche was presented in one of the rooms
which is available for public viewing during tour hours, it was a
proper personal presentation of the First Family in accord with
their use of the White House as a residence. This residential use
of the White House has been specifically authorized by law and,
in fact, nothing done by the government with regard to the public
rooms is to interfere with the use of those rooms as the home of
the President and his family, Act of September 22, 1961 (75 Stat
586).
Accordingly, it is the opinion of this office that the presentation
of the creche within the East Room of the White House was a
legally permissible use outside of the prohibition discussed in
the Allen V. Morton litigation.
I trust that this information will be helpful to you in responding
to your constituent.
Sincerely,
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The Honorable Robert F. Drinan
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
PWB:BNR:ns
bec: Mike Farrell
Liz O'Neill
Central Files
GERALD = FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 18, 1976
TO:
PHILIP BUCHEN
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JAMES F CONNOR
SECRETARY TO THE CABINET
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL MAIL FROM MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS
Once again we have been asked to look into the situation regarding
the delay in responses to Presidential Mail received from
Members of Congress.
According to the Congressional Liaison Office, more than seven
days have passed since the letters listed on the attachment
were acknowledged by the Congressional office and sent to your
office for further substantive reply. The Congressional Office
has also indicated that in some cases they have requested a
draft reply, but the office which has received the correspondence,
has deemed a direct reply or other handling more appropriate.
In such cases, they are requesting that their office be consulted and/or
advised before a direct reply is sent or other action taken.
I'd appreciate it if you could give me a status report on this
by cob Friday, May 21st , 1976. Your cooperation is
appreciated and any suggestions you might have for the handling
of this mail would be welcome.
Attachment
BERRAD FORD LIBRARY
Philip Buchen
NAME
SUBJECT
DATE ACK'D
Robert Drinan
On behalf of constituent who inquired about
3/4/76
propriety of displaying of a Christmas creche
in the White House.
(3/25 Ken Lazarus indicated letter referred
to Interior for DRAFT on 3/18)
William Ketchum
Expresses concern over conscientious objector
3/18/76
who is working for United Farm Workers as his
alternative service.
Tom Harkin
Expresses concern over the security clearance
3/23/76
held by former President Nixon.
Glenn Anderson
Inquires as to whether or not there is a policy
4/13/76
regarding persons receiving government pensions
while employed at top level posts.
Charles Mosher
On behalf of Edward R. Bose who inquires about
4/13/76
the granting of a CB liscense to the First Lady.
GERNED FORD