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Rockefeller, Nelson - Confirmation Hearings: General (1)
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1563142
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Rockefeller, Nelson - Confirmation Hearings: General (1)
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 29, folder "Rockefeller, Nelson - Confirmation
Hearings: General (1)" of the John Marsh 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 29 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ALBANY TIMES UNION - 9/15/66
A State trooper dismissed two years ago for
insubordination said Wednesday that State Police had used
illegal wiretaps "for political advantage" for Governor Rockefeller.
He said an investigator in the office of Superintendent
Arthur Cornelius had told him the State Police had 126 wiretaps
in operation.
The accusation by John H. Donohue of Peekskill came at
a press conference in New York City called by Ellenville Democratic
Representative Joseph Y. Resnick, who announced he planned to ask
for a law making all wiretapping illegal throughout the
United States.
"I have information that the State Police of New York
have, indeed, been engaged in the illegal tapping of phones,"
Resnick said. "I am given to understand that even the wires of
State Legislators have been tapped."
He said the only way the Federal Government can prevent
misuse of wiretapping is to make all taps illegal.
"That way the State Police, or anyone else for that
matter, will not be tempted to undertake illicit activities under
the guise of legal sanction."
'SLANDER' CHARGED
Superintendent Cornelius characterized the statements
as "sla der" a "disservice to law enforcement" and charged that
the Ellenville Congressman "is more interested in publicity than
the truth. "
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
A spokesman for the Governor's Office said that
Superintendent Cornelius answered the wiretapping charges more
than a month ago by claiming the statements were false. At
that time, the wiretap charge concerned Donohue's home telephone.
The spokesman added that any further comments should
come from Cornelius.
Resnick also called for an investigation by the House
Judiciary Committee into the dismissal and "harrassment" of the
trooper and "extensive" illegal wiretapping carried on by the
State Police.
EX-TROOPER INTRODUCED
Resnick introduced former state trooper Donohue who he sai
had been "cashiered, persecuted, and harrassed because he spoke
up against an unfair system."
Donohue said an investigator in the State Police
Superintendent's office had told him "the State Police had 126
illegal wiretaps to give Governor Rockefeller information for
political advantage."
Donohue declined to elaborate on his charges or to
name the investigator. He said he would do so only in the
Congressional probe called for by Resnick.
Donohue said he was subject to many forms of pressure
from the State Police, including having his home phone tapped after
he initiated law suits against Superintendent Cornelius charging
GERALD FOND LIBRARY
an unfair promotion system. He said he was offered deals,
threatened, confined to a mental hospital for a day, denied driving
privileges and generally harrassed during the four years of
litigation on the case.
Following the charges made by Resnick and Donohue at
Wednesday's press conference, the superintendent issued a rebuttal
characterizing the statements as "slander."
"Congressman Resnick has again charged the New York
State Police with the commission of a felony,' the superintendent
said. "In so doing he has slandered not only myself, but the
nearly 2,800 members of the Division who are dedicated to the
enforcement of law. "
"Mr. Resnick's statement that an illegal wiretap was
placed on the home phone of former trooper Donohue by the State
Police is a repetition of a false charge he made August 15."
"He was advised at that time by letter that the State
Police 'did not tap the telephone of former trooper Donohue either
with or without a court order."
"I also/urged in the letter, "Superintendent Cornelius
continued, "that if he had any evidence in his possession that the
New York State Police or any member has violated the law he should
promptly turn this over to the appropriate District Attorney
and to my office."
"I also pointed out that the effect of his accusation was
to undermine public confidence in law enforcement and impede the
difficult task of law enforcement."
FORD
817
PUBLICITY NOTED
"Mr Resnick at no time has communicated with me or anyone
else in authority at State Police Headquarters to ascertain the
facts in the matter. I myself conclude that he to more interested
in publicity than in the truth. His actions in this matter are a
disservice to law enforcement and to the people of the State of
New York. I am sure they will offend the sensibilities of all
fair-minded people. "
Cornelius also pointed out that in his letter to Resnick
on 8-19, he said, "To my knowledge and there has not been an illegal
telephone tap installed by the New York State police during my tenure
as Superintendent, nor will there be."
He noted that Donohue was dismissed from the State Police
after a hearing and the entire proceedings were reviewed by
the appellate division of the Supreme Court which affirmed his
dismissal."
Wiretapping is legal in New York State with a court order
but evidence gathered by wiretapping cannot be used in court.
Donohue has a 1.5 million dollar lawsuit against the
State Police and Cornelius in the Court of Claims scheduled to be
held in Poughkeepsie next month by Judge Dorothy Donaldson.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
ALBANY TIMES UNION - 9/15/66
Roeley
A State trooper dismissed two years ago for
insubordination said Wednesday that State Police had used
illegal wiretaps "for political advantage" for Governor Rockefeller.
He said an investigator in the office of Superintendent
Arthur Cornelius had told him the State Police had 126 wiretaps
in operation.
The accusation by John H. Donohue of Peekskill came at
a press conference in New York City called by Ellenville Democratic
Representative Joseph Y. Resnick, who announced he planned to ask
for a law making all wiretapping illegal throughout the
United States.
"I have information that the State Police of New York
have, indeed, been engaged in the illegal tapping of phones,"
Resnick said. "I am given to understand that even the wires of
State Legislators have been tapped."
He said the only way the Federal Government can prevent
misuse of wiretapping is to make all taps illegal.
"That way the State Police, or anyone else for that
matter, will not be tempted to undertake illicit activities under
the guise of legal sanction."
'SLANDER' CHARGED
Superintendent Cornelius characterized the statements
as "slander" a "disservice to law enforcement" and charged that
the Ellenville Congressman "is more interested in publicity than
the truth."
DERALD FORD LIBRARY
A spokesman for the Governor's Office said that
Superintendent Cornelius answered the wiretapping charges more
than a month ago by claiming the statements were false. At
that time, the wiretap charge concerned Donohue's home telephone.
The spokesman added that any further comments should
come from Cornelius.
Resnick also called for an investigation by the House
Judiciary Committee into the dismissal and "harrassment" of the
trooper and "extensive" illegal wiretapping carried on by the
State Police.
EX-TROOPER INTRODUCED
Resnick introduced former state trooper Donohue who he sai
had been "cashiered, persecuted, and harrassed because he spoke
up against an unfair system."
Donohue said an investigator in the State Police
Superintendent's office had told him "the State Police had 126
illegal wiretaps to give Governor Rockefeller information for
political advantage."
Donohue declined to elaborate on his charges or to
name the investigator. He said he would do so only in the
Congressional probe called for by Resnick.
Donohue said he was subject to many forms of pressure
from the State Police, including having his home phone tapped after
he initiated law suits against Superintendent Cornelius charging
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
an unfair promotion system. He said he was offered deals,
threatened, confined to a mental hospital for a day, denied driving
privileges and generally harrassed during the four years of
litigation on the case.
Following the charges made by Resnick and Donohue at
Wednesday's press conference, the superintendent issued a rebuttal
characterizing the statements as "slander."
"Congressman Resnick has again charged the New York
State Police with the commission of a felony," the superintendent
said. "In so doing he has slandered not only myself, but the
nearly 2,800 members of the Division who are dedicated to the
enforcement of law."
"Mr. Resnick's statement that an illegal wiretap was
placed on the home phone of former trooper Donohue by the State
Police is a repetition of a false charge he made August 15."
"He was advised at that time by letter that the State
Police 'did not tap the telephone of former trooper Donohue either
with or without a court order."
"I also/urged in the letter, "Superintendent Cornelius
continued, "that if he had any evidence in his possession that the
New York State Police or any member has violated the law he should
promptly turn this over to the appropriate District Attorney
and to my office."
"I also pointed out that the effect of his accusation was
to undermine public confidence in law enforcement and impede the
difficult task of law enforcement."
FORD LIBRARY &
PUBLICITY NOTED
"Mr Resnick at no time has communicated with me or anyone
else in authority at State Police Headquarters to ascertain the
facts in the matter. I myself conclude that he is more interested
in publicity than in the truth. His actions in this matter are a
disservice to law enforcement and to the people of the State of
New York. I am sure they will offend the sensibilities of all
fair-minded people."
Cornelius also pointed out that in his letter to Resnick
on 8-19, he said, "To my knowledge and there has not been an illegal
telephone tap installed by the New York State police during my tenure
as Superintendent, nor will there be."
He noted that Donohue was dismissed from the State Police
after a hearing and the entire proceedings were reviewed by
the appellate division of the Supreme Court which affirmed his
dismissal."
Wiretapping is legal in New York State with a court order
but evidence gathered by wiretapping cannot be used in court.
Donohue has a 1.5 million dollar lawsuit against the
State Police and Cornelius in the Court of Claims scheduled to be
held in Poughkeepsie next month by Judge Dorothy Donaldson.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
28
teb
173
[Transcript of Nixon
95 tape ]
20
[oval 865-14,
P
The doctors say that the poor old gent had a tumor. The FBI
RG460]
said he had one.
D He had Abe Fortas and Deke DeLoache backed up by some other
people in the Bureau and try to talk this doctor into examining
this guy to say the man had a brain tumor. He was very
(unintelligible) ill, slightly eratic, but eager. This doctor
wouldn't buy it.
P
The doctor had never examined him before or anything.
D
No.
P
They were trying to set it up though, huh? What other kind
of activities?
D
Well, as I say, I haven't probed Sullivan to the depths on this
thing because I want to treat him at arm's length until he is
safe, because he has a world of information that may be available.
P
But he says that what happened on the bugging thing. Who told
what to whom again?
D
On the '68 thing -- I was trying to track down the leaks. He
said that the only place he could figure it coming from would
be one of a couple of sources he was aware of that had been
somewhat discovered publicly. He said that Hoover had told
Patrick Coyne about the fact that this was done. Coyne had
told Rockefeller now Rockefeller had told Kissinger. I have
REST
never run it any step beyond what Mr. Sullivan said there. The
other thing is that when the records were unavailable for Mr.
Hoover all these logs, etc. Hoover tried to reconstruct them
by going to the Washington Field Office and he made a pretty
good stir about what he was doing when he was trying to get
FORD & LIBRARY GERAL the
96
21
record and reconstruct it. He said that at that time we probably
hit the grapevine in the Bureau that this had occurred. But
there is no evidence of it. The records show at the Department
of Justice and the FBI that no such survelliance was ever conducted
P
Shocking to me!
D
What the White House had from reporters in LIFE. The other
person who knows and is aware of it is Mark Felt, and we have
talked about Mark Felt before.
P
Let's face it. Suppose Felt comes out now and unwraps. What
does it do to him?
D
He can't do it.
P
How about (unintelligible)? Who is going to hire him? Let's
face it - the guy who goes out -- he couldn't do it unless he
had a guarantee from somebody like TIME Magazine who would say
look we will give you a job for life. Then what do they do?
He would go to a job at LIFE, and everyone would treat him like
a pariah. He is in a very dangerous situation., These guys
you know -- the informers. Look what it did to Chambers.
Chambers informed because he didn't give (expletive deleted).
But then one of the most brilliant writers according to Jim
Shepley we have ever seen in this country -- and I am not
referring to the Communist issue -- greatest writer of his
time, - about 30 years ago, probably TIME's best writer of the
century -- they finished him. Either way, the informer is not
one in our society. Either way, that is the one thing people
can't survive. They say no civilized (characterization deleted)
informs, Hoover to Coyne to Nelson Rockefeller to Kissinger.
BERALD FORD
97
22
Right?
D
That's right.
P
Why Coyne tell it to Nelson Rockefeller? I have known
Coyne for years. I haven't known him well, but he was a great
friend of one of my Administrative Assistants, Bob King, who
used to be a Bureau head.
D
Now this is Sullivan's story I have no reason to know whether
it is true, but I don't have any reason to doubt that it is true.
P
Hoover told me, and he also told Mitchell personally that this
had happened.
D
I was talking the '68 incident that occurred. I wasn't referring
to that now. When this Coyne, etc., this was the fact that
newsmen -- excuse me I thought you were making reference to
the fact that three years ago the White House had allegedly --
P
Oh, sure, sure. That is not the same one.
D
On the '68 incident all I have been able to find out is what
you told me that Hoover had told you, what he had told Mitchell.
P
Yeah. Mitchell corroborates that, doesn't he?
D
Kevin Phillips called Pat Buchanan the other day with a widbit
that Dick Whelan on the NSC staff has seen memoranda between
the NSC-and the FBI that the FBI had been instructed to put
survelliance on Anna Chennault, the South Vietnamese Embassy
and the Agnew plane. This note also said that Deke DeLoach
was the operative FBI officer on this.
P
The Agnew plane? I think DeLoach's memory now is very very
hazy. He doesn't remember anything.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
D
I talked to Mitchell about this and he has talked to DeLoach.
23
98
DeLoach has in his possession, and he has let Mitchell
review them, some of the files on this.
P
But not --
D
But they don't go very far; this is DeLoach protecting his
own hide.
P
It is just as well because we can't do anything with it.
So Hoover told Coyne, who told Rockefeller, that newsmen
were being bugged.
D
That tickles you. That is right.
₽
Why do you suppose they did that?
D
I haven't the foggiest idea. It is a Sullivan story as
to where the leak might have come from about the current
Time Magazine story, which we are stonewalling totally here.
P
Oh, absolutely.
(Material not related to Presidential action deleted)
P
Well, is this the year you are going to try to get out the
'68 story?
D
Well, I think the threat of the '68 story when Scott and
others were arguing that the Committee up on the Hill broadened
its mandate to include other elections. They were hinting around
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
#6
Roch filla Roch petta presental
PARTICIPANTS
Executive
The President
The Secretary of the Treasury, William Simon
Chairman of Federal Reserve Board, Arthur Burns
Chairman of Council of Economic Advisers, Herbert Stein
Director of Office of Management and Budget, Roy Ash
Senate
James Eastland cont-of.town) of tron)
President Pro Tem
Mike Mansfield
Leader
Hugh Scott
Leader
Robert Byrd
Whip
Robert Griffin
Whip
Frank Moss
Conference Secretary
Norris Cotton
Conference Chairman
House
Carl Albert
Speaker
Thomas O'Neill
Leader
John Rhodes
Leader
John McFall
Whip
Les Arends
Whip
Olin Teague
Caucus Chairman
John Anderson (ill)
Conference Chairman
Staff
Dean Burch
Robert Hartmann
Jack Marsh
Alexander Haig
Bill Seidman
Jerry terHorst
Kenneth Cole
William Timmons
Tom Korologos
Max Friedersdorf
Bill Baroody
Ken Rush
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
4
*
1)
m
#
4
#
D
4
*
7:4
#
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
August 13, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
FROM:
Howard Kerr
At 3:20 p.m. I took a call from Jo Wilson of the Senate office
who stated that she had just received a call from Bob Herrema,
Administrative Assistant to Senator Weicker. She then passed on
to me the gist of Mr. Herrema's report to her.
At 3:35 p.m. Dr. Marrs called Mr. Herrema and informed
him that Jo Wilson had contacted this office and asked Mr. Herrema
to repeat his story which is as follows:
A Mr. H. A. Long called Senator Weicker's office asking to
speak to Senator Weicker or his Administrative Assistant. Mr. Herrema
returned his call this afternoon. Mr. Long stated that he was with
Heritage Books and had a residence in Philadelphia and Washington.
He further stated that over the years he has become close friends with
a Mr. Hal O'Brien who is associated with American Services located
on Connecticut Avenue. Mr. Herrema states that Mr. 6.04.167
has
advised him that Howard Hunt's original papers are in storage either
at Heritage Books or American Services. (On this last point
Mr. Herrema is not clear.) According to Mr. O'Brien there is
information in these papers concerning Governor Rockefeller which
is of a derogatory nature. These particular papers were alleged to
have been destroyed by Mr. Roy Shephard but apparently were not.
Mr. Herrema went on to state that it was his understanding
that Mr. Jaworski --through Hank Ruth--had signed a seizure order
and that the FBI were taking custody of these papers today.
rorn
Mr. Herrema stated that Mr. Long appeared to be rational,
intelligent, and displayed none of the traits usually associated with
a crank call. Mr. Long told Bob Herrema that he called Senator
Weicker because he felt Senator Weicker would see that something
was done about this matter. Bob Herrema asked that notwithstanding
his impression of Mr. Long that it could be a crank call, that it
could be someone "trying to do Nelson Rockefeller in, "or that
he could be legitimate.
At 3:45 p.m. Dr. Marrs called Mr. George Sanders of the
FBI and passed on Mr. Herrema's story in its entirety. Mr. Sanders
is checking out this information and will get back to this office.
FORD
2
August 21, 1974
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
PLACE: Mr. Marsh's Office
White House
DATE: August 21, 1974
TIME: 3:00 p.m.
SUBJECT: Contingency Plan for Support of Nelson Rockefeller
PARTICIPANTS:
Mr. Philip Buchen
Dr. Theodore Marrs
Mr. William Casselman
Mr. Stan Ebaer, OMB
Mr. Art Sampson, Administrator, GSA
Mr. Harold S. Trimmer, General Counsel, GSA
In this meeting a contingency plan was developed to provide for
support of Nelson Rockefeller. In essence, in this contingency plan he
would be serving as an Advisory to the President. This would provide
a legal basis for provision of space and personnel. Such a contingency
plan is necessary since there is no provision in the 1963 Transition Act
for the support of a Vice President designate under the 25th Amendment.
The legal people present were of the opinion that this was an appropriate
plan in the event that it was necessary to provide such support to Nelson
Rockefeller.
The legal background which permits the provision of Secret
Service protection is believed to cover the situation of Mr. Rockefeller.
It does, however, apparently require coordination with the appropriate
congressional representatives. Mr. Bill Casselman will follow through
on this point after involving Timmons and Simons.
GERASE
The contingency plan described above will not be implemented
without full consideration by Mr. Rockefeller, and there is an assumption
that he may want to provide his own office space and staff on a private
basis with the detailing of any essential White House staff to provide an
informational base.
No action will be taken without coordination with Mr. Hartmann,
Mr. Marsh and Mr. Buchen.
GREATE FORD LIDNARY
Prepared by: Theodore C. Marrs
TCM:sc
THE NEW YORK TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
6
Connally' Author Doubts Rockefeller Sales Link
By LINDA CHARLTON
Louis, said his only contact
seller in Morrow's catalogue,
Special to The New York Times
with Mr. Rockefeller had come
achieving an advance sale of
et a Lincoln's Birthday Renuh
about 25 000 copies form book
November 7, 1974
NIR
file
TO:
Jack Marsh
FROM:
Jim Cannon Jun
SUBJECT:
Confirmation of the Designee for Vice President
Pursuant to the conversations which Bob Douglass
and I had with you and Don Rumsfeld on Monday, November 4, 1974,
on how President Ford could be helpful in moving the
confirmation proceedings, we would suggest the following:
1. President Ford has already talked with
Senator Mansfield about moving ahead to a vote on
confirmation. We would request that President Ford
also telephone:
-- Senator Byrd
-- Senator Scott
-- - Senator Cannon
- - Speaker Albert
-- Majority Leader Tip O'Neill
-- Minority Leader John Rhodes
-- Chairman Rodino
With these points --
a. The President sent up the nomination
on August 20, 1974.
b. Two and one-half months for the investigations
is plenty of time.
C. The President knows what is in the FBI
report, the audits, and other investigations,
and strongly supports his confirmation.
d. Country has serious problems and the
Administration wants Rockefeller's help
in solving these problems.
FORD & LIBRARY QENALD
-2-
e. President asks that Senate (House)
proceed promptly with hearings, get out
your Committee report, and bring it to the
floor for a vote.
2. We suggest that the President follow up
his telephone calls with a November 9, 1974 letter which
he could make public for Sunday, November 10, 1974.
is LIBRARY
November 7, 1974
≤
TO:
Jack Marsh
FROM:
Jim Cannon
SUBJECT:
Confirmation of the Designee for Vice President
Pursuant to the conversations which Bob Douglass
and I had with you and Don Rumsfeld on Monday, November 4, 1974,
on how President Ford could be helpful in moving the
confirmation proceedings, we would suggest the following:
1. President Ford has already talked with
Senator Mansfield about moving ahead to a vote on
confirmation. We would request that President Ford
also telephone:
McFall
fall
-- Senator Byrd
Me
and
-- Senator Scott
-- Senator Cannon
-- Speaker Albert
-- Majority Leader Tip O'Neill
-- Minority Leader John Rhodes
-- Chairman Rodino
With these points --
a. The President sent up the nomination
on August 20, 1974.
b. Two and one-half months for the investigations
is plenty of time.
C. The President knows what is in the FBI
report, the audits, and other investigations,
and strongly supports his confirmation.
d. Country has serious problems and the
Administration wants Rockefeller's help
in solving these problems.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
-2-
e. President asks that Senate (House)
proceed promptly with hearings, get out
your Committee report, and bring it to the
floor for a vote.
2. We suggest that the President follow up
his telephone calls with a November 9, 1974 letter which
he could make public for Sunday, November 10, 1974.
FORD & LIBRARY AERALD
new york Times
Rockefeller
november 8, 1974
On the
P.C39
Sidelines
By James Reston
FLASH
FOR COMMCENTER USE ONLY
UNCLAS
PRECEDENCE
CLASSIFICATION
DEX
FROM: JACK Marsh
DAC
GPS
TO: military Aide For
LDX 002
PAGES 4
THE PRESIDENT
TTY
CITE
INFO:
(CAMP DAVID)
DTG: 0916167
RELEASED BY:
TOR: 0916212
Eo
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
THE PRESIDENT IS WAITING FOR
THIS MEMORANDUM!
SITUATION ROOM
WHITE HOUSE
'74 NOV 2: AM 11: 11:31 31
778017
WHCA FORM 8, 22 FEB 74
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 9, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK MARSH
This is the Hartmann draft of the Rockefeller
letter. I would appreciate your changes or your
approval so that we can begin final preparation
for delivery.
Dear
:
I am writing to request your assistance and cooperation
in carrying out the clear intention of the 25th Amendment to
the Constitution which we in the Congress proposed in 1965 and
which became effective upon ratification by the Legislatures
of 47 States in 1967.
The essence of the 25th Amendment, insofar as it pertains
to a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President (Section 2),
is that a prolonged vacancy in the second office of the Federal
Government and the normal successor to the Presidency is unde-
sirable as a matter of public policy. While the language of
this Constitutional amendment fixes no specific time limit on
the process of nomination and confirmation, I view it as implicit
in the adoption of this section that vacancies be as brief as
the careful consideration of a nominee by the President and the
Congress will permit.
I therefore considered it my Constitutional duty, imme-
diately upon assuming the Office of the President, to place the
highest priority on submitting a nomination for the vacancy in
the Vice Presidency to the Congress. Within eleven days I sub-
mitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives the name
of Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York.
In contrast to this Congress' careful but expeditious
consideration over a period of eight weeks of my own nomination
to be the Vice President, the only precedent in the use of the
25th Amendment for this purpose, neither body has yet completed
-2-
(
consideration of the qualifications of my nominee. There is
public speculation that no final action will be taken by this
93rd Congress before it adjourns sine die.
The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate
commenced its hearings promptly on September 23 and I under-
stand will resume them on November 13th, prior to the return
of the Congress from its current recess. However, the hearings
of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House have not yet even
begun.
In nominating Nelson Rockefeller for the vacancy in the
Office of the Vice President on August 20, 1974, almost 12 weeks
ago, after personal consultation with the leadership of the
majority and minority parties in both bodies of the Congress,
I reached the considered conclusion that he was the best quali-
fied person to fill this important office and the one who could
best assist me in working with the Congress to find practical
solutions to the many problems facing our country at home and
abroad.
In accordance with the urgency implicit in the 25th Amend-
ment to the Constitution, I immediately authorized the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and all other Executive Agencies of the
Federal Government to cooperate with the respective Committees
of the House and Senate in their investigation of Governor
Rockefeller's qualifications and fitness to fill this office.
The nominee has stated his willingness to cooperate fully with
the cognizant committees in their preliminary studies, audits,
(
- 3 -
investigations and inquiries.
The public information resulting from these investigations has
mainly been concerned with Governor Rockefeller's personal wealth and
how he uses it. I have noted that over the past decade he has paid nearly
half of his income in Federal, State and local taxes and some 30 percent
of his total taxable income has been donated to charitable institutions.
But I feel the primary issue is not Governor Rockefeller's
personal wealth so much as his wealth of experience. He has served with
five Presidents in Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one
of our most complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and
capacity for solving economic and social problems and with concern for
the rights and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
November 11, 1974
Dear Jim:
Attached is the list of addressees and
letter which President Ford delivered
this morning.
Sincerely,
John O. Marsh, Jr.
Counsellor to the President
Mr. James Cannon
Assistant to the Chairman
Commission on Critical Choices
for Americans
22 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
HJK:cmp
FORD i LIBRA Group
Senator Mike Mansfield
Dear Mike:
Senator James O. Eastland
Dear Jim:
Senator Robert C. Byrd
Dear Bob:
Senator Hugh Scott
Dear Hugh:
Senator Howard W. Cannon
Dear Mr. Chairman:
(type two letters)
Dear Howard:
Senator Marlow W. Cook
Dear Marlowr:ow:
Representative Carl Albert
Dear Carl:
Representative Thomas O'Neill, Jr.
Dear Tip:
Representative John J. Rhodes
Dear John:
Representative John J. McFall
Dear Jack:
Representative Leslie C. Arends
Dear Les:
Representative Edward Hutchinson
Dear Ed:
Senator Robert P. Griffin
Dear Bob:
.
Representative Peter Rodino, Jr.
Dear Pete:
FORD & LIBRAL 078838
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 11, 1974
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am writing to request your assistance and cooperation in
carrying out the clear intention of the 25th Amendment to the
Constitution which we in the Congress proposed in 1965 and
which became effective upon ratification by the Legislatures
of 47 States in 1967.
The essence of the 25th5 Amendment, insofar as it pertains to
a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President (Section 2), is
that a prolonged vacancy in the second office of the Federal
Government and the normal successor to the Presidency is un-
desirable as a matter of public policy. While the language
of this Constitutional amendment fixes no specific time limit
on the process of nomination and confirmation, I view it as
implicit in the adoption of this section that vacancies be
as brief as the careful consideration of a nominee by the
President and the Congress will permit.
I therefore considered it my Constitutional duty, immediately
upon assuming the Office of the President, to place the high-
est priority on submitting a nomination for the vacancy in
the Vice Presidency to the Congress. Within eleven days I
submitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives the
name of Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York.
In contrast to this Congress' careful but expeditious con-
sideration over a period of eight weeks of my own nomination
to be the Vice President, the only precedent in the use of
the 25th Amendment for this purpose, neither body has yet
completed consideration of the qualifications of my nominee.
There is public speculation that no final action will be
taken by this 93rd Congress before it adjourns sine die.
The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate com-
menced its hearings promptly on September 23 and I understand
will resume them on November 13th, prior to the return of the
Congress from its current recess. However, the hearings of
the Committee on the Judiciary of the House have not yet even
begun.
FORD VIBRARY
2
In nominating Nelson Rockefeller for the vacancy in the Office
of the Vice President on August 20, 1974, almost 12 weeks ago,
after personal consultation with the leadership of the majority
and minority parties in both bodies of the Congress, I reached
the considered conclusion that he was the best qualified person
to fill this important office and the one who could best assist
me in working with the Congress to find practical solutions to
the many problems facing our country at home and abroad.
In accordance with the urgency implicit in the 25th Amendment
to the Constitution, I immediately authorized the Federal Bureau
of Investigation and all other Executive Agencies of the Federal
Government to cooperate with the respective Committees of the
House and Senate in their investigation of Governor Rockefeller's
qualifications and fitness to fill this office. The nominee has
stated his willingness to cooperate fully with the cognizant
committees in their preliminary studies, audits, investigations
and inquiries.
Governor Rockefeller has served with five Presidents in Federal
positions and has administered the affairs of one of our most
complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and ca-
pacity for solving economic and social problems and with concern
for the rights and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the high-
est priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18.
The national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy
in the Vice Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that
Governor Rockefeller is eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally
responsible in order to ensure a final determination by both
the Senate and the House of Representatives in the remaining
days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely, R.
The Honorable Howard W. Cannon
FORDO is LIBRARY
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Mike Mansfield
Dear Mike:
Senator James O. Eastland
Dear Jim:
Senator Robert C. Byrd
Dear Bob:
Senator Hugh Scott
Dear Hugh:
Senator Howard W. Cannon
Dear Mr. Chairman:
(type two letters)
Dear Howard:
Senator Marlow W. Cook
Representative Carl Albert
Dear Carl:
Representative Thomas O'Neill, Jr.
Dear Tip:
Representative John J. Rhodes
Dear John:
Representative John J. McFall
Dear Jack:
Representative Leslie C. Arends
Dear Les:
Representative Edward Hutchinson
Dear Ed:
Senator Robert P. Griffin
Dear Bob:
Representative Peter Rodino, Jr.
Dear Pete:
FORD : LIBRARY
Dear
:
I am writing to request your assistance and cooperation
in carrying out the clear intention of the 25th Amendment to
the Constitution which we in the Congress proposed in 1965 and
which became effective upon ratification by the Legislatures
of 47 States in 1967.
The essence of the 25th Amendment, insofar as it pertains
to a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President (Section 2),
is that a prolonged vacancy in the second office of the Federal
Government and the normal successor to the Presidency is unde-
sirable as a matter of public policy. While the language of
this Constitutional amendment fixes no specific time limit on
the process of nomination and confirmation, I view it as implicit
in the adoption of this section that vacancies be as brief as
the careful consideration of a nominee by the President and the
Congress will permit.
I therefore considered it my Constitutional duty, imme-
diately upon assuming the Office of the President, to place the
highest priority on submitting a nomination for the vacancy in
the Vice Presidency to the Congress. Within eleven days I sub-
mitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives the name
of Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York.
In contrast to this Congress' careful but expeditious
consideration over a period of eight weeks of my own nomination
to be the Vice President, the only precedent in the use of the
25th Amendment for this purpose, neither body has yet completed
FRED & LIBRARY
-2-
consideration of the qualifications of my nominee. There is
public speculation that no final action will be taken by this
93rd Congress before it adjourns sine die.
The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate
commenced its hearings promptly on September 23 and I under-
stand will resume them on November 13th, prior to the return
of the Congress from its current recess. However, the hearings
of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House have not yet even
begun.
In nominating Nelson Rockefeller for the vacancy in the
Office of the Vice President on August 20, 1974, almost 12 weeks
ago, after personal consultation with the leadership of the
majority and minority parties in both bodies of the Congress,
I reached the considered conclusion that he was the best quali-
fied person to fill this important office and the one who could
best assist me in working with the Congress to find practical
solutions to the many problems facing our country at home and
abroad.
In accordance with the urgency implicit in the 25th Amend-
ment to the Constitution, I immediately authorized the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and all other Executive Agencies of the
Federal Government to cooperate with the respective Committees
of the House and Senate in their investigation of Governor
Rockefeller's qualifications and fitness to fill this office.
The nominee has stated his willingness to cooperate fully with
the cognizant committees in their preliminary studies, audits,
FORD it LIBRARY
- 3 -
investigations and inquiries.
The public information resulting from these investigations has
mainly been concerned with Governor Rockefeller's personal wealth and
how he uses it. I have noted that over the past decade he has paid nearly
half of his income in Federal, State and local taxes and some 30 percent
of his' total taxable income has been donated to charitable institutions.
But I feel'the primary issue is not Governor Rockefeller's
personal wealth somuchias/his wealth of experience. He has served withwith
five Presidents in Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one
of our most complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and
capacity for solving economic and social problems and with concern for
the rights and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
FORD & LIBRARY ORNALD
Sincerely,
- 3 -
investigations and inquiries.
The public information resulting from these investigations has
mainly been concerned with Governor Rockefeller's personal wealth and
how he uses it. I have noted that over the past decade he has paid nearly
half of his income in Federal, State and local taxes and some 30 percent
of his total taxable income has been donated to charitable institutions.
But Ifeel the primary issue is not Governor Rockefeller's
Governor Rockefoller
personal wealth so much as his wealth of experience. He has served with
five Presidents in Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one
of our most complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and
capacity for solving economic and social problems and with concern for
the rights and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
FORD & LIBRARY SERALD
Sincerely,
- 3 -
investigations and inquiries.
The public information resulting from these investigations has
mainly been concerned with Governor Rockefeller's personal wealth and
how he uses it. I have noted that over the past decade he has paid nearly
half of his income in Federal, State and local taxes and some 30 percent
of his total taxable income has been donated to charitable institutions.
But I feel the primary issue is not Governor Rockefeller's
personal wealth somuch.as his wealth of experience He has served with 1111
five Presidents in Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one
of our most complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and
capacity for solving economic and social problems and with concern for
the rights and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
FORD & LIBRARY SERVIC
Sincerely,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
11/9/74
Mr. Buchen:
Messrs. Hartmann and Marsh
have cleared the attached.
The President also has a copy.
Mr. Marsh would like to have
your comments today -- they
want the letter to go out this
weekend.
Jane
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Dear
:
I am writing to request your assistance and cooperation
in carrying out the clear intention of the 25th Amendment to
the Constitution which we in the Congress proposed in 1965 and
which became effective upon ratification by the Legislatures
of 47 States in 1967.
The essence of the 25th Amendment, insofar as it pertains
to a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President (Section 2),
is that a prolonged vacancy in the second office of the Federal
Government and the normal successor to the Presidency is unde-
sirable as a matter of public policy. While the language of
this Constitutional amendment fixes no specific time limit on
the process of nomination and confirmation, I view it as implicit
in the adoption of this section that vacancies be as brief as
the careful consideration of a nominee by the President and the
Congress will permit.
I therefore considered it my Constitutional duty, imme-
diately upon assuming the Office of the President, to place the
highest priority on submitting a nomination for the vacancy in
the Vice Presidency to the Congress. Within eleven days I sub-
mitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives the name
of Nelson A. Rockefeller of New York.
In contrast to this Congress' careful but expeditious
consideration over a period of eight weeks of my own nomination
to be the Vice President, the only precedent in the use of the
25th Amendment for this purpose, neither body has yet completed
LIBRARY CERALD R. FORD
-2-
consideration of the qualifications of my nominee. There is
public speculation that no final action will be taken by this
93rd Congress before it adjourns sine die.
The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate
commenced its hearings promptly on September 23 and I under-
stand will resume them on November 13th, prior to the return
of the Congress from its current recess. However, the hearings
of the Committee on the Judiciary of the House have not yet even
begungun.
In nominating Nelson Rockefeller for the vacancy in the
Office of the Vice President on August 20, 1974, almost 12 weeks
ago, after personal consultation with the leadership of the
majority and minority parties in both bodies of the Congress,
I reached the considered conclusion that he was the best quali-
fied person to fill this important office and the one who could
best assist me in working with the Congress to find practical
solutions to the many problems facing our country at home and
abroad.
In accordance with the urgency implicit in the 25th Amend-
ment to the Constitution, I immediately authorized the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and all other Executive Agencies of the
Federal Government to cooperate with the respective Committees
of the House and Senate in their investigation of Governor
Rockefeller's qualifications and fitness to fill this office.
The nominee has stated his willingness to cooperate fully with
the cognizant committees in their preliminary studies,
LIBRARY CERALD .
3 -
investigations and inquiries.
Governor Rockefeller has served with five Presidents in
Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one of our most
complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and capacity
for solving economic and social problems and with concern for the rights
and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
LIBRARY GERALD : FORD
3 -
investigations and inquiries.
Governor Rockefeller has served with five Presidents in
Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one of our most
complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and capacity
for solving economic and social problems and with concern for the rights
and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
LISAARY GERALD SERALD & FORD
3 -
investigations and inquiries.
Governor Rockefeller has served with five Presidents in
Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one of our most
complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and capacity
for solving economic and social problems and with concern for the rights
and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
Sincerely,
FORD & GLAVED LIBRARY
- 3 -
investigations and inquiries.
The public information resulting from these investigations has
mainly been concerned with Governor Rockefeller's personal wealth and
how he uses it. I have noted that over the past decade he has paid nearly
half of his income in ederal, State and local taxes and some 30 percent
of his total taxable income has been donated to charitable institutions.
But Ifeel the primary issue is not Governor Rockefeller's
Governor Rockefoller
personal wealth so much as his wealth of experience. He has served with
five Presidents in Federal positions and has administered the affairs of one
of our most complex State Governments with demonstrated efficiency and
capacity for solving economic and social problems and with concern for
the rights and well-being of all its people.
In my judgment it is essential that this Congress give the
highest priority to completing the confirmation process mandated by
the Constitution when it returns from recess on November 18. The
national interest is not well served by a continued vacancy in the Vice
Presidency and I remain firmly convinced that Governor Rockefeller is
eminently qualified for this office.
Therefore, I respectfully request your assistance in expediting
those procedures for which the Congress is constitutionally responsible
in order to ensure a final determination by both the Senate and the House
of Representatives in the remaining days of the 93rd Congress.
With warm personal regards.
SERALD ? FORD
Sincerely,
The President
The White House
November RiH 12, 1974
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. President:
I have your letter of yesterday urging my
assistance in expediting the nomination procedures
associated with the selection of a new Vice President.
Congress has failed to implement and expedite the
25th Amendment to the Constitution, and I regret this
very much. Certainly, all relevant evidence should
be made available but there is also substantial
evidence that Congress has fallen short of its
responsibility in expediting these hearings and other
actions.
In reviewing the legislative history of the 25th
Amendment, I have found ample references to the
necessity for filling presidential and vice presidential
vacancies as quickly as possible. While the Floor
manager of the Amendment, Senator Bahy, said he "could
foresee the attempt to delay and stall the confirmation."
Senator Ervin responded that patriotic and intelligent
members of Congress who love their country "will not
jeopardize their country by holding up the consideration"
of new leaders.
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
It is my hope that the spirit of the 25th Amendment
displayed in 1965 will be adhered to now as the Congress
continues its consideration of a new Vice President.
Sincerely,
Hugh Scott
FORD i 0788
m
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 12, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR: WILLIAM E. TIMMONS
THROUGH:
TOM KOROLOGOS
FROM:
PATRICK E. O'DONNELL
poor
SUBJECT:
Rockefeller Hearings
Senate Rules Committee will conduct hearings on the Rockefeller nomination
commencing at 10:00 A.M. November 13. Present plans are for Governor
Rockefeller to testify all day Wednesday and for the following witnesses
to testify on Thursday and Friday - in the general area of the Laskey
book and Rockefeller gifts:
John Wells -- Attorney-Rogers and Wells
Robert B. Orr - - Attorney-Upper Blackeddy, Pennsylvania
Donald C. O'Brien, Jr. -- Attorney-Rockefeller Plaza, New York
John E. Rockwood -- Attorney-New York City
Laurence Rockefeller
J. Richardson Dilworth -- 30 Rockefeller Plaza-New York City
Neil McCaffrey -- Publisher-Arlington House, New York City
Victor Laskey
Arthur Goldberg
William J. Ronan Chairman-Port Authority of New York
Robert B. Anderson -- Former Secretary of Treasury
Emmett John Hughes -- Writer-Rutgers University
FORD is 076839 LIBRASY
- -2- -
James W. Gaynor -- Engineer-New Rochelle, New York
Edmund J. Logue -- New York Urban Development Corporation
Unknown spokesman -- Americans for Democratic Action
I understand from Spoff Canfield a large demonstration is planned on the
hill. I have detailed memo coming in that regard.
Hearings could continue after Friday but this decision has not yet been
reached.
FORD & GRANTS LIBRARY
M
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 13, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR BILL TIMMONS
FROM:
TOM KOROLOGOS TK
SUBJECT:
Senator Pell
You asked about how Pell might go on the
Rockefeller nomination. He said in a press
conference last week in Rhode Island "I don't
see any reason as yet why I won't vote for
him."
CC:
& FORD LIBRABA
November 13, 1974
send to marsh me.
Dear Mr. Chairman:
A
I would like to thank you for your November 12
letter acknowledging the President's letter to
you about Nelson Reckefeller's confirmation
hearings. I will be pleased to ... that the
President receives it right away and I know
that he will be most grateful for your spirit of
cooporation.
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
Max L. Friedersderf
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Nenerable Peter W. Redine, Jr.
Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
w/dazoming to Bill Timmons - FYI
MLF:EF:jk
FORD & LIBRARY 038400
NINETY-THIRD CONGRESS
PETER W. RODINO, JR. (N.J.) CHAIRMAN
HAROLD D. DONOHUE, MASS.
EDWARD HUTCHINSON, MICH.
JACK BROOKS, TEX.
ROBERT MC CLORY, ILL.
GENERAL COUNSEL:
ROBERT W. KASTENMEIER, WIS.
HENRY P. SMITH III, N.Y.
JEROME M. ZEIFMAN
DON EDWARDS, CALIF.
CHARLES W. SANDMAN, JR., N.J.
TOM RAILSBACK, ILL.
Congress of the United States
ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL:
WILLIAM L. HUNGATE, MO.
GARNER J. CLINE
JOHN CONYERS, JR., MICH.
CHARLES E. WIGGINS, CALIF.
COUNSEL:
JOSHUA EILBERG, PA.
DAVID W. DENNIS, IND.
HAMILTON FISH, JR., N.Y.
Committee on the Judiciary
HERBERT FUCHS
JEROME R. WALDIE, CALIF.
HERBERT E. HOFFMAN
WALTER FLOWERS, ALA.
WILEY MAYNE, IOWA
WILLIAM P. SHATTUCK
JAMES R. MANN, S.C.
LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, MD.
H. CHRISTOPHER NOLDE
PAUL S. SARBANES, MD.
M. CALDWELL BUTLER, VA.
JOHN F. SEIBERLING, OHIO
WILLIAM S. COHEN, MAINE
House of Representatives
ALAN A. PARKER
JAMES F. FALCO
GEORGE E. DANIELSON, CALIF.
TRENT LOTT, MISS.
MAURICE A. BARBOZA
ROBERT F. DRINAN, MASS.
HAROLD V. FROEHLICH, WIS.
FRANKLIN G. POLK
CHARLES B. RANGEL, N.Y.
CARLOS J. MOORHEAD, CALIF.
Mashington, D.C. 20515
THOMAS E. MOONEY
BARBARA JORDAN, TEX.
JOSEPH J. MARAZITI, N.J.
MICHAEL W. BLOMMER
RAY THORNTON, ARK.
DELBERT L. LATTA, OHIO
ALEXANDER B. COOK
ELIZABETH HOLTZMAN, N.Y.
WAYNE OWENS, UTAH
November 12, 1974
CONSTANTINE J. GEKAS
EDWARD MEZVINSKY, IOWA
The President
The White House
BT
Dear Mr. President:
I very much appreciate your letter of November 11, 1974,
concerning the nomination of Nelson A. Rockefeller to be Vice
President.
Let me assure you of my deep personal commitment to handling
this matter with both thoroughness and dispatch. Unfortunately,
the results of the Internal Revenue Service audit of the nominee's
income tax returns were not completed and made available to the
Committee until October 18th. As a result we were not able to
commence our hearings prior to the recess of the Congress for
the election period.
Immediately after the election I advised Governor Rockefeller
of my desire to commence the hearings on his nomination in the
week that the House of Representatives returned from the recess.
Yesterday, I informed Governor Rockefeller that the Committee
hearings on his nomination would commence on November 21st.
I am certain that the Committee on the Judiciary will act
both expeditiously and responsibly with respect to this matter.
warm record regard Sincerely,
Petr
PETER W. RODINO, JR.,
Chairman
FUED & 078836
PWR ZSS
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
Peter W Rdeid
M.C.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
The President
The White House
"
TO JACK FUI MARSH-
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Br
November 13, 1974
Jomm
M
MEMORANDUM FOR DILL TIMMONS
Jom
FROM:
TOM KOROLOGOS TK
SUBJECT:
Senator Pell
You asked about how Pell might go on the
Rockefeller nomination. He said in a press
conference last week in Rhode Island "I don't
see any reason as yet why Iwon't vote for
him."
CERRED
FORD is LIBRARY CIVE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date
TO: JACK March
THRU: Bicc Timmonsfa
FROM: Tom C. Korologosk
For your information
NEWS
from U.S. Senator HUGH SCOTT, Pennsylvania
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 225-6324
10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11/13/74
Senator Hugh Scott (R-Pa.), Senate Republican Leader, sent
the following letter to the President today:
GERALE 8. FORD
Dear Mr. President:
I have your letter of yesterday urging my assistance
in expediting the nomination procedures associated with
the selection of a new Vice President.
Congress has failed to implement and expedite the
25th Amendment to the Constitution, and I regret this
very much. Certainly, all relevant evidence should be
made available, but there is also substantial evidence
that Congress has fallen short of its responsibility in
expediting these hearings and other actions.
In reviewing the legislative history of the 25th
Amendment, I have found ample references to the necessity
for filling presidential and vice presidential vacancies
as quickly as possible. While the Senate Floor manager
of the Amendment, Senator Birch Bayh, said he "could fore-
see the attempt to delay and stall the confirmation,"
Senator Sam Ervin responded that patriotic and intelligent
members of Congress who love their country "will not
jeopardize their country by holding up the consideration"
of new leaders.
In the House of Representatives, then Chairman of the
Judiciary Committee, Representative Emanuel Celler (who
also served as Floor manager of the Amendment), said, "We
dare not longer trifle with this situation by neglect. If
there is a vacancy, the vacancy must and should be filled."
Congressman John Lindsay noted that a delay in the Senate
would put "the monkey on the back of the Congress to do
its job. The President does his job in the selection of
a proper person to fill the office of the Vice-Presidency,
and then Congress must answer to the country if it does
not speedily perform its job."
It is my hope that the spirit of the 25th Amendment
displayed in 1965 will be adhered to now as the Congress
continues its consideration of a new Vice President.
Sincerely,
/s/ Hugh Scott
Republican Leader
November 14, 1974
TOJACK PUI marsh-
BT
Dear Mr. Chairmans
I would like to thank you for your November 13
letter acknowledging the President's letter to
you about Nelson Rockefeller's confirmation
Dr.
hearings. I will be pleased to see that the
President receives It right away, and I know
that he will be most grateful for your spirit of
cooporation.
With warm regard,
Sincerely,
Tom
Tom C. Kereleges
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Honorable Howard W. Casson
Chairman
Committee on Rules and Administration
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
bee w/incoming to Bill Timmons - FYI
TCK:EF:jk
FORD : LIBRARY GERALD
HOWARD W. CANNON, NEV., CHAIRMAN
CLAIBORNE PELL, R.I.
MARLOW W. COOK, KY.
ROBERT C. BYRD, W. VA.
HUGH SCOTT, PA.
JAMES B. ALLEN, ALA.
ROBERT P. GRIFFIN, MICH.
HARRISON A. WILLIAMS, JR., N.J.
MARK O. HATFIELD, OREG.
WILLIAM WHORTER COCHRANE, STAFF DIRECTOR
HUGH Q. ALEXANDER, CHIEF COUNSEL
United States Senate
JOSEPH E. O'LEARY, PROFESSIONAL STAFF
MEMBER (MINORITY)
COMMITTEE ON
RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
November 13, 1974
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
This will respond to your letter of November 11
wherein you respectfully urge that this Committee and
the Congress expedite the confirmation proceedings
incident to the Vice Presidential nomination of Nelson
A. Rockefeller, to ensure a final determination during
the 93rd Congress.
Let me assure you most respectfully that it is
my purpose, as I will say in my opening statement at
Governor Rockefeller's hearings later this morning,
that "this nomination should have the highest Congressional
priority." Likewise, we know you will agree that full
and appropriate consideration must be accorded to this
procedure, as your letter sets out.
I feel most sincerely that our Committee on
Rules and Administration is meeting that test. Twenty-
three business days after this nomination was received
in the Senate from you, our Committee began its hearings,
although the final reports of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation were not received by me until November 4.
Additionally, our Committee's request for a complete
accounting of Governor Rockefeller's campaign contributions
was not met until last Monday evening, November 11, at
9 p.m., when this information was received. Likewise,
the voluminous report of the Joint Committee on Internal
Revenue Taxation on the nominee's tax returns was not
completed until October 23.
FORDO is LIBRARY
/
The President
November 13, 1974
Page Two
Therefore, I felt it desirable to recite briefly
the above facts incident to our Committee's work. As
I will reiterate at our hearings this morning, "Our
country deserves at the earliest possible time a
sitting Vice President."
I am hopeful that goal can be accomplished as
expeditiously as our Constitutional responsibilities
will permit. You will have my wholehearted cooperation.
Respectfully yours,
HOWARD W. CANNON
Chairman
FORD is EIBRARY G7VBE
THE PRESIDENT
1974 NOV 13 PM 3 44
HAND T
RECEP. AND SECURITY UNIT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON
RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
Howard W.bannon
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
U.S.S.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
A
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C., 20500
VIA RIDING PAGE
November 15, 1974
To Jackmarch Jack marsh 74 Brt
Dear Johns
I would like to thank you for your November 13
letter acknowledging the President's letter to
you about Nelson Rockefeller's confirmation
hearings. I will be pleased to see that the
President receives it right away, and I know
that he will be most grateful for your spirit of
cooporation.
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
Max L Friederederf
Deputy Assistant
to the President
The Honorable John J. Rhodes
Minority Leader
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
bec w/incoming to Bill Timmons - FYI
MLF:EF:jk
FORD is LIBRARY 078839
11-15
JOHN J. RHODES
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
1ST DISTRICT, ARIZONA
ALMA A. ALKIRE
LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
COMMITTEE:
RICHARD ROBERTS
APPROPRIATIONS
Congress of the United States
SECRETARIES:
SUBCOMMITTEES:
RITA M. DECENZO
DEFENSE
house of Representatives
CLARA POSEY
OLIVE RAY
PUBLIC WORKS
PERRIE 'LEE PROUTY
LEGISLATIVE
Washington, D.C. 20515
CAROLYN J. JOHNSTON
DISTRICT OFFICE:
6040 FEDERAL BUILDING
November 13, 1974
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85025
ROBERT J. SCANLAN
LUCYLE VON DORN
CECELIA STEWART
BT
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments in your letter
of November 11, concerning the confirmation of Nelson Rocke-
feller as Vice President of the United States.
Please be assured that I will do all I can to expedite
action on the Vice President designate.
I feel very strongly that this action must be taken by
the 93rd Congress and will do all in my power to see that this
is given top priority.
Sincerely,
got
rjs
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE WITH RECYCLED FIBERS
November 15, 1974
2:25 p.m.
Mr. Marsh:
Walter Mote just called and Commander
Kerr spoke to him.
On 3 and 4 December the House Republicans
and Democaate will caucus and they would
like to know if on either of those days if
Nelson Rockefeller could have lunch with
them.
Bonnie
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