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This file contains correspondence to and from Becker regarding his role in the pardon. It also includes news clippings.
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1126647
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Nixon Pardon - Correspondence
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1126647
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document
title
Nixon Pardon - Correspondence
description
This file contains correspondence to and from Becker regarding his role in the pardon. It also includes news clippings.
citationUrl
collections
Benton L. Becker Papers
General Subject Files
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Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994
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1126647
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1974-09-30
month
9
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1974
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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 2, folder "Nixon Pardon - Correspondence" of
the Benton L. Becker Papers 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. Benton Becker donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 2 of the Benton Becker Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
420 East 64th Street
New York, New York 10021
September 9, 1974
Benton L. Becker, Esq.
Cramer Haber & Becker
475 L'Enfant Plaza, S. W.
Washington, D. C. 20024
Dear Benton,
I thought that you would enjoy this clipping from today's New York Times.
Congratulations on your accomplishments to date. After seven years, my name may not
ring a beH, but we worked together at the Justice Dept. in the Frauds Section.
Very truly yours,
alan Rothenberg
public
folder and began reading his
unto Richard Nixon for all of
Benton Becker, to
decision, looking occasionally
fenses against the United
with Mr. Nixon and his law-
questions,
said
that
into the cameras, which were
States which he, Richard Nix-
yers. Mr. Becker, a friend of
during his study of the matter
filming the event for later show-
on, has committed or taken
both the President and Mr.
had Mr. Ford talked to Mr.
aspect
of
ing. He spokes of the difficulty
part in during the period from
Buchen, went to San Cle-
Nixon and that the decision to
Nixon's
of the decision.
Jan. 20, 1969, through Aug. 9
mente last week and advised
go ahead with the pardon had
he
can
"To procrastinate, to agonize
1974."
Mr. Nixon that he probably
been based on the belief that
forced to
and to wait for a more favor-
Mr. Buchen later briefed re-
would receive a pardon. Mr.
"it was very likely" Mr. Mixon
trial
able turn of events that may
porters on the events leading
Nixon told Mr. Becker, either
would have been indicted and
aides
never come," he said, "or more
up to today's action. Sitting
personally or through an aide,
ordered to stand trial.
of
jus-
compelling external pressures
case.
The
that may as well be wrong as
sub-
right, is itself a decision of sorts
President
and a weak and potentially
Lawyer, 36, Is Liaison for 2 Presidents
to
open
dangerous course for a Presi-
hav-
dent to follow."
Mr. Becker, while serving Inviob
de-
Of President Nixon and his
By PHILIP SHABECOFF
the Justice Department as an
the
Fifth
family, Mr. Ford said: "Theirs
Special to The New York Times
Assistant Attorney Generaft) ed
otects
cit-
is an American tragedy in
imination.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8-Ben-
worked on a criminal taseroll
which we all have played a
was
part. It could go on and on
ton L. Becker, the young law-
against the late Adam Claytonyin
today
posi-
yer who acted as intermediary
Powell.
the
and on, or someone must write
he
'The End' to it. I have concluded
between President Ford and
Mr. Becker, in private proofi
as
former President Richard M.
tice, represented Joel Kline andriw
idency on
that only 1 can do that."
He pointed out that there
Nixon in the negotiations that
Eric Baer, defendants in u
about
led to today's pardon announce-
cent stock manipulation case. 201
was no historical or legal prece-
ment was described by a for-
Both men were convicted.
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.
E. Blanche Pritchett, Ph.D.
Route 4
Arlington, Washington 98223
(206) 435-3264
September 9, 1974
Benton Becker
Cramer, Haber, and Becker
485 L'Enfante, Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20024
Dear Benton Becker:
Our telephone conversation, of this date, has tended to add enormous
support to my personal considerations about your great service to our President,
and to the citizens of our country. Regrettably, most people do not know -
and do not know that they do not knowl The outburst of emotional reaction, at
this time, tends to validate the ignorance of the masses. They do not know
what a tremendous service has been performed for them by President Ford, and by
you. As a voice crying out in the wilderness, I want you to know that your
character, your comprehensibility, your integrity, and your devotion to your
spiritual guidance are without flaw and are to be commended, I must ask you
to be sensitive to the degree of gratitude being expressed herein, because in
the face of such a magnitude of appreciation words, being weak things, cannot
reach the height of expression.
As spokesuoman for 533 registered voters in 25 states, I reiterate my
message to the President, and wish him to know that we commend him for his
great courage and support his action in taking the initiative, under spiritual
guidance and direction, to pardon President Nixon, one of the greatest statesman
this nation has ever hadl
Benton Becker, I will be disseminating my opinions and philosophy very
broadly over radio-talk-shows and in writing, and I will comply with your
request to keep you informed.
As I stated to you on the phone this morning, you are, indeed, an angel
of mercy! I offer any service which you may request of me, at any time. I
base this offer on what I consider to be my recognition of a Fraternity Brother
Page 2
God bless you, beloved Benton Becker. With high esteem, I am,
Faithfully yours,
E. Bearche Pritchatt
E Blanche Pritchett
EBP:d
GERALD R FORD
AREA CODE 618
OFFICE PHONE 253-7727 OR 252-1234
J. D. BARTER CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.
General Contractors
LEVEE . AIRPORT - ROAD CONSTRUCTION
HAULING TRAFFIC BOUND GRAVEL
ROUTE 34 . SOUTH RURAL ROUTE 3
HARRISBURG, ILLINOIS 62946
September 9, 1974
Benton,
I just had to take a minute to tell you how thrilled I was when I saw
you on the newscast last evening. I am happy to know you had a part
in this. I, for one, am proud of your friend and our president.
Good luck!
Very truly yours,
Dorathy L. Jox
Dorothy L. Fox
GENALD A. FOMO
10 LIGHT STREET
(17TH FLOOR)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202
September 9, 1974
Benton L. Becker, Esquire
Cramer, Habber & Becker
Suite 4100
485 L'Fant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20024
Dear Benton:
I was painting my house on Sunday and listen-
ing to the radio and heard your name as being the
intermediary between the White House and San Clemente
on the Nixon pardon. My congratulations. I hope
that this means that your difficulties in D.C. are
over, although someone showed me an article today
from the Washington Post talking about a potential
investigation by the reprobates here in Baltimore.
I hope that this is not true and that your future is
free from such difficulties.
Again congratulations and my best to both
you and Joanne.
Very truly yours,
Jay Schwartz
JAS/las
GERALD R. FORD LIBRANY
MATTEL
September 9, 1974
Mr. Benton Becker
475 L'Enfant Plaza Southwest
Suite 4100
Washington D.C. 20024
Dear Benton:
I was aroused from a blissful reverie late last
night by my former wife, (you do remember Lois
I'm sure), asking if I had my T.V. set on. It
seems as though you made the late T.V. news.
While reading the Los Angeles Times this morn-
ing I came across the enclosed story and obvi-
ously you have been quite busy.
Perhaps, on one of your next trips to Southern
California, if time permits, give me a call and
let's get together I'll buy.
The best,
Joel Rubenstein
Director, Marketing Public Relations
JR/cb
Enclosure: One newspaper clip
GERALD A. FORD
Mattel, Inc. General Offices, 5150 Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250: Telephone (213) 644-0411 Cable: Mattelco
YOUNG, TURNBULL & LINSCOTT, P.A.
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW
Post Office Box 112
V. KEITH YOUNG
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
Your REFERENCE:
WILLIAM S. TURNBULL
ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32801
JERRY R. LINSCOTT
TELEPHONE (305) 841-IIII
IN REPLY REFER To:
JEFFRY R. JONTZ
ARTHUR R. LOUV
STEPHEN A. WEINSTEIN
JAMES R. MONROE
September 10, 1974
Benton Becker, Esquire
Cramer, Haber & Becker
485 L'Enfant Plaza, West, S. W.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Benton:
Although I have not heard anything from you since
the Insco reversal, I see that you have not been idle. I was
interested to hear on CBS News on Sunday night that you had
made the trip to San Clemente to make the arrangements for
the Nixon pardon. It appears that our new President continues
to rely heavily on the good counsel of your offices.
Very truly yours,
JRJ/lmh
Martin Itzler, P.c.
Law Offices
110 EAST 59TH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
TEL. (212) PL 2-8855
CABLE: "MARITZLAW"
Sept 10th
Benton-
a forgotten name from the past on the
news - and & thought you were destined
to be the lead singer in a rock & roll band
n something of equal dignity - - fallen idols
so many years-turenty l gness
Marty
CIGNARD
GERACO
AMERICAN
SOCIETY
OF
HOSPITAL
PHARMACSTS
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOSPITAL PHARMACISTS
4630 Montgomery Avenue / Washington, D. C. 20014
AREA CODE 301 (Betheada, Maryland)
TELEPHONE 657-3000
September 10, 1974
Benton L. Becker, Esq.
485 L'Enfant Plaza W. S.W.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Benton:
I have been following closely your participation in these historic
and unprecedented events as they have unfolded over the past sev-
eral days, and feel profoundly proud of your mission. I must say
I have a feeling of high pride in being able to identify with you
because of our relationship of some years ago. My family had
always expected you to do something special and indeed you have
not let us down.
I only hope that in your intimate involvement with the President
of the United States you can serve him well for the benefit of
all the people in this country. The pressures and challenges of
your responsibility are great, but I know that you can handle
them well.
Best regards.
Nonian Very truly yours,
Norman M. Hochman
Controller
NMH: cb
FORD
&
The national specialty society of pharmacists practicing in hospitals and related institutions
GERALD
24 HOUR PHONE: PO 3-8784
Robert H. Glazier
3401 SCHOOL LANE
REAL ESTATE MAINTENANCE
DREXEL HILL, PA.
September 11, 1974
Mr. Benton L. Becker
c/o Cramer, Haber, & Becker
Attorneys At Law
485 L'Enfant Plaza, S. W.
Suite 4100
Washington, D. C. 20024
Dear Mr. Becker:
I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations on your
success in the recent matter between Ex-President Nixon and
President Ford. As you know from my previous letters, I have
always had a very high regard for your ability.
Enclosed are some newspaper clippings that you may want to
use in the event Mrs. Becker is making a scrap book based on the
accomplishments of her famous husband.
I hope that you have
the very best of luck in the future.
Very sincerely yours,
Robert H. Glazier
RHG/e
Encl:
FUND TIBRATO
AN EFFORT TO ASSIST UNDERSTANDING!
by
E. Blanche Pritchett, Ph.D.
Arlington, Washington 98223
(Written September 12, 1974)
On Sunday, September 8, 1974, Gerald R. Ford, the President of
the United States, "took the bit between his teeth" and did what he
had to do! There was no way that President Ford could have not done
what he had to do! He went before the nation on television and he
pronounced a pardon for former President Richard Nixon. He stated,
as clearly as he could, the basis for and the conditions of that
Presidential pardon. He was the only person who could have exercised
that Presidential right! He was the only person who comprehends the
circumstances that caused President Nixon to resign, even though you
may have heard numbers of theories and opinions. President Ford knew
what his liabilities were, and he knew that self-serving motives
would have caused him not to do what he knew was the right thing to
do! Yes, he knew! And he went forth, courageously, to bring some
measure of balance to a situation that was badly tilted out of per-
spective. For his sheer courage alone, he is to be respected and
honored. The future will guarantee that the wisdom of his judgement
was superb and timely! Of that, I am absolutely certain!
Perhaps I am carried away with my own ability to understand; it
is surely not conceit on my part when I can view the situation and
evaluate the possibilities. I can offer a view of my own, which you
may caption as "theory" but I will feel better for having said it
publicly.
For over two years now, I have been aware of the possibility that
important state secrets were in danger by persons in position of
trust in the Executive branch of our government. I seemed to know
from the start that President Nixon could have done many things dif-
ferently if it were not for his own built-in respect for national
security. A President has to be aware of national security and has
to guard and defend it if he is to live up to his oath of office. My
view tells me that Richard Nixon withheld things to his own detriment,
and ultimately to his own downfall. He did what he did because he
believed it was what he should do. The extreme loyalty of his own
subordinates shows a tremendous sense of loyalty and respect for con-
fidences, and this example was set by the "Chief" himself! In being
true to his own ideals, President Nixon withheld things that could
have explained many things that would have caused members of the Con-
gress to side with him. But
he didn't take the risk.
My view tells me that Dan Ellsberg, having once been a staff mem-
ber of the National Security Council, had stolen "Top Secret" docu-
ments and disseminated them to the press, and that this one act alone
by a person in a "security position" would have been enough to give
any truly responsible Chief Executive nightmares! President Nixon
had to make decisions. His decisions had to be made in strict ac-
cordance with his own concepts of the national interest. He had to
find the leaks in the White House and he had to use any method that
he could use. That should be an indisputable statement! He had to
do what he could, and, as Chief Executive, he could do almost any-
thing. He chose to keep his investigations confined to as few people
as possible, and only highly trusted and proven people at that! He
believed within his heart that he could defend his people and handle
any contingency that may have arisen. His mistake was in not real-
izing that any little thing would be blown all out of proportion due
to the avowed Nixon-haters. In other words, he underestimated his
enemy. That was a mistake, and it is a mistake to which he has re-
ferred several times. He has never claimed infallibility!
As to the pardon
President Ford had almost one full month to
view things from the exclusive position of the Chief Executive, FORD
LIBRARY
[please turn page]
GERALD
[thank you]
then he knew! He knew that President Nixon was truly a pariah! He
knew that President Nixon was defending this country's internal peace
of mind by not talking about matters that he should not talk about.
In seeing this whole thing so clearly, from the one place it could be
viewed (the Presidency), Gerald R. Ford made the only just and right-
eous decision that could have been made. But, like President Nixon,
he cannot tell all of the reasons for his decision either!
Any truly objective person can look at the facts of the whole
situation that has been labeled "Watergate" and see that the efforts
made by President Nixon had truly noble intents and purposes. Truly!
If President Ford had not pardoned Richard Nixon, there was a
possibility of an indictment by the Special Prosecutor! If Mr. Nixon
took the stand under oath, he would have to tell things that could
panic the citizens of the U.S. President Ford was keen enough to see
all of these potential liabilities, and he made sure such a thing
could not happen. He made sure that President Nixon would never be
liable for perjury for withholding state secrets, etc.!
Just imagine what damage an embittered President could do if he
chose to, under the same circumstances in which Richard Nixon has
found himself! Just imagine if his own top aides chose to talk!
Richard Nixon had the same authority to grant pardons as Presi-
dent Ford now has. He did not pardon his top aides even though he
would dearly have loved to do so. He did not take unfair advantage
of his position. He knew that if he did, his accusers would also use
that against him.
Richard Nixon was in an impossible position: no matter what he
did, it would not turn out right! He chose the way he has gone so
that he could live with his own conscience, but for that he has taken
on the hatred and distrust of millions of people! He had to con-
sciously make the decision to take on the apparency of villain, when
in truth he is one of this nation's greatest-ever national heroes!
Now, Richard Nixon is a man who is hurting, esthetically, emo-
tionally, and physically! He is bearing his burden while he knows
just how he could relieve himself of it, but that would mean that he
would have to talk about untalkable things and his attitude is that
he "would rather die first"!
Now, President Ford, perhaps the only man who knows the great
sacrifice made by Richard Nixon, is also bound not to talk and is be-
ing pelted by the actual enemies of this land -- enemies who exist
under the cover of citizenship while trying to overthrow the govern-
ment. This is the biggest of all national enigmas!
Where emotions rule, there is no charity in the hearts of the
beasts who seek blood! There is only sadism and cruelty! And this
is what is known as a "Christian Nation"!
Let your heart tell you the truth! Never mind the scandalmon-
gers! Without your ears, they starve!
I have made a pledge to myself to speak of my own understanding,
with a plea for others to look and understand as well. Won't you put
yourself in the same position as these two topflight human beings of
high caliber, and see the way it is?
FORD
LIBRARY
GENALD
U.S. Copyright © 1974 by E. Blanche Pritchett, Ph.D.
September 13, 1974
Jay Schwarts, Esquire
10 Light Street
Seventeenth Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Dear Jay:
It was thoughtful of you to take the time to write
me this week. Hearing from old friends, particularly at
times when everyone else seems to want to talk to you, is
a very pleasant experience. I hope that you will give me
a call some time so that we can get together in person.
Sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
FORD LIBRARY at GLHALD
September 13, 1974
Alan Rothenberg, Esquire
420 East 64th Street
New York, New York 10021
Dear Alan:
I surely do recall working closely with you during
our tenure at Justice and it was indeed thoughtful of you
to write me at this time.
Sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
GEHALD LEBRARY R FORD
September 13, 1974
Martin Itzler, Esquire
110 East 59th Street
New York, New York 10022
Dear Marty:
A voice from the past indeed. Others may be
motivated in actions like this for personal self-glory
or monetary interest. Let the record show that I did
it for one purpose and one purpose eñone: TO IMPRESS
JACKIE LAHN.
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB :cdk
FORD R. CEMALO LIBRARY
September 13, 1974
Mr. Norman M. Hochman
Controller
American Society of Hospital Pharmacits
4630 Montgomery Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20014
Dear Norman:
It was thoughtful of you to take the time to write
me this week. Hearing from old friends, particularly at
times when everyone else seems to want to talk to you, is
a very pleasant experience. I hope that you will give me
a call some time so that we can get together in pesson.
Sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
FORD OF LIGHARY GERALD
September 13, 1974
Jeffry R. Jontz, Esquire
Young, Turnbull & Linscott, P.A.
Post Office Box 112
Orlando, Florida 32801
Dear Jeff:
It was thoughtful of you to take time to write
me this week. Hearing from old friends, particularly
at times when everyone else seems to want to talk to
you, is a very pleasant experience. I hope that if you
are in Washington in the near future, you will find time
to call so that we might get together in person.
Sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
GERALD P. FORD
September 13, 1974
Dorothy L. Fox
J. D. Barter Construction Co., Inc.
Route 34 - South, Rural Route 3
Harrisburg, Illinois 62946
Dear Dorothy:
It was thoughtful of you to take time to write
me this week. Hearing from old friends, particularly
at times when everyone else seems to want to talk to
you, is a very pleasant experience. I hope that if you
are ever in Washington, you will find time to call so
that we might get together in person.
Sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
GERALD A. FORD LIBRARY
JACK WATSON, CLU
THE FRANKLIN LIFE
VICE PRESIDENT - FIELD SERVICES
INSURANCE COMPANY
HOME OFFICE: SPRINGFIELD. ILLINOIS 62713. PHONE: 217 528-2011
September 17, 1974
Mr. Benton Becker
485 L'enfant Plaza Southwest
Suite 4100
Washington, D. C. 20024
Congratulations, Benton
on your key role in the Ford administration. As a good friend
of your brother Wally, I have followed your assignment with keen interest
and appreciate your personal importance. Wally long ago told me to
watch out for his baby brother, and you certainly met his great expectations.
Sorry I was away when you stopped by Springfield but hopefully
we will meet some day. The Becker family is well supplied with talent
because your father and Wally have distinguished themselves as exceptional
life insurance professionals with Franklin Life. Wally sets new records
in Sales Management.
We are mighty proud of the Beckers.
Sincerely,
Jack & Watson
Vice President
JW. lgf
GEAALE
September 18, 1974
Mr. Robert Glazier
3401 School Lane
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. Glazier:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter regarding the
pardoning of Former President Nixon. My secretary has
dutifully maintained a clipping and correspondence file
where your thoughtful communique will be housed. Someday,
when I am old and gray, I imagine I will enjoy rereading
and recapturing thoughts of the past weeks.
Very sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
GERALD R FORD LIBRARY
September 18, 1974
Mr. Joel Rubenstein
Mattel, Inc.
5150 Rosecrans Avenue
Hawthorne, California 90250
Dear Joel:
I am embarrassed and disturbed for having been
responsible for an act which caused disturbance to your
slumber. Yet, it was thoughtful of you to take the
time to write me and renew an old and valued friendship.
I was particularly intrigued with your invitation
to buy drinks upon my next trip to California and recall-
ing your spendthrift nature, I reported your offer to
Wide World of Sports.
If you plan to be in Washington any time in the
future, please call as I would very much enjoy catching
up on old times.
Very sincerely,
BENTON L. BECKER
BLB:cdk
FORD R. LIBRARY GERALD
WKBD TV
ch50
Detroit
P O Box 359
Southfield Mi 48075
313/444 8500
September 19, 1974
Dear Mr. Becker:
"The Lou Gordon Program" is a 90-minute program devoted to
interviews and discussions of public interest. The program
is seen on Kaiser stations serving Boston, Cleveland, Chicago,
Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco and on other
stations according to the attached schedule.
On a recent program, the date and time of which is shown
below, Mr. Gordon responded to a question submitted by a
viewer. In his response, reference was made to you, and
I am attaching a copy of that reference for your information.
The Lou Gordon Program
Broadcast date and time: Weekend of September 14-15, 1974
If you would like the opportunity to respond to these
comments, please let me know so that we may make necessary
arrangements.
Sincerely,
Vice President & General Manager
LCH:jf
Attach.
Mr. Benton Becker
Attorney at Law
485 L'Enfant Plaza S.W.
Washington, DC 20024
GERALD AIIVHOIT
&
KAISER
BROADCASTING COMPANY
"THE LOU GORDON PROGRAM"
AIR DATES
KAISER BROADCASTING COMPANY STATIONS
STATION
SERVING
DAY
TIME
WLVI TV
Boston
Sunday
10:30 PM
WKBF TV
Cleveland
Sunday
10:30 PM
KBSC TV
Los Angeles
Saturday/Sunday
10:00 PM
WKBS TV
Philadelphia
Sunday
10:30 PM
KBHK TV
San Francisco
Sunday
10:30 PM
WFLD TV
Chicago
Sunday
9:30 PM
OTHER STATIONS
STATION
SERVING
DAY
TIME
WCIX TV
Miami
Monday
8:30 PM
FORD A. LIBRARY GERALD
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 02623
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
Donor restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Letter
CREATOR'S NAME
John Futch
RECEIVER'S NAME
Benton Becker
DESCRIPTION
Personal matter.
CREATION DATE
1974
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
023800018
COLLECTION TITLE
Benton L. Becker Papers
BOX NUMBER
2
FOLDER TITLE
Nixon Pardon - Correspondence
NEW LOCATION
Donor Restriction Closed File
DATE WITHDRAWN
05/15/1991
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
Kellee Green
KNOWN DUPLICATES
No
Ford Denies
Post Story
On Pardon
By Bob Woodward
and Carl Bernstein
Washington Post State Write
President Ford stands by
his public statements and
testimony about the events
leading up to the pardon of
former President Nixon, a
White House spokesman said
yesterday.
William I. Greener said "the
President has dealt with
candor and truthfulness at all
times on this matter.
Greener denied a story in
yesterday's Washington Post
that President Ford assured
former Nixon chief of staff
Alexander M. Haig Jr. on Aug.
28, 1974, that a pardon for
Nixon would beforthcoming.
This was 10 days before
President Ford announced the
pardon.
It was learned from other
White House sources,
meanwhile, that President
Ford failed to tell his own staff
about his discussions with
Haig regarding a pardon, and
that - until questioned by
reporters this week Mr.
Ford's top advisers were
unaware that such con-
versations took place.
Had they known of the
existence of such con-
versations, these sources said,
they would have advised Mr,
Ford to disclose them when he.
testified before
a
congressional asubcommittee
last year.
On Capitol Hill, meanwhile,
Chairman Peter W. Rodino Jr
of the House Judiciary
Committee directed a review
of President Ford's testimony
about the pardon, to deter-
mine if a subcommittee should
reopen hearings into the
matter.
According to Greener, Mr.
Ford and Haig did discuss the
pardon. question on Aug. 28,
1974, but only in the context of
answers to questions about a
possible pardon that Mr. Ford
gave at his press conference
that day.
Three reliable sources have
told The Washington Post that
the President and Haig had a
substantive discussion that
day about pardoning Nixon,
and that Haig received
assurances from Mr. Ford
that a pardon would be
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
granted.
In addition, both Haig and
See PRESIDENT, A4, Col. 5
Washington Part
12/19/75
President Denies
Story on Pardon
PRESIDENT, From A1
White House Counsel Philip
Chairman William Hungate
W. Buchen said earlier this
(D-Mo.), Holtzman raised
week that the general and the
"the possibility that President
President had such a sub-
Ford concealed important
stantive discussion that day.
information"
when
be
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Transfer/Disposal Sheet
ITEM ID 00193
DESCRIPTION OF ITEM MOVED
Benton Becker and Gerald Ford.
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
023800018
COLLECTION TITLE
Benton L. Becker Papers
BOX NUMBER
2
FOLDER TITLE
Nixon Pardon - Correspondence
ACCESSION NUMBER
91-NLF-024
MOVEMENT DATE
05/15/1991
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Photographs
NEW LOCATION
Audiovisual Collection
ARCHIVIST'S
Kellee Green