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localId
7345588
label
Presidential statement on Kissinger's meetings regarding Southern Africa [Ford Speech or Statement]
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doc
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document
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
7345588
contentType
document
title
Presidential statement on Kissinger's meetings regarding Southern Africa [Ford Speech or Statement]
collections
White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
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1
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naId
7345588
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item
productionDates
day
8
logicalDate
1976-09-08
month
9
year
1976
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description
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nara-archive
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1
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document
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691a7685faa52a38
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Digitized from Box 30 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 8, 1976 OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT I met this morning with Secretary Kissinger to discuss his report on his meetings with Prime Minister Vorster and with European leaders. On the basis of this report, I believe that good progress has been made on the problems concerning Southern Africa. It is important to understand that in this diplomatic process now unfolding, the United States is offering its good offices as an intermediary. We are willing to present ideas on how progress can be achieved, but we are not -- and I emphasize not -- trying to develop a specific American plan. We have three objectives: First, to prevent an escalation of the violence which in time could threaten our national security; second, to realize popular aspirations while guaranteeing minority rights and insuring economic progress; third, to resist the intervention in the African situation by outside forces. In his discussions with Prime Minister Vorster, the Secretary put forward some ideas conveyed to the United States by black African leaders, and Prime Minister Vorster gave us his reactions. As a result of these discussions, Assistant Secretary Schaufele is currently in Africa discussing the situation. On the basis of his report, I will decide whether further progress can be made through a visit by Secretary Kissinger to Africa, starting with black African countries most concerned. We want to create the opportunities and conditions for all races to live side-by-side. The United States cannot solve by itself these complicated problems. We need the continued goodwill and dedication of the parties involved. The process that is now beginning is an extremely important one. It is extremely complicated. There is no guarantee of success. But, I believe the United States must now make a major effort because it is the right thing to do. It is in our national interest and it is in the interest of world peace. #####