Richard Nixon: “I am appointing G. Alexander Heard, chancellor of Vanderbilt University, as a special adviser for the next 2 critical…”

I did not realize the extent of the implications which these conversations might now appear to have.

I invite the Governors of the States and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other officials at the local level to issue similar proclamations.

It is regrettable that the Congress has seen fit to add to a bill of such importance to our national security a rider adversely affecting the constitutional separation of powers.

I am pleased that in this bill the Congress has expressed support for our objectives by authorizing $22.2 billion for military procurement purposes during fiscal year 1975.