Richard Nixon: “He is one of America's most distinguished men who has served us both in war and in peace and now he takes on a new…”

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

I have concluded that because of the Watergate matter, I might not have the support of the Congress that I would consider necessary to back the very difficult decisions and carry out the duties of this office in the way the interests of…

And as I leave, let me say, that is an example I think all of us should remember.