Richard Nixon: “We realize the imperative importance of having better relations with our friends and close neighbors, and that is one of…”

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.

Mistakes, yes. But for personal gain, never.

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

I have done my very best in all the days since to be true to that pledge.