Richard Nixon: “Our talks proved the occasion for a new departure in friendly cooperation between our two nations.”

Two weeks ago, I vowed to the American people that any appropriations bill substantially above my budget for fiscal year 1975 would be vetoed.

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.

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

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