Richard Nixon

This is a time for communication rather than violence and above all for mutual understanding.

The educators came in to discuss their problems, and since they are all presidents I felt a community of interest with them.

But the unemployment we presently have is the result of the cooling of the economy and our fight against inflation.

No, I have not been surprised by the intensity of the protests. I realize that those who are protesting believe that this decision will expand the war, increase American casualties, and increase American involvement.

Every one of my advisers, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Kissinger, Director Helms, raised questions about the decision, and, believe me, I raised the most questions, because I knew the stakes that were involved, I…

The middle of next week the first units, American units, will come out.

If arrangements are made by my staff so that they can come in to see me, I will be glad to.

I appreciate Mr. Heard's taking on this assignment which should be of great benefit to the country.

We have also saved, I think, hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans, as Frank Reynolds reported tonight on ABC.

However, looking at the whole of Southeast Asia, looking at the fact that we have lost lives there, I would say that only history will record whether it was worthwhile.

I would certainly regret that my use of the word 'bums' was interpreted to apply to those who dissent.

I do not see that the critics of my policies, our policies, are repressed.

I am appointing G. Alexander Heard, chancellor of Vanderbilt University, as a special adviser for the next 2 critical months.

This action is a decisive move, and this action also puts the enemy on warning that if it escalates while we are trying to deescalate, we will move decisively and not step by step.

They are trying to say that they want peace. They are trying to say that they want to stop the killing.

Don't judge us too quickly.

The United States, as I indicated in what is called the Guam or Nixon Doctrine, cannot take the responsibility and should not take the responsibility in the future to send American men in to defend the neutrality of countries that are…

I am not going to speculate as to what the North Vietnamese may do.

That is why I had to act.

I RECOGNIZE the profound concerns that are rending many of our campuses today.

Could I ask the members of the press to wait one moment.

These annual reports reflect the accomplishments of each commission during Fiscal Year 1969.

The quality of American life depends largely upon how we use--and conserve--our natural resources.

This approach to planning promises more efficient use of America's great natural and man-made wealth, and more attention to preserving the beauty and vitality of our environment.

THIS should remind us all once again that when dissent turns to violence, it invites tragedy.