Jimmy Carter actually said...

"I don't have any doubts that had we made a public issue of it, it would have complicated the issue unnecessarily."

"I think it is accurate to say also, Walter, that the major interest that the People's Republic of China has in the Western Pacific is peace and good relationships with us."

"I think the outcome of the new relationship between ourselves and the billion people of China and their government is constructive and positive."

"I think that we have more than honored the terms of the treaty, and I see no basis for a successful court challenge."