Gerald Ford

I AM withholding my approval from S. 425, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1974.

I urge everyone: government officials at all levels-national, state, and local-voluntary organizations, and private groups everywhere, to give special attention to these efforts for the continuing prevention of birth defects.

This bill would have the most serious consequences.

This is directly contrary to the objectives of the trade bill which the Congress has just passed.

Coal is the one abundant energy source over which the United States has total control.

It would create serious inflationary pressures by increasing the cost of oil and raising the prices of all products and services which depend on oil.

Unfortunately, S. 425, as enrolled, would have an adverse impact on our domestic coal production which is unacceptable.

In my judgment, the most significant reasons why such coal losses cannot be accepted are as follows:

The United States uses the equivalent of 4 barrels of expensive foreign oil for every ton of unproduced domestic coal--a situation which cannot long be tolerated without continued, serious economic consequences.

Accordingly, I am not approving this bill because of the substantial adverse effect on the Nation's economy and international interest.

I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my commitment to maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.

In sum, I find that the adverse impact of this bill on our domestic coal production is unacceptable at a time when the Nation can ill afford significant losses from this critical energy resource.

Prevention is far better than a cure.

The nation's most precious resource is our children.

I call upon the nation's mass communications media to join in encouraging all Americans to heed the message of March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month-prevention of birth defects before they occur.

I hereby exempt Whitney Gillilland from mandatory retirement for age until June 30, 1975.

Jack Benny brought joy and laughter not only to us but to millions of other Americans.

Jack's service to his country, his charitable works, and his genuine enjoyment of the humor of others are accolades that he wore with modesty, grace and charm.

If laughter is the music of the soul, Jack and his violin and his good humor have made life better for all men.

My family and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your devoted husband.

You can be very proud of the vital role you played in helping to develop and carry out our country's international economic and trade programs.

I accept your resignation as Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy, and as my Special Representative for Trade Negotiations.

You deserve the heartfelt thanks of your fellow citizens.

I want to take this opportunity to express my own admiration and gratitude.

I see no basis in equity or in logic for departing from this principle in the case of the TVA.