Anyplace you go, our broad policy of global peace will get our first and top attention.

Over a year after the last American combatant had left Vietnam, the status of thousands of our countrymen...remains unresolved.

I am not going to pass judgment on whether it is permitted or authorized under international law.

There is hereby established in the Executive Office of the President a board of 9 members, which shall be known as the Presidential Clemency Board.

Without any question, without any reservation.

There was no understanding, no deal between me and the former President.

I think this is in the best interest of the people in Chile and, certainly, in our best interest.

I decided that we could not afford in America an extended period of continued turmoil.

We must maintain our own strength and help our allies who are trying to retain the gains that were made in Vietnam and elsewhere in the Pacific.

The period of service shall be twenty-four months, which may be reduced by the Attorney General because of mitigating circumstances.

Each member of the armed forces who elects to seek relief through this program will receive an undesirable discharge.

The Board shall give priority consideration to those applicants who are presently confined and have been convicted only of an offense set forth in section 2 of this order, and who have no outstanding criminal charges.

They should be allowed the opportunity to earn return to their country, their communities, and their families.

We will concentrate in seeking to obtain a just and durable peace in that very difficult area of the world.

The overall economy of the United States is strong.

Reconciliation among our people does not require that these acts be condoned.

I had no secret reason.

I do hereby proclaim a program to commence immediately to afford reconciliation to Vietnam era draft evaders and military deserters.

The Board shall report to the President its findings and recommendations as to whether Executive clemency should be granted or denied in any case.

It would mean a Congress that would spend more and more--and I repeatedly alerted people around the country that if we had a veto-proof Congress, they better tighten their seat belts because they were going right through the sky in…

It seems to me that when I had the choice between that possibility and the possibility of taking direct action hoping to conclude it, I am still convinced.

I think, can be construed by many, if not all, as an admission of guilt.

I personally think that is something that should be kept very closely held.

I made a decision some years ago to turn over all of my Congressional papers.

I hope we can always remain friendly adversaries.