"Without any question, without any reservation."
"I decided that we could not afford in America an extended period of continued turmoil."
"Over a year after the last American combatant had left Vietnam, the status of thousands of our countrymen...remains unresolved."
"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."
"Anyplace you go, our broad policy of global peace will get our first and top attention."
"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."
"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 ..."
"The Board shall report to the President its findings and recommendations as to whether Executive clemency should be granted or denied in any case."
"I think they should be closely held, and I can assure you that they will be most judiciously handled as far as I am concerned."
"They should be allowed the opportunity to earn return to their country, their communities, and their families."
"I must say that the decision has created more antagonism than I anticipated."