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

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

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.

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.

No one likes to pay higher electric bills.

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

But we must not allow this simple fact to result in new legislation which violates the fundamental principle that electricity should be priced to reflect its cost of production, including the cost of pollution abatement and control.

I HAVE withheld my approval from H.R. 11929, 'To amend section 15d of Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to provide that expenditures for pollution control facilities will be credited against required power investment return payments…

I wish you and your wonderful family the very, very best for another good many years.

Thank you very, very much for the opportunity of coming to your birthday party, John.

Your contributions have been national.

And I can assure you that we look upon people such as yourself as the epitome of achievement in the military.

I congratulate you, and thank you, and wish you the very, very best.