Page:Ford, British Foreign Minister James Callaghan - September 24, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552801).pdf/1

File scanned from the National Security Adviser's Memoranda of Conversation Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

[The press was admitted briefly at the beginning for photographs.]

I do appreciate your giving up the time. I know what the President's time is. I congratulate you on assuming the leadership of the free world -- which is what you are.

Please give the Prime Minister my best. I got his message about the elections. I really thought your first speech was great; it was very well received here.

Thank you. It is my profound conviction. We feel a great weight has been lifted. The United States can now give the leadership the world needs. Any time the U. S. speaks with an uncertain voice, we are in trouble.

We had some rough times, but we are coming out of it now. When we get Nelson confirmed, we will get going. Henry has many things planned -- including a Middle East trip soon.