Page:Ford, Iranian Ambassador Ardeshir Zahedi - August 21, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552758).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]

The orchids you sent to Mrs. Ford are beautiful.

They express our feelings.

[The press is ushered out]

I want to express our sadness about Rodger Davies. We share your sorrow and we are all shocked. I have lost a personal friend with whom I worked closely during the Mideast hostilities.

I participated with the Secretary in the ceremony. It is a tragedy, with a daughter 20 and a son 16.

He had worked so hard here, we sent him to Cyprus for a rest really.

Is it nice?

Beautiful. Many Foreign Service Officers buy land there.

It is really so sad. I sent my whole embassy to the airport. I, of course, couldn't go.