Page:Ford, Kissinger, Congressmen, Eastern Europe Advocates - July 25, 1975(Gerald Ford Library)(1553184).pdf/5

 I believe this is the first time that a President has met with a group of this kind.

Mr. President, I can only echo what Dan Flood has said, this is a courageous step on your part to bring these people together. I know there are reports of people not being happy about your making this trip but the fact that you have brought us together and have pointed out that you are President and working in search of peace and that you will not be closing the door by going there is important. I was your emissary recently in Poland and every government official I talked to as well as people walking in the street are excited by the fact that you are going there. It gives them hope, the fact that you are going.

I join with Rostenkowski in expressing my appreciation for this meeting. However, we have tremendous apprehensions the Soviet Union is interfering in Portugal. The Russians are pouring money into Portugal to obtain a Communist government. We are happy with the statement you have made; we believe in you. You are a champion of freedom and human rights.

Mr. President, I support what Dan Flood has said. This is an unprecedented meeting. I second the framework and thrust of your statement. I am overwhelmed by your statement!

Moscow is going to make Helsinki a prime propaganda tool -- they are going to make use of it. What do we do with your statement? There should be follow up. People in Eastern and Western Europe will be looking for guidelines of interpretation. The RFE and Radio Liberty should carry this in full.

And what about MBFR?

CSCE was predicated on MBFR.

Yes.

If thosthose [sic] guidelines could be reemphasized and you could make a similar statement at Andrews Air Force Base and in Bonn it would be good.