Gerald Ford

“ In foreign policy it will happen insidiously -- others will see what happens to people who rely on the United States. First we make an undesirable settlement, but with the promise of unlimited aid -- and then aid is cut off within two years. The impact over three to five years is bad. ”

“ On the energy situation, we have to find a way to break the cartel. We can't do it without cooperation with the other consumers. It is intolerable that countries of 40 million can blackmail 800 million people in the industrial world. ”

“ He thinks the Saudis would reduce prices if the Shah would go along. I doubt the Saudis want to get out in front. Also the Saudis belong to the most feckless and gutless of the Arabs. They have maneuvered skillfully. I think they are trying to tell us -- they said they would have an auction -- it will never come off. They won't tell us they can live with lower prices but they won't fight for them. They would be jumped on by the radicals if they got in front.
The Shah is a tough, mean guy. But he is our real friend. He is the only ohe who would stand up to the Soviet Union. ”

“ We have things to consider -- we don't want a war, or an oil embargo. He must realize we have problems on Congressional backing, inflation and the budget; we can't strip our forces to oversupply them. ”

“ He is able, strong, courageous. He is odd, though. He is doctrinaire, while most British politicians are pragmatic. He is the only Prime Minister who would favor Europe over t the United States, and since he might become Prime Minister, if you could in an easy way say we couldn't stand Europe organizing itself on an anti-American bais. ”

“ We have to get into position carefully so we don't get out ahead and our allies don't move in to pick up the pieces and get an economic advantage. That was the purpose of the Washington Energy Conference. ”

“ If he loses, he is through, except perhaps as Foreign Minister.
It is in the European blood to reduce the power of powerful friends. For 300 years they have followed internecine wars for no real objective. ”

“ On credit too, anything we don't give the Soviets on credits, they will get from the Europeans. I bet the Europeans will meet with Brezhnev before they do you. The tendencies are for them to kick us around a bit. ”

“ We are getting in a position where we are not getting enough but still getting Congressional scrutiny. The worst case is to operate 2-300 dollars below what is required. The restrictions will eliminate your flexibility. ”

“ Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of State and Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
Lt. General Brent Scowcroft, Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs DATE AND TIME: Friday, September 6, 1974
PLACE: The Oval Office
[After Schmidt meeting.]
Kissinger: It went brilliantly. He is committed now. With the two of you working together, the West, the alliance is going to be all right. Schmidt is a man of his word.
The President: I believe him. He is frank and understandable. ”