PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/12/1975 - HFSID 251341

GERALD R. FORD
To a Congressman as President, his commitment to solve domestic and international problems will help the country and Republican Party.
Typed Letter Signed: "Jerry Ford" as 38th U.S. President, 1p, 7x10½. The White House, Washington, 1975 March 12. On pale green stationery embossed with the presidential seal. To Congressman Matthew J. Rinaldo, Washington. In full: "Thank you very much for your March 10 letter. I am particularly pleased to learn that you sensed the same up-beat tenor of the mood at the Republican Leadership Conference that I did. Your report on what is happening in the important State of New Jersey is also great news. I know that your faith and leadership have been an important factor in encouraging the Party to open the door to everyone who will support strong and good programs. We need the support of all the people who care about our great country and who want to work together for common goals. Everyone of us has a stake in America's future. The duties of the Presidency impose certain limitations on my political activity. I feel that the greatest contribution I can make at this time to our country and to the Republican Party is to make solid progress in solving our domestic problems, of which we are all keenly aware. Equally important are the problems in the international field. I intend to devote myself to this course of action. Again, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your dedication and support. Together, all of us will make the contributions that will see a rejuvenescence of faith in our Party. With warmest personal regards, Sincerely," The domestic problems Ford alluded to included an unemployment rate of 9.2 per cent, the highest since 1941 and high gasoline prices brought about by the increase in the price of oil by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). International problems included nuclear weapons (discussed in Russia with Brezhnev the previous November) and the continuing war in Vietnam and Cambodia. Rinaldo, a Republican, represented New Jersey in the House of Representatives from 1973-1993. Presidential letters with content are in demand and this is an exceptionally good one. Paper clip impression and faint paper clip stains in upper left blank margin, lightly creased. Fine condition.