By the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
Richard Nixon became the thirty-seventh President of the United States
on January 20, 1969 and was reelected in 1972 for a second term by the
electors of forty-nine of the fifty states. His term in office continued
until his resignation on August 9, 1974.
Pursuant to resolutions of the House of Representatives, its Committee
on the Judiciary conducted an inquiry and investigation on the impeachment
of the President extending over more than eight months. The hearings of
the Committee and its deliberations, which received wide national publicity
over television, radio, and in printed media, resulted in votes adverse
to Richard Nixon on recommended Articles of Impeachment.
As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation
from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible
indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or
not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand
jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment
ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial
jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution.
It is believed that a trial of Richard Nixon, if it became necessary,
could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime,
the tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of
recent weeks could be irreparably lost by the prospects of bringing to
trial a former President of the United States. The prospects of such trial
will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing
to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented
penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office of the United States.
Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States, pursuant
to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the
Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free,
and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United
States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or
taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9,1974.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September,
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-four, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the one hundred and ninety-ninth.
GERALD R. FORD
Citation: Presidential Proclamation 4311 of September 8, 1974, by President Gerald R. Ford granting a pardon to Richard M. Nixon, 09/08/1974, Record Group 11: General Records of the United States Government, 1778 – 1992; NARA, Washington, DC. (ARC #194597)
