Office of the Historian

8. Letter From President Nixon to Secretary of Agriculture Butz, Washington, June 5, 1974.1 2

Washington, June 5, 1974

The White House
Washington

The Honorable Earl Butz
The Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250

June 5, 1974

Dear Earl:

Thank you for your letter of April 24, 1974, giving me a comprehensive report on your recent Asian tour.

I was struck by your estimate that Asian demand for our agricultural products has risen to the point where Asia will supplant Europe this fiscal year as the number one overseas market for our farm produce. In this regard, I was pleased that you apprised Asian leaders of the value in their countries’ becoming more reliable markets for our agricultural products in light of this development.

The development of our trade in agricultural products with Asian countries will assume a growing importance as demand rises and scarcities increase. I would appreciate your keeping me advised as the market and our position arc further developed.

In closing, in your letter to the Thai Minister of Agriculture, would you thank him on my behalf for his very thoughtful gift of the black star sapphire.

Sincerely,
RN [initialed]

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 196, Agency Files, Agriculture, 1971–1974, Vol. II (Part 1). No classification marking. Butz’s April 24 letter to Nixon is attached but not published.↩
  2. Nixon replied to Butz’s report regarding his recent tour of Asia.↩