WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. GOVERNOR Dear OFFICE OF OF THE GOVERNOR STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 November 17, 1980 (eLkidor Itezs .ben/1 FiLkt,/:;V age) ‘6"41 7:e t/(1 se aedfr Thank you for your letter of , 1980, A a 161Y Your kind words of support are appreciated. While I have received some criticism for these remarks, I have no intention of retracting them. Specifically, I branded as a lie the claims made by President Carter that our nation is stronger militarily now than when he took office. Under the Carter administration our military defense capability has suffered significant decline. On this matter, my experience is personal since I was Deputy Secretary of Defense for the four years immediately prior to the Carter years. President Carter's policies have seriously debilitated many of the defense programs which I worked hard to develop. When, as President, he says that we are stronger than ever, he is deceiving the American people, and our top military officers will verify that. I am, of course, pleased that Ronald Reagan was elected President on November 4. He will work to change the current poor state of our Armed Services. Again, thank you for taking the time to write. Your continued support is appreciated. Sincerely, William P. Clements, Jr. Governor of Texas
