THE GOVERNMENT and the people of the United States welcome the agreement in principle reached on August 9 between the Portuguese Government and representatives of Guinea-Bissau. We extend our congratulations to the leaders of both governments. We look forward to a productive and friendly relationship with Guinea-Bissau.
I have instructed our representatives at the United Nations to support the application of Guinea-Bissau for membership in the United Nations.
Note: The statement was read by Press Secretary J. F. terHorst at his news briefing at the White House on August 12, 1974.
Gerald R. Ford, Statement on Portuguese Recognition of the Independence of Guinea-Bissau. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/256344