Interview with John Sherman Cooper, June 22, 1986

Project: John Sherman Cooper Oral History Project

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Interview Summary

Cooper begins the interview by discussing some of the honors he has received from universities. Cooper recalls the Senate debate in 1972 over reducing the number of American troops stationed in Europe under NATO. Subsequently, Cooper explains why he was opposed to reducing the number of American troops in Europe. Cooper briefly talks of Mike Mansfield and his views on the NATO issue. Cooper describes an amendment to the National Security Act he introduced during the aftermath of the publication of the Pentagon Papers. Cooper evaluates his perception of the CIA and its leadership. Cooper assesses US-China relations in the 1970s. Cooper remembers his trip to Helsinki in 1971 to witness the SALT I treaty negotiations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The anti-ballistic missile treaty that was approved by the Senate in 1971 is examined. Cooper also discusses the SALT II treaty negotiations. Cooper provides his views on campaign finance laws. Cooper describes his trip to the Middle East in 1971, during which he met with leaders from Israel, Egypt and Greece in an unofficial capacity. Cooper considers his views on Israel. Cooper remembers rumors of his possible appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Egypt in 1972. Cooper highlights his firm belief in voting his conscious in the Senate. Cooper articulates why he was in favor of the William Rehnquist nomination to the Supreme Court in 1971. Cooper lists some of the reasons why he decided to retire from the Senate in 1972. Additionally, Cooper provides his views on busing, the War Powers Act, the easing of restrictions on federal highway billboards and George McGovern. To conclude the interview, Cooper expresses his support for a 1972 expansion of mass transit systems in urban areas.

Interview Accession

1986oh166_coop080

Interviewee Name

John Sherman Cooper

Interviewer Name

William Cooper

Interview Date

1986-06-22

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

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Cooper, John Sherman Interview by William Cooper. 22 Jun. 1986. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.

Cooper, J.S. (1986, June 22). Interview by W. Cooper. John Sherman Cooper Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.

Cooper, John Sherman, interview by William Cooper. June 22, 1986, John Sherman Cooper Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.





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