Prime Minister Eisaku Sato of Japan Visits the Western White House (1972)

State Visit of Prime Minister Eisaku Sato
Entrance to the Western White House
Type of Activity	Summit Meeting
Location
Location	La Casa Pacifica San Clemente Ca
Date of Activity	January 6 1972
Coordinates	33.390989°N 117.597081°W

President Richard M. Nixon and Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato had economic meetings at the Western White House in San Clemente. Nixon and Sato worked out the final details of the Okinawa reversion agreement during these meetings along with other economic issues.

On January 6, 1972, the President greeted Prime Minister Sato in a ceremony at the Western White House and later that evening the President hosted a working dinner in honor of Prime Minister Sato and the U.S. and Japanese official parties. Entertainment was provided by a five piece string ensemble from the US Marine orchestra.

 Prime Minister Sato Arrives at the Western White House

The next day the President and Prime Minister Sato met again in the Conference room in the Admin. Building with the members of the U.S. and Japanese official parties and concluded the two day visit.

The President and Prime Minister Sato issued a joint statement on the result of their meetings to members of the press and the official U.S. and Japanese parties. The address was videotaped for a delayed transmission to Japan via satellite.

Note: The President spoke at 1:30 p.m. at the Western White House in San Clemente, Calif. He spoke without referring to notes.

Departing from the Western White House

Following the President's remarks, Prime Minister Sato spoke in Japanese. His remarks were translated by an interpreter as follows:

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity given me to renew my long, personal friendship with President Nixon during the 2-day talks with him. I am confident that these meetings have contributed to strengthen the unshakable relationship of mutual trust and interdependence between the peoples of the United States and Japan.

On behalf of the Japanese delegation, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the warm hospitality extended to us by President Nixon.

I would also like to extend to President Nixon my best wishes for his health, and hope that his forthcoming visits to Peking and Moscow will bring about fruitful achievements for the peace and prosperity of the world. 

I thank you.”

Citation: Richard Nixon: "Remarks on Departure of Prime Minister Eisaku Sato of Japan From the Western White House." January 7, 1972. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=3685.

These meetings took place just prior to President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972.