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THIS DAY @ LAW

Ford pardoned Nixon for Watergate

On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford, in a televised address to the American people, pardoned ex-President Richard Nixon for any offenses committed in association with the Watergate break-in.

Read the full text of Ford's address, or listen to him read the pardon (via Watergate.info).

Treaty of San Francisco signed, officially ending WWII in the Pacific

On September 8, 1951, the Treaty of San Francisco was signed between 49 nations and Japan, ending World War II in the Pacific region. In addition to dismantling the Japanese Empire, the accord also provided for compensation to be paid by Japan to prisoners of war and civilians who were victimized by Japan during the War. Communist China did not participate in the San Francisco negotiations and thus signed the separate Treaty of Tapei with Japan.

Ford pardoned Nixon

On Sepetmber 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed or participated in while in office. Read President Ford's remarks explaining the pardon.