Memorandum Regarding George Washington's Farewell Address

THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 5, 1960 MEM ORANDUM TO: Mac Moos As the time for the President's retirement draws near, I recommend to your re-reading the "Farewell Address" of George Washington. It is a beautifully wise and modest piece by a faithful public servant who loved his country. I was struck by its relevance to our day: the call for Consti- tutional obedience; the warnings about sectionalism; the dangers of "overgrown military establishments¹l but the necessity of maintaining "a respectable defensive posture"; the realistic attitude toward "that love of power and proneness to abuse it which predominate in the human heart"; the unhappy tendency of mankind "to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual"; the necessity for an enlightened public opinion; un the generous habit of one generation to spend beyond its means and to throw "upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear"; the broad diplomatic advice. And much more. This Address could furnish some fine ammunition over the year -- and perhaps serve as a guide for a final statement in January 1961 ? Frederic ) Fox these