Press Release Regarding President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Signing of H. R. 7999

5* IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 1958 Anne W. Wheaton, Acting Press Secretary to the President OF 111.B THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT I have today approved H. R. 7999, to provide for the ad- mission of the State of Alaska into the Union. H While I am pleased with the action of Congress admitting Alaska, I am extremely over reports no con- disturbed that action is x0F99.8 templated by the current Congress on pending legislation to admit XOFI47E Hawaii as a State. My messages to Congress urging enactment of statehood legislation have particularly referred to the qualifications XOF147-E-1 of Hawaii, as well as Alaska, and I personally believe that Hawaii is qualified for statehood equally with Alaska. The thousands of loyal, patriotic Americans in Hawaii who suffered the ravages of World War II with us and who experienced that first disastrous attack upon Pearl Harbor must not be forgotten. Pursuant to section 10 of the Alaska Statehood Act, I am authorized to make special national defense withdrawals to assure XOF133 that the defense requirements of our Nation are adequately protected. I have requested the Secretary of Defense to review our defense needs XOF3 in Alaska, and to make recommendations to me with respect to the extent to which the authority vested in me by section 10 of the Act should be exercised. CROSS CARD FUR