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323153669
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USIA Video 11/18/91 [OA 8319]
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323153669
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USIA Video 11/18/91 [OA 8319]
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13781-011
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13781
Folder ID Number:
13781-011
Folder Title:
USIA Video 11/18/91 [OA 8319]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
21
7
6
(Smith/Grossman)
November 18, 1991
Draft One
USIA
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: USIA INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Room 459
I speak to you today as someone who has a true appreciation
for the efforts of our International Visitors Program volunteers.
I recognize the crucial role this program plays in promoting
international understanding. And I know what it means to share
America's most valuable national treasure -- its hospitality, its
spirt of,
friendship, and its giving spirit.
givin gi)
You see, way back in 1967, Barbara and I were proud
participants in this wonderful program, hosting then future Prime
incosiA)
Minister Margaret Thatcher/our Houston home. The "Iron Lady" has
said of that visit, "I saw and felt the vitality and generosity
of the American way of life Forevermore, I shall be a true
friend of the United States." Who could have known that a bond
begun almost a quarter century ago would one day help win the
Gulf War -- and cement the ties of international friendship.
Margaret Thatcher is one of the more than 130 international
visitors who are current or former chiefs of state Japanese
Former (USA)
Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, Hungarian Prime Minister Jozsef
Antall, former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and former Indian
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
But the program offers more than just an opportunity to host
and hobnob with tomorrow's world leaders. For our visitors, it
offers a glimpse into the (Ptus) real heart of America. For our
(Smith/Grossman)
November 18, 1991
Draft One
USIA
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: USIA INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Room 459
I speak to you today as someone who has a true appreciation
for the efforts of our International Visitors Program volunteers.
I recognize the crucial role this program plays in promoting
international understanding. And I know what it means to share
America's most valuable national treasure -- its hospitality, its
friendship, and its giving spirit.
You see, way back in 1967, Barbara and I were proud
participants in this wonderful program, hosting then future Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher our Houston home. The "Iron Lady" has
said of that visit, "I saw and felt the vitality and generosity
of the American way of life Forevermore, I shall be a true
friend of the United States." Who could have known that a bond
begun almost a quarter century ago would one day help win the
Gulf War -- and cement the ties of international friendship.
Margaret Thatcher is one of the more than 130 international
visitors who are current or former chiefs of state -- Japanese
Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, Hungarian Prime Minister Jozsef
Antall, South African President F.W. de Klerk, former Egyptian
President Anwar Sadat, and former Indian Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi.
But the program offers more than just an opportunity to host
and hobnob with tomorrow's world leaders. For our visitors, it
offers a glimpse into the real heart of America. For our
government, it offers a chance for people-to-people diplomacy
without pomp and circumstance. For our volunteers, it allows us
to share and show the real reason why America is the greatest
nation on earth.
Herman Melville once wrote, "America has been settled by
people of all nations. All nations may claim her for their
own.
We are not a nation so much as a world." Thank you for
being such essential envoys in this new world order. God Bless
the United States of America.
United States
Office of the Director
Information
Agency
-CRSM
Washington, D.C. 20547
USIA
October 23, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR:
The Honorable Sig Rogich
Assistant to the President
for Public Events and Initiatives
The White House
FROM:
Henry E. Catto wre
Director
SUBJECT:
Request for Presidential Video Message
The U.S. Information Agency manages the International Visitor
program which brings future and established foreign leaders to
the United States to meet with their professional counterparts
during a three- to four-week tour of selected U.S. cities. The
IV program is one of USIA's longest-standing and most successful
exchange activities. The IV program marked its 50th anniversary
in September of 1990. Distinguished alumni include Margaret
Thatcher, Toshiki Kaifu, F. W. de Klerk, Jozsef Antall, Helmut
Schmidt, Anwar Sadat and Indira Gandhi.
President Bush has personal experience with this program. He
served as a volunteer host in Houston in 1967; Margaret Thatcher
first met the President in this capacity when she came to the
U.S. as an International Visitor.
Because volunteers are the backbone of the IV program, we would
like to use the President's personal story as the introduction to
an existing promotional tape. We use the tape to explain the
program to U.S. citizens and to recruit volunteers who provide
home hospitality and arrange appointments for the IVs. We will
also use the updated tape to encourage private-sector support for
local chapters of the National Council for International
Visitors, the nationwide network for volunteers and support
services.
President Bush's message will replace that of President Reagan,
allowing us to update our existing tape without having to incur
the considerable costs associated with producing an entirely new
video. Once the President's message is done, our TV production
staff would manage the editing process for the tape.
I would appreciate your placing this request before the long
range scheduling committee and giving it the support we feel this
important program has earned.
SUGGESTED SCRIPT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
INTRODUCTION TO PROMOTIONAL TAPE ON
USIA'S INTERNATIONAL VISITOR PROGRAM
THE SUCCESS OF MANY PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES VERY OFTEN
DEPENDS LESS ON HOW MUCH THE GOVERNMENT SPENDS THAN ON THE
WILLINGNESS OF CITIZENS TO GIVE OF THEMSELVES. THE INTERNATIONAL
VISITOR PROGRAM IS A UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION
WHICH EXISTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND
AMERICANS JUST LIKE YOU.
ADMINISTERED BY THE UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY, THE
INTERNATIONAL VISITOR PROGRAM BEGINS IN OUR EMBASSIES OVERSEAS.
EVERY YEAR, OVER FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE FROM COUNTRIES AROUND THE
WORLD ARE NOMINATED BY OUR EMBASSIES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL IN MANY FIELDS,
INCLUDING: EDUCATION, THE ARTS, GOVERNMENT, POLITICS,
JOURNALISM, BUSINESS AND LABOR.
THANKS IN LARGE MEASURE TO THE GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS OF
VOLUNTEERS IN MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED CITIES ACROSS THE U.S.,
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS HAVE A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE FIRST-HAND THE
AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE.
WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL
VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS ARRANGE ACCOMMODATIONS, PROFESSIONAL
APPOINTMENTS AND HOME HOSPITALITY FOR THESE IMPORTANT VISITORS.
I KNOW THE VALUE OF THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR PROGRAM FROM
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. IN 1967, WHEN BARBARA AND I WERE LIVING IN
HOUSTON, WE SERVED AS VOLUNTEER HOSTS FOR A VERY SPECIAL
INTERNATIONAL VISITOR, SOMEONE WITH WHOM WE'VE MAINTAINED A LONG
AND WARM FRIENDSHIP OVER THE YEARS. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE
VISIT OF MARGARET THATCHER.
619
4355
Glid
Good-n-
-2-
TODAY, MAGGIE THATCHER JOINS THE MORE THAN 130 INTERNATIONAL
VISITORS WHO ARE CURRENT OR FORMER CHIEFS OF STATE OR HEADS OF
GOVERNMENT. ALUMNI INCLUDE: SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT F. W. DE
KLERK; JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TOSHIKI KAIFU; HUNGARIAN PRIME
MINISTER JOZSEF ANTALL; FORMER PRESIDENT OF EGYPT ANWAR SADAT;
AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA INDIRA GANDHI. SINCE THE
PROGRAM BEGAN MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO, THOUSANDS OF INTERNATIONAL
VISITORS HAVE GONE ON TO BECOME LEADERS AND OPINION SHAPERS IN
THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, TAKING WITH THEM A SPECIAL UNDERSTANDING OF
THE UNITED STATES.
THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR PROGRAM GIVES US MANY THINGS: FOR OUR
VISITORS, A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE OF THE GREATEST NATION ON EARTH;
FOR OUR GOVERNMENT, A CHANCE TO ENGAGE IN DIPLOMACY AT THE
PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE LEVEL; AND FOR THE VOLUNTEERS, AN OPPORTUNITY TO
SHARE WHAT AMERICA IS BEST AT--HOSPITALITY, FRIENDSHIP, AND A
GIVING SPIRIT. THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS ALLOWED US TO BUILD BRIDGES
OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN OUR PEOPLE AND THE PEOPLE OF OTHER
NATIONS. I KNOW THAT THE TIME, TALENT AND RESOURCES DEVOTED TO
THE INTERNATIONAL VISITOR PROGRAM ARE WELL SPENT. THANK YOU FOR
HELPING US SHARE THE DIVERSITY OF AMERICAN CULTURE AND FABRIC OF
AMERICAN LIFE WITH OUR FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD.
IVNOT
--importance of IV exchange in promoting international
understanding
--admin by USIA, our embassies nominate over 5,000 people around
the world -- recognized for their achievement and leadership in
endeavors ranging from education to the arts, from government to
journalism, from business to labor.
--Barbara and I are proud to have participated in this program,
when, back in 1967, we hosted Margaret Thatcher in our Houston
home. Imagine, a bond that
even then, the lady was not for
turning she said, if you want something said, ask a man, if you
want something done, ask a woman what USIA has done the woman
who once described America as XXX, got her first taste of it at the
Bush breakfast table.
once told Americans, "youshould in America have as much I have quith
us
--Today, Maggie Thatcher joins the more than 130 international
visitors who are current or former chiefs of state or heads of
government. Alumni include: Japanese PM Toshiki Kaifu; Hungariean
PM Jozsef Antall; South African President F.W. de Klerk; former
President of Egypt Anwar Sadat; and former PM of India Indira
Gandhi
special understanding of US
--One foreigner once described our nation as "white noise," giving
out so many signals in so many different directions
--Herman Melville once said of our country, "America has been
settled by people of all nations. All nations may claim her for
their own
We are not a nation so much as a world."
--this program offers many things: unique perspective for our
visitors, chance to engage in people to people diplomacy, for the
volunteers -- an opportunity to share what America is best at --
hospitality, friendhsip, and a giving spirit.
--But this program could not survive without the dedication and
commitment of volunteers like yourselves
--concerned citizens, opening their homes, opening their wallets,
and opening their hearts unique example of cooperation between
the Government, the private sector, and Americans just like you.
--keep up the good work
and hobnob with tomorrow's world leaders, for our visitors, it
offers a glimpse into the real heart of America; for our
government, it offers a chance for people-to-people diplomacy
without the pomp and pretense; and for our volunteers, it offerst
the chance to show why the America are such a special people place.
(Smith/Grossman)
November 18, 1991
Draft One
USIA
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: USIA INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Room XXX
I speak to you today as someone who has a true appreciation
FOR
of the efforts of our volunteers for the International Visitors
volunteers
Program. I know how important this kind of exchange can be to
international understanding. And I know what it means to share
America's most valuable national treasure -- it's hospitality,
it's friendship, and it's giving spirit.
You see, back in Houston, way back in 1967, Barbara and I
were proud participants in this wonderful program, hosting
Margaret Thatcher. The former Prime Minister has said, "I
remember my visit in 1967 I saw and felt the vitality and
generosity of the American way of life, and it has left an
indelible impression on my mind. Forevermore, I shall be a true
friend of the United States." Who could have known, that a bond
begun over a Bush breakfast, would one day help win the Gulf War,
and cement the ties of international friendship.
Today, Maggie Thatcher joins the more than 130 international
visitors who are current of former chiefs of state -- Japanese
Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, Hungarian Prime Minister Jozsef
Antall, South African President F.W. de Klerk, former Egyptian
President Anwar Sadat, and former Indian Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi.
But the program offers more than just an opportunity to host
11/18/91
12:19
001
31 NOV 18 All : 22 TELEFAX MESSAGE
From: E/V
- Office of International
Visitors
Sender:
PATTi BURKE
Date/Time: 11/18/91 11:00 AM
u.s. Information Agency
301 4th Street, S.W. Room 266
Washington, D.C. 20547
( 202-619-5217 ) PHONE
(202-619- 6288 ) FAX
205-0792
To:
JENNIFER GROSSMAN
White Home
Subject: damagest Thetener
in Honston
Page #1 of 2
11/18/91
12:19
002
NOU-18-1991
09:47
FROM
11E-SOUTHERN (HOUSTON)
TO
1202619465529
P.02
Bunday, July 89. 1991
Houston Chronicle
Volunteers fete foreign guests
Distinguished visitors
Das Cornetts Paperio, cheirman of the Items-
nian Bank for Foreign Trade, and his wife. who is
kick off their shoes
also in backing 11 was, Ruth gays, & Escinating
evening, particularly for George, whose work of
in Houstonians' homes
assistant treasurer with Shell Oil Do. involves him
heavily in banking Issues.
A number of the foreign visitors who come
W
HEN the economic policy adviser to the
through the United States on the International
chancellor of Austria was in town re-
Visitor Program CO on 16 become beads of state
cently. Thomas and Emily Ryan relled
and cabinot exinters In governments around the
out the ref carpet to their Memorial home. Tex-
world.
es-etyle.
The individuals are selected to participate in
They treated the International visitor, whom
the program by U.S. embassies abroad who deter.
the Ryans had not met before. to cocktails, a dip
mune them to Be "the best and the brightest."
Among these who have been hosted by HE fami-
lies not necessarity in Houston before their rise
to power ware former Franch President Valery
Discard d'Ectaing. South African President Fred-
orin W. de Klerk, Curret West German Chancel-
for Willy Brandi and Japanese Prime Minister
Shelby
Tochiki Kaths
George and Barbare Bush were IIII hosts In
Hodge
Houston in the late $00 when they entertained #
young sp-and-coming Britch politician - one
Margaret Taxtcher.
Not all USIA visitors are on a par with
in the family pool and A essual steak dinner with
Thetchen But all can be interesting. Several
friends.
weeks ago, Rollie and Julie MeGinnic of McGinnis
Likewiee when the adviser to Mexico's secre-
Cadillar Losted John Charles Beverley, Inspector
tary of commerce and industrial development
of the Marylcbone Police Station in Landon. Bev
coursed Houston law weeks ago. she WAR leted at a
crity overstes alx police corgoants and 30 police
dinner hosted by Eduardo Aguirre, senior vice
constables in the district that b home to A large
president of NCNB Texas and other NCNB orn.
Chronicle the
number of foreign embase residences and hotels
cert in the wine celler of River Dake Country
where foreign tourists and visiting U.S. efficials
Club.
George and Berbare Bush, top, were volunt
regularly stay.
While that quest MR was heavy on benking and
fear Hosts during the late 609. Their guests
Laura McWillisms, director of the THE Southern
business leaders. Armids Sanchez Accideno was
included a rising British politician. Margaret
Region, says, The night besting 16 # important
also treated to a more personal dinner by new ac-
Thatcher. above left. Valory Glecard d'Es-
OF Due daytime appointments.
guardiances Riburt and Ann Link.
taing. above right, later France's president.
"Our surveys have found that these visitors said
On nity given work during the year. volunteer
also stayed with NE hosts.
they learned at much or more, enjoyed It more
Houstonians ore charing their homes. their pri-
and gained more insight from visiting with an
vate cities or their favorite restaurants with In-
American family in an American home."
ternational visitors in $ host program sponsored
Volunteer bests are called upon only "once or
by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
volunteer serivities for members range from
The HE is a national non-profit agency promot-
the disner hosts to those who provide overnight
twice & year,' McWilliams tays, adding. "so the
welcome is never worn (UC That's the good news
ing international educational and cultural 6N:
lodging regular dianers for international
and the bad news," because same people would
change. Funding is provided through community
students. volunteer work in the regional office
contributions and membership support.
and volunteers in the schools program.
enjoy hooting more often.
The nave role in providing social situations for
The organization WORKS with the United States
Those signing up for the disper-host progr am
foreign visitors is expanding as the organization
Information Agency'e (USIA) International Visi-
fill out questionnaires regarding their profes.
works more clasely with the city through Nouston
(or Program in providing social evenings for for-
sional interests, hobbies. language skills and
International Protocol Alliance.
even EVERY of the U.S government. Each year. the
availability for Mosting. The LIE trict to match up
Next month. the HE. working with the Clinese
USIA sends as many #5 600 up-and-coming profer-
visitors with hosts who will have something In
Consulate. is providing housing in the homes of
stonal and political leaders to Houston OF part of
common. If language is a problem. the street may
volunteers for the Sichush Folk Art Troupt from
an infor mational U.S. tour. or those. some 200
be accompanied by his USIA interpreter.
Chine
may request the opportunity to supplement their
Volunteers range in age from their 20s to retire.
The HE has tapped Houston Ballet star Li
educational and business-oriented CAUSE with at
ment age. Their professional status TUDE the
Cunkin and wife Mary MoKendry 10 ascist in son
sampling of the American lifestyle
from resi-eviate sales to architects, from
etal daties with the young Chinese denours. The
This IS when the IIE stops in. Volunteers ere
all industry retirees to accountants. Social activi-
troupe will be performing at the Wortham Center
neked to spend an evening with the guest. prefers.
Use for the foreign visitors stretch from at
in A program cosponsored by the ME, Houston
bly in their homes, TO that be or she can sample
ter-work cocktail parties to dinner st Chargescos.
Public Television and the Chinage Consulate.
American home life.
from steak cookents to formal seated dinners for
Information on HE programs is available from
It work schedules prohibit dinner 21 home, a
10. The yes of caterlaining is entirely up to the
the organization at 515 Post Osk Blvd. Sette 150.
night out at A restaurant to an alternative.
hosts.
Houston 77027-9407. 621-6300. Membership IF $25.
The Southern Region HE Readquarters are lo.
Longtime HE volunteers George and Ruth
The Professional Exchange Group within the
cated to Houston, where general inembership is
Obolensky préfer welcoming USIA visitors to
HE. airived at stirring the Interest of younger pro.
open to the public
their some In April, they opened their doors to
fessionals. has a membership tee of M.
TOTAL P.02
11/18/91
11:49
001
FAX MESSAGE
Date 11/18/91
Time 10:45
TO:
Name
Jennifer Grossman
Organization
WH Speechwriting
Fax Number 456-6218
FROM:
Name
Karen Stockmeyer
Organization
Office of Public Lialson
UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
301-4th Street S.W.
Room 602
Washington, D.C. 20547
PHONE: (202) 619-4355
FAX:
(202) 619-6988
Total number of pages including this cover page 3
were checking with Houston
I-V chapter for documentation
on Bush hosting Uatcher
see attached for thatcher
quote.
11/18/91
11:50
002
MARGARET THATCHER
UNITED KINGDOM
Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the United Kingdom,
was a participant in the International Visitor Program in 1967.
I well remember my visit to America In 1967, during which I travelled around the country
extensively-from Washington. D.C.: Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Houston, Texas,
across to San Francisco and Los Angeles, California: and back, via Omaha, Nebraska, and
Chicago, Illinois; to Boston, Massachusetts, and New York, New York.
The whole tour was Immensely valuable. I saw and felt the vitality and generosity of the
American way of life. and it has left an indelible impression on my mind. Forevermore, 1 shall
be a true friend of the United States.
I should like to say thank you to all those who participated in this wonderful program.
-64-
UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
INTERNATIONAL
VISITOR
PROGRAM
INTER
ERNATIONAL
VISITORS
ANNIVERSARY
1940-1990
government, it offers a chance for people-to-people diplomacy
without pomp and circumstance. For our volunteers, it allows us
to share and show the real reason why America is the greatest
nation on earth. (Peters)
Herman Melville once wrote, "America has been settled by
people of all nations. All nations may claim her for their
own. We are not a nation so much as a world. = Thank you for
serving as envoys to the leaders,
being such essential envoys in this new world 4 order. God Bless
the United States of America.
of tomorow's
world