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Steuben Society, New York, NY, May 22, 1971
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This file contains material relating to Willy Brandt.
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Speeches
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Soviet Union
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. (4/4/1949 - )
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The original documents are located in Box D31, folder "Steuben Society, New York, NY,
May 22, 1971" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
We invote you To participate perfecting
In Inthe past we have had, Speahins the Ruh
home you accept
STEUBEN SOCIETY, 7 P.M. SATURDAY, MAY 22,
DAY
NEW YORK
1971, AT THE AMERICANA Ballocke HOTEL, NEW YORK,
Inc
Amd/ord
GOOD EVENING. I AM VERY HAPPY
TO BE HERE. IT IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO
BE AMONG CITIZENS WHO HAVE A DEEP DEVOTION
TO DUTY AND A KEEN AWARENESS OF THEIR
RESPONSIBILITIES AS AMERICANS.
I SHARE WITH YOU YOUR PRIDE IN
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY
WAR GENERAL, FREDERICK WILLIAN VON STEUBEN.
CERTAINLY GENERAL VON STEUBEN OCCUPIES A
PLACE OF GREAT HONOR IN THE HISTORY OF
AMERICA. IT MIGHT WELL BE SAID THAT THE
AMERICAN COLONISTS WOULD NEVER HAVE WON
THEIR FREEDOM WITHOUT HIS VALIANT SERVICES.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Digitized from Box D31 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
-2-
IN LOOKING OVER THE STEUBEN
SOCIETY'S OBJECTIVES AND AIMS, I WAS MOST
IMPRESSED BY YOUR 14 POINTS AND NOTABLY
THE FACT THAT THIS SOCIETY IS "DEDICATED
TO ENLIGHTENED PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL
:
naturalty
STATE AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS."
MY REMARKS TONIGHT
ENTERTAINING. I HAVE NEVER BEEN VERY GOOD
AT COMEDY ROUTINES. BUT MY COMMENTS MAY
BE ENLIGHTENING.
ALL OF US IN AMERICA NEED ALL OF
THE ENLIGHTENMENT THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE,
FOR WE LIVE IN PERILOUS TIMES.
again
WE LIVE IN AN AGE WHEN FREEDOM
HAS COME HEAVILY UNDER ATTACK.
I SPEAK OF THE CONTINUING DANGER
OF COMMUNIST EXPANSIONISM.
I SPEAK OF AN ATMOSPHERE WHICH IS
BECOMING MORE AND MORE PERVASIVE AMONG
LIBRARY
-3-
AMERICANS, AN ATMOSPHERE WHICH IS GIVING
RISE TO BROADENED AND HEIGHTENED ATTACKS
ON THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM AND ON THE
INSTITUTION OF FREE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT
ITSELF. Washing , D.C.
I SPEAK OF THE SOVIET DRIVE FOR
SUPERIORITY IN NUCLEAR POWER, IN
TECHNOLOGY AND IN NAVAL FORCES.
I SPEAK OF THE FACT THAT WHILE
THE SOVIET UNION CONTINUES TO INCREASE ITS
DEFENSE OUTLAYS, WE HAVE BEEN DRASTICALLY
REDUCING OURS IN CONSTANT DOLLARS.
WHILE THE SOVIET UNION MAKES
GREAT EFFORTS TO BUILD UP ITS NAVY, WE
ALLOW OURS TO RIDE AT ANCHOR. WHILE THE
SOVIET UNION SENDS INCREASING NUMBERS OF
SHIPS INTO THE MEDITERRANEAN, THE
CARIBBEAN AND THE INDIAN OCEAN, LEADING
MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE CAST
FORD is LIBRARY OF
-4-
ABOUT FOR WAYS TO CUT OUR DEFENSE BUDGET.
IN THE AREA OF NUCLEAR POWER,
THE SOVIETS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS HAVE
ACHIEVED PARITY WITH US. THE RUSSIANS NOW
ARE DEVELOPING SUPER WARHEADS, MUCH LARGER
THAN ANY IN OUR ARSENAL. AT THE SAME TIME
THE RUSSIANS HAVE BEEN INCREASING THE
NUMBER AND ACCURACY OF THEIR
INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES.
THE THREAT OF NUCLEAR WAR HANGS
OVER THE WORLD LIKE A TIME BOMB. LET US HOPE
THE PROCESS OF DEFUSING THAT BOMB BEGAN WITH
THE ANNOUNCEMENT LAST THURSDAY IN
WASHINGTON AND MOSCOW THAT THE UNITED
STATES AND THE SOVIET UNION HAD AGREED TO
NEGOTIATE LIMITATIONS ON BOTH OFFENSIVE
AND DEFENSIVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS
SIMULTANEOUSLY.
GLEATO FORD LIBRARY
THIS AGREEMENT IS CLEARLY ONE OF
-5-
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BREAKTHROUGHS FOR
PEACE IN THE HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORLD --
A BREAKTHROUGH IN OUR EFFORTS TO PLACE
CURBS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR
WEAPONS.
WHILE INTENSIVE NEGOTIATIONS LIE
AHEAD AND CONCRETE AGREEMENTS MAY YET
ELUDE US WE MUST RECOGNIZE THIS INITIAL
AGREEMENT AS A STEP TOWARD PRESERVING THE
PEACE OF THE WORLD AND A STEP TOWARD RELIEF
FROM THE CRUSHING COST BURDEN OF THE ARMS
RACE
THE U.S.-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT TO
afformatidy
PURSUE NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING BOTH
OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS
HOLDS A VAST POTENTIAL FOR BENEFIT TO
MANKIND. IT INDICATES A MORE ENLIGHTENED
ATTITUDE ON THE PART OF THE RUSSIANS. IT
FORD
PROMPTS ME TO LOOK FOR THE DAY WHEN WE BERALE CAN
BRARY
-6-
COME TO A SUBSTANTIVE ARMS CONTROL
AGREEMENT. I FEEL THERE IS GENUINE CAUSE
FOR OPTIMISM.
WHILE WE CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE,
WE MUST ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT PEACE
COMES TO THE STRONG.
MTHANK
THE
RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED U.S.-SOVIET AGREEMENT
POINTS UP THE FACT THAT PRESIDENT NIXON
3
HELD THE ABM IN HIS HAND AS A TRUMP CARD.
se
IT UNDERSCORES THE WISDOM OF HIS REFUSAL
it
"y"
TO THROW THAT CARD AWAY IN THE FACE OF
ATTACKS BY THE SENATE DOVES.
WE MUST NOT, OF COURSE, ALLOW
THE EXHILERATION OF THE MOMENT TO RUN
AWAY WITH REASON. logic.
MANY OBSTACLES LIE IN THE PATH OF
ANY FURTHER AGREEMENTS WITH THE SOVIET
UNION, AND NOT THE LEAST OF THESE HAS BEEN
THE RUSSIAN ATTEMPT TO BRING ABOUT THE
-7-
DISMANTLING OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY
ORGANIZATION.
IT IS A HOPEFUL NOTE THAT THE
RUSSIANS NOW ARE INDICATING A WILLINGNESS
TO DISCUSS A MUTUAL REDUCTION OF FORCES
IN EUROPE. THEY HAD BEEN INSISTING ON
A U.S. WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING
SOVIET WITHDRAWAL FROM EASTERN EUROPE.
I AM OPPOSED TO A UNILATERAL
REDUCTION OF U.S. FORCES IN EUROPE NOW
OR AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE. OUR
OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE A MUTUAL REDUCTION
AND WE MUST EXPAND AND INTENSIFY OUR
NEGOTIATIONS TO THAT END.
UNILATERAL REDUCTION WOULD
WEAKEN THE POSSIBILITY OF GETTING THE
SOVIET UNION TO WITHDRAW SOME OF ITS FORCES
FROM EASTERN EUROPE.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-8-
I WELCOME LEONID BREZHNEV
1
INITIATIVE IN THIS REGARD. THIS WAS DA
RESPONSE TO A NATO INVITATION TO DUSCUSS
MUTUAL TROOP WITHDRAWALS. IT WILL BE ON
THE AGENDA OF THE NATO MEETING IN JUNE.
THERE is, OF COURSE, CONTINUING
TALK OF SHIFTING A GREATER PORTION OF THE
NATO EXPENSE BURDEN TO OUR NATO ALLIES.
IN VIEW OF OUR SHOCKINGLY POOR
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS SITUATION, A GREATER
CONTRIBUTION ON THE PART OF OUR NATO
ALLIES IS VERY MUCH TO BE DESIRED.
OF THE 300,000 U.S. TROOPS IN
EUROPE, 210,000 ARE STATIONED IN GERMANY.
MAINTAINING THIS LEVEL OF TROOPS IN
GERMANY CREATED A BALANCE-OF-PAYMENTS
OUTFLOW OF $1 BILLION EACH YEAR IN 1969
AND 1970.
FORD LIBRARY
-9-
FORTUNATELY, THE UNITED STATES
AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
CONCLUDED AN AGREEMENT DESIGNED TO OFFSET
MOST OF THIS BALANCE-OF-PAYMENTS OUTFLOW
DURING THE PERIOD JULY 1, 1969 THROUGH
JUNE 30, 1971. WE NOW MUST NEGOTIATE A
NEW OFFSET AGREEMENT TO TAKE EFFECT WHEN
THE PRESENT AGREEMENT EXPIRES.
RETURNING TO THE MATTER OF A
UNILATERAL REDUCTION OF U.S. FORCES IN
EUROPE, I BELIEVE THIS IS A CASE OF
GIVING SOMETHING AWAY AND GETTING NOTHING
IN RETURN.
inmyply my
THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH
GERMAN CHANCELLOR WILLI BRANDT'S EASTERN
POLICY.
BRANDT'S EASTERN POLICY IS LIKE
A SUPERMARKET HOPING TO COME OUT AHEAD ON
SOME OTHER ITEMS BY OFFERING ITS
GERALD
LIBRARY
-10-
CUSTOMERS SO-CALLED "LOSS LEADERS."
THE DANGER OF COURSE IS THAT THE
CUSTOMER WILL AVAIL HIMSELF OF THE LOSS
LEADER WITHOUT BUYING ANYTHING ELSE
AND THAT IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED
IN CONNECTION WITH CHANCELLOR BRANDT'S
EASTERN POLICY. THE SOVIET UNION HAS
SIGNED A NON-AGGRESSION PACT WITH THE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC BUT HAS REFUSED TO
COOPERATE ON THE QUESTIONS OF FREE AND
UNHINDERED CIVIL ACCESS TO BERLIN,
/
IMPROVEMENT OF TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATIONS
FOR BERLINERS WITHIN AND AROUND BERLIN
1
AND THE ENDING OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST
BERLIN BY THE SOVIET UNION AND SOME OF ITS
ALLIES.
THE GERMAN FEDERAL REPUBLIC HAS
KEPT ITS SKIRTS CLEAN BY REFUSING TO
RATIFY THE TREATIES WITH THE SOVIET UNION
FORD LIBRARY
-11-
AND POLAND UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE BERLIN
QUESTIONS ARE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED.
sense.
AS FOR EAST GERMANY, THAT
COMMUNIST STATE HAS REJECTED BRANDT'S
PROPOSAL OF TWO STATES IN A SINGLE GERMAN
NATION AND OFFERS OF CLOSER AND MORE
NATURAL INTER-GERMAN CONTACTS.
my comments should not
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC HAS
REMAINED A LOYAL MEMBER OF NATO THROUGHOUT
ALL OF BRANDT'S OVERTURES TO HIS EASTERN
NEIGHBORS, AND OUR GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN IN
CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC.
WE HAVE EMPHASIZED THE FOUR-POWER
RIGHTS CONCERNING BERLIN WHERE THEY NEEDED
TO BE EMPHASIZED. THE ROUND OF EXCHANGES
ON BERLIN WHICH BEGAN IN MARCH 1970 WITH
THE SOVIET UNION ARE CONTINUING.
GERALD R. LIBRANY FORD
-12-
THE NIXON ADMINISTRATION,
WORKING WITH OUR NATO ALLIES, SEEKS A
EUROPEAN DETENTE. BUT WE ARE REALISTIC
ABOUT IT. OUR THINKING IS NOT BEFOGGED
WITH EUPHORIC MISCONCEPTIONS CONCERNING
SOVIET AIMS.
ANY PERMANENT EASING OF TENSION
IN EUROPE MUST INCLUDE PROGRESS IN
SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF A DIVIDED GERMANY.
THE GERMAN NATIONAL QUESTION IS
ONE FOR THE GERMAN PEOPLE TO DECIDE. BUT
THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS
QUESTION ULTIMATELY WILL BE RESOLVED ONLY
BECAUSE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC SPEAKS FROM
A POSITION OF STRENGTH- ITS SECURE
POSITION AS A MEMBER OF A STRONG NATO.
AS PRESIDENT NIXON HAS SAID,
"REDUCING THE MILITARY CONFRONTATION IN
EUROPE IS IN THE COMMON INTEREST OF
GLEALOR FORD LIBRARD
-13-
EAST AND WEST. OUR MUTUAL OBJECTIVE SHOULD
BE TO CREATE A MORE STABLE MILITARY
BALANCE AT LOWER LEVELS AND LOWER COSTS."
BUT WHILE WE SEEK TO REDUCE
THE MILITARY CONFRONTATION, WE MUST MAINTAIN
THE RELATIVE STRENGTH OF NATO AND CONTINUE
AMERICA'S STRONG ROLE IN NATO.
AMERICANS AND EUROPEANS NEED
CONSTANTLY TO BE REMINDED OF THE SOVIET
UNION'S WESTWARD EXPANSION AT THE CLOSE
OF WORLD WAR 11.
IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE RUSSIANS
HAD BROUGHT POLAND, EAST GERMANY, HUNGARY,
BULGARIA, RUMANIA AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA INTO
THE COMMUNIST CAMP THAT THE FREE NATIONS
OF EUROPE JOINED WITH THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA TO FORM THE NATO SHIELD AGAINST
FURTHER ENCROACHMENTS ON THE ATLANTIC
WORLD.
GERALD R. LISBURY FORD
-14-
THE 15-MEMBER NORTH ATLANTIC
TREATY ORGANIZATION DEVELOPED INTO AN
ALLIANCE THAT RIMMED RUSSIA FROM NORWAY
ON THE NORTH TO TURKEY ON THE SOUTH. THUS
DID NATO STOP THE SOVIETS TERRITORIAL
AGGRANDIZEMENT.
NATO'S PRINCIPAL VALUE TO WORLD
PEACE LIES IN ITS MILITARY STRENGTH
WE
MUST KEEP NATO STRONG. WE MUST NOT ALLOW
IT TO LAPSE INTO DISREPAIR. OUR
CONTRIBUTION OF U.S. FORCES TO NATO IS
THE BASIS OF OUR ALLIES' CONFIDENCE IN
US. WE CANNOT ALLOW THAT CONFIDENCE TO
WAVER.
WHAT SHOULD BE THE BASIS OF NATO
STRATEGY IN SEEKING TO DETER AGGRESSION?
WE MUST HAVE FORCES ABLE TO DEFEND
AGAINST THE ENEMY WITHOUT IMMEDIATE RESORT
TO NUCLEAR WAR. THIS WOULD GIVE US FULL
BRARY
-15-
FLEXIBILITY IN RESPONDING TO ANY OUTBREAK
OF HOSTILITIES. WE MUST BE CAPABLE OF A
STRONG AND CREDIBLE DEPLOYMENT OF MODERN
NATO CONVENTIONAL FORCES. AMERICA'S
GUARANTEE OF NUCLEAR DEFENSE is, OF COURSE,
CRUCIAL. IT SHOULD NOT, HOWEVER, BE THE
SOLE BASIS OF ALLIED DETERRENCE.
AND SO WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT
AND WE MUST REMAIN STRONG -- WHILE AT THE
SAME TIME WE SEEK TO WEAVE THE FABRIC OF
AN ENDURING PEACE.
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN I THINK OF
WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE ONE OF THE GREATEST
SPEECHES EVER GIVEN BY AN AMERICAN
PRESIDENT.
I HAVE IN MIND PRESIDENT
EISENHOWER'S FAREWELL RADIO AND TELEVISION
ADDRESS TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, DELIVERED
JANUARY 17, 1961.
FORD LIBRARY y BER ALD
-16-
according The media
THAT SPEECH IS MOST FAMOUS
BECAUSE OF IKE'S WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS
OF UNDUE INFLUENCE ON THE PART OF THE
MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX. BUT IKE THAT
NIGHT SAID MANY OTHER THINGS FAR MORE
IMPORTANT.
AT ONE POINT, HE SAID. "UNTIL THE
LATEST OF OUR WORLD CONFLICTS, THE UNITED
STATES HAD NO ARMAMENT INDUSTRY. AMERICAN
MAKERS OF PLOWSHARES COULD, WITH TIME AND
AS REQUIRED, MAKE SWORDS AS WELL. BUT
NOW WE CAN NO LONGER RISK EMERGENCY
IMPROVISATION OF NATIONAL DEFENSE; WE HAVE
BEEN COMPELLED TO CREATE A PERMANENT
ARMAMENTS INDUSTRY OF VAST PROPORTIONS."
A LITTLE EARLIER IN HIS this same
ADDRESS, IKE DECLARED: "A VITAL ELEMENT
IN KEEPING THE PEACE IS OUR MILITARY
ESTABLISHMENT. OUR ARMS MUST BE MIGHTY
FORD LIBRARY
-17-
READY FOR INSTANT ACTION, SO THAT NO
POTENTIAL AGGRESSOR MAY BE TEMPTED TO RISK
HIS OWN DESTRUCTION."
THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO YOU TONIGHT --
THAT WE AVOID FEAR AND HATE BUT THAT WE
KNOW THE ENEMY AND BE EVER READY TO MEET
HIM IF AND WHEN THAT DIRE EVENT IS THRUST
UPON US IT IS ONLY THUS THAT WE CAN FILL
THE ROLE OF PEACEMAKERS IN THE KIND OF
WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE.
1. CONGRATULATE THE STEUBEN
SOCIETY BECAUSE I KNOW YOU ARE DEDICATED
TO THOSE PRINCIPLES WHICH HAVE MADE AMERICA
GREAT.
LET US ALL EMBRACE THOSE
PRINCIPLES AND MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER IN
PURSUIT OF PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR PEOPLES
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,
--END--
The Steuben Society is committed to the promotion
Fourteen Points About
10-This Society is composed of administrative
of good will and lasting friendly relations with the
groups, known as "Units" and executive groups,
Germanic peoples of Europe based upon mutual re-
The Steuben Society of America
called "Councils". To the District Councils are
spect for each other's sovereignty and right to manage
elected delegates and alternates from Units on a
their own internal affairs. The teaching of the Ger-
Its Policy and Activities
representative basis. To the State Councils are
elected delegates and alternates from Units; Chair-
man language in our public schools is one of the es-
sentials to this end.
1-This Society aims to loyally support the Constitu-
men and Secretaries of District Councils are auto-
tion of the United States of America, advocates
matically delegates. The National Council is com-
the proper application of its provisions, and en-
posed of delegates and alternates elected in each
Duty, Tolerance, Charity and Justice are not only
deavors to inculcate the principles underlying
State on the basis of the number of Units. Such
cornerstones of the structure of the Steuben Society
government by a Federal Republic with limited,
elections have the nature of promotion for ability
of America, but are fundamental to the existence of
delegated powers.
displayed and service rendered.
the American Republic itself. Upon this foundation
11-This Society's members must be citizens of the
the Society is satisfied to have its edifice rest forever.
2-This Society is dedicated to maintaining the in-
United States of America, must be able to vote, be
dependence and sovereignty of the United States
of good repute and, wholly or in part; of German-
of America and its freedom from all foreign in-
ic origin. Persons who were shifters and trimmers,
fluence.
or who are known to possess no pride of ancestry
are not eligible for membership. No distinctions
"THE OBJECTIVE"
3-This Society engages in City, County, State and
National civic affairs. The Unit attends to local
are drawn as to creed or political tendency.
The Society's object is to draw into closer relation-
matters, the District Council to a larger political
11a-Germanic immigrants, desirous of becoming citi-
ship through historic and ethnic bonds of sympathy,
division, the State Council to State matters and
zens, who otherwise possess the above-mentioned
Americans who maintain their faith in the sturdy vir-
the National Council to National matters and
qualifications may join a "Prospective Citizens
tues of the race of Steuben, as manifested in the mak-
Foreign Affairs.
League". Where such a League does not now
ing of America from the earliest settlements on the
exist, a group of 15 or more such future citizens
4-This Society pledges itself to promote the election
may apply to the nearest Unit or Council of the
North American continent to the present day. This
to public office of men and women known to be
Society for a charter.
task it has set itself to perform as an American So-
reliable and worthy, who will strive to preserve
ciety to advance the causes of popular historical and
12-This Society holds that quality is the first con-
and strengthen our Constitution and sovereignty,
political education, a more just appraisal of historic
sideration, quality being based not on wealth or
and who recognize our Constitution as the su-
and ethnic values, and to interpret and perpetuate
position, but upon personal worth.
preme law of the land.
American principles of liberty; to further promote
13-This Society endeavors to maintain strict disci-
American solidarity and to exalt the American ideal
5-This Society uses the American language. The
pline. Self-seeking is made impossible by the Laws
of government "of, by and for the people"!
groups of the Society are units for the civic edu-
of the Society. This Society supplements the ac-
cation and activity of members, though not with-
tivities of German-American organizations in a
out social and cultural endeavor. It considers the
hitherto neglected field, and is not in conflict with
teaching of the German language essential to the
any existing organization. The Society was organ-
promotion of good will and friendly relations
ized in May, 1919, and operates in many States.
THE LANGUAGE MEMBERSHIP
with Germany.
Public discussion of intrinsic and internal affairs
and the resources of the Society by unauthorized
The Steuben Society uses the language of the Amer-
6-This Society hopes to bring together all Amer-
members is not permitted.
Constitution in all its deliberations; it is not a
ican
and
manv
of
its
members
ican citizens of Germanic origin for .re the purpose
of
foreign
language
group
due
safequarding promoting their political and
and
14-This Society is dedicated to enlightened participa-
tion in local, state and national affairs. It is not
trace their lineage back to the seventeenth century,
civic stature.
in any sense a political party, nor a group serving
to ancestors who fought in the Revolution, the War
with Mexico and the Civil War, and many of its most
7-This Society is not a secret Society, but is of a
the purposes of any political party, nor shall it
serve any individual's personal ambitions.
active members were in the armed forces in both
non-public character.
The policies of the Society on all issues are de-
World Wars, "and all military engagements since".
8-This Society employs a Ceremonial and Order of
veloped by open debate in Units and Councils
All American citizens wholly or in part of Germanic
Business.
and especially at the State and National Conven-
extraction and of good repute, who are in accord
tions. These policies on important issues are
with the principles outlined herein, are invited to
9-This Society's "Constitution and Statutes" are
clearly stated in the State and National Platforms
become members and will be welcomed in the
modeled after the general principles of repre-
and Programs, issued after each convention. These
Steuben Society of America.
sentative government. It provides for the oppor-
Platforms, the "Steuben News" and direct com-
Because of a recent amendment to the Constitution
tunity of the able members to advance. There is
munications convey our stand to the public, to
STEUBE
of our Society, we can now welcome our younger
no super-body of self-instituted and self-perpetua-
our government and to our elected representa-
citizens to join us at the age of 18 years.
ting governors.
tives.
8
9
10
Date Elected:
City:
Introdution Fee:
Recommended by: No.
Proposed by:
Nationality of Father:
Born at:
Home Address:
Date of Birth:
Occupation:
quently and purposefully, until they decided definite-
10-This Societ
Applicant's Name:
The Steuben Society is committed to the promotion
Fourteen Points About
ly to organize in order to arouse citizens of Germanic
of good will and lasting friendly relations with the
groups, know
origin to a greater sense of their civic, educational,
Germanic peoples of Europe based upon mutual re-
The Steuben Society of America
called "Cour
patriotic and political duties and rights. Thus in
spect for each other's sovereignty and right to manage
elected deleg
Its Policy and Activities
representativ
If father or mother are born in the United States, are they of Germanic extraction?
elected deleg
No.
man language in our public schools is one of the es-
men and Sec
naturalized citizen, give date, place and number of issue of naturalization (citizen) paper.
Any erroneous information given is sufficient reason for expulsion.
May 1919 the Steuben Society of America was born.
their own internal affairs. The teaching of the Ger-
sentials to this end.
1-This Society aims to loyally support the Constitu-
tion of the United States of America, advocates
matically del
the proper application of its provisions, and en-
posed of del
Duty, Tolerance, Charity and Justice are not only
"THE PURPOSE"
deavors to inculcate the principles underlying
State on the
cornerstones of the structure of the Steuben Society
government by a Federal Republic with limited,
elections hav
of America, but are fundamental to the existence of
The Society was created to be an organization in-
delegated powers.
displayed ar
State
the American Republic itself. Upon this foundation
dependent of politicial parties and remains so today.
11-This Society
It does not intend to dictate to its members how to
the Society is satisfied to have its edifice rest forever.
2-This Society is dedicated to maintaining the in-
United State
dependence and sovereignty of the United States
vote, but endeavors to instruct them in the field of
of good repu
of America and its freedom from all foreign in-
ic origin. Pe
Date
public service and the intelligent use of the ballot.
fluence.
or who are
are not elig
Country
The Steuben Society of America is a voluntary
"THE OBJECTIVE"
3-This Society engages in City, County, State and
are drawn a
membership organization formed to stimulate among
National civic affairs. The Unit attends to local
all American citizens an active interest in their Gov-
The Society's object is to draw into closer relation-
matters, the District Council to a larger political
11a-Germanic i
Unit No.
Unit
Zip No.
Are You of Voting Age?
ernment. It is National in scope and consists of Units
ship through historic and ethnic bonds of sympathy,
division, the State Council to State matters and
zens, who of
Tel.:
Americans who maintain their faith in the sturdy vir-
the National Council to National matters and
qualification
in many cities. The organization desires to unite men
tues of the race of Steuben, as manifested in the mak-
Foreign Affairs.
League". W
and women of Germanic origin who have common
ing of America from the earliest settlements on the
exist, a grou
interests, so that they may obtain a better under-
North American continent to the present day. This
4-This Society pledges itself to promote the election
may apply
Citizen?
standing of their civic duties, and to assist them in
to public office of men and women known to be
Society for
taking an active part in public affairs.
task it has set itself to perform as an American So-
reliable and worthy, who will strive to preserve
12-This Society
ciety to advance the causes of popular historical and
and strengthen our Constitution and sovereignty,
political education, a more just appraisal of historic
sideration, o
The members of the Steuben Society are American
and who recognize our Constitution as the su-
citizens of Germanic origin who wish to promote
and ethnic values, and to interpret and perpetuate
position, bu
preme law of the land.
civic betterment in the United States by doing their
American principles of liberty; to further promote
13-This Society
American solidarity and to exalt the American ideal
5-This Society uses the American language. The
pline. Self-se
share and taking their proper part as loyal citizens
groups of the Society are units for the civic edu-
of the Socie
in the political and social life of the country.
of government "of, by and for the people"!
cation and activity of members, though not with-
tivities of
o
out social and cultural endeavor. It considers the
hitherto neg
teaching of the German language essential to the
any existing
promotion of good will and friendly relations
ized in May
THE LANGUAGE - MEMBERSHIP
with Germany.
Public discu
OUR NATION - OUR IDEALS
and the reso
The Steuben Society uses the language of the Amer-
6-This Society hopes to bring together all Amer-
members is
The Steuben Society recognizes that is a
ican Constitution in all its deliberations; it is not a
ican citizens of Germanic origin for Purpose
of.immigran all parts of Europe, who
foreign language group many of its members
of safequarding andromoting their political and
Society
have built out of Nature's rich resources, often under
trace their lineage back to the seventeenth century,
tion in local,
civic stature.
to ancestors who fought in the Revolution, the War
in any sense
privation and hardship, a mighty Republic whose
with Mexico and the Civil War, and many of its most
7-This Society is not a secret Society, but is of a
the purposes
industrial and agricultural wealth stands unequaled
active members were in the armed forces in both
non-public character.
serve any ind
in the world today.
World Wars, "and all military engagements since".
The policies
8-This Society employs a Ceremonial and Order of
veloped by o
In acknowledging the contributions of all racial
All American citizens wholly or in part of Germanic
Business.
and especially
STEUBEN SOCIETY
extraction and of good repute, who are in accord
elements, the Steuben Society considers it a duty to
tions. These
with the principles outlined herein, are invited to
instill a patriotic fervor in every citizen. It will de-
9-This Society's "Constitution and Statutes" are
clearly stated
become members and will be welcomed in the
modeled after the general principles of repre-
OF AMERICA
nounce and forcefully oppose any and all attempts to
and Programs
Steuben Society of America.
sentative government. It provides for the oppor-
Platforms, the
discredit, malign or abuse any loyal element of the
Because of a recent amendment to the Constitution
tunity of the able members to advance. There is
munications
369 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. 10017
American people, and will zealously guard the liber-
of our Society, we can now welcome our younger
no super-body of self-instituted and self-perpetua-
our government
ties for which our forefathers fought.
citizens to join us at the age of 18 years.
ting governors.
tives.
7
8
9
AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE
constitutional republic and for freedom in preserving
The Steuben Society of America
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
this nation. This struggle for American freedom con-
tinues today as the people of our Nation and those of
THE PATRON
The
FOREWORD
had mu
Loyally to support the Constitution of the United
the Free World are called on to face an alien and
manic
States of America by advocating the proper applica-
Voluntary membership organizations have eminent-
atheistic doctrine promulgated the world over by
General Frederick William von Steuben was born
ued for
tion of its provisions and inculcating the principles
ly contributed to the progress of these United States
Communist subservients.
at Magdeburg, Germany, on September 17, 1730. He
them a
came to America in 1777 to offer his services to the
underlying true democratic government;
of America. Each organization directing its efforts
While man can now walk the moon - during this
Congress of the United States struggling for its in-
broadly
toward certain worthwhile endeavors, in which it is
To quicken the spirit of sound Americanism and
satellite, atomic, and missile age, we live in the midst
dependence, ready to serve under George Washing-
ment o
interested, makes for an overall effort for the welfare
foster a patriotic American spirit among all citizens;
of alarms. With each new day, new anxieties seem to
ton, the commander-in-chief in any capacity in which
of the entire country. We recognize the work of all
becloud the future of our country; yet Americans
his experience would best serve its cause.
To aid in maintaining the independence and sover-
such organizations.
must not panic. We must retain our sense of direction
The conduct of General von Steuben, the friend
eignty of the United States of America and its free-
The American Way of Life is a blend of the cult-
and not become defeatists. Ideas and words of clear,
of George Washington and drill master and organizer.
dom from all foreign influence;
ural gifts of the peoples of all lands.
calm appraisal must rise from citizens, regardless of
of the revolutionary army whose services contributed
Thes
As American citizens of German blood, we take
party, above discordant voices and unsupported
much toward winning the war for American indepen-
descend
To establish co-operation among its members in
opinions.
dence, is a shining example of the aims and purposes
whethe
the exercise of their civic duties and to encourage
justifiable pride in the realization that all segments of
which the founders of the Steuben Society of Amer-
eminen
among them an active participation in every phase
American life have been enriched by the contribu-
To remain a free nation we must rededicate our-
ica wished its prospective members to know and
tions of men and women of our race in the arts, in the
selves to the principles heretofore established by those
learn to follow.
largest
of our national life;
to shun
sciences and in government.
who over the years gave us our manifest of patriotism.
Steuben had the advantage of military schooling,
the go
To promote the Welfare and enhance the happi-
Our continuing contributions can best be assured
The Steuben Society of America works for the accom-
and had given distinguished service in the Prussian
busines
ness of its members and their fellowmen;
and can only prosper in a climate of understanding
plishment of these goals. We urge all good citizens to
Army. His admiration for the struggling young
ambitio
participate in a rededication to the principles of
American nation and his love of freedom decided his
To perpetuate itself as a patriotic and fraternal
and tolerance under a political system based on equal-
ship of
ity, justice and freedom.
patriotism and the love of country in preserving our
course of action. History records that he was one of
voluntary membership organization and to provide
great Republic.
America's foremost citizens, of whom Americans of
The
for its government;
It is to this objective that the program of the
Germanic origin can be proud. George Washington
For over fifty years, alert, upright American citi-
ticipati
To guard our political liberty by maintaining an
Steuben Society of America is dedicated.
in a letter to Steuben, dated Annapolis, December
zens of Germanic descent throughout America have
23, 1783, said in part, "I wish to make use of this last
ship wa
honest equality of citizenship regardless of the birth,
This booklet is intended for those willing to share
moment in my public life to signify in the strongest
of past
united in the Steuben Society of America, a volun-
origin or religion of any citizen;
in a responsibility to your benefit to preserve and
teer, patriotic national organization, to maintain pro-
terms my entire approbation of your conduct and to
merged
perpetuate our precious freedoms and to conquer
express my sense of the obligation the public is under
the im
To maintain the traditions of our country.
grams rendering worthwhile services on a National,
to you for your faithful and meritorius service"; and
ment o
apathy. This folder tells something of the Steuben
State and Community level. The membership of this
"This is the last letter I shall ever write while I con-
and de
Society of America, and is intended to serve as an ap-
Society and its conduct is such as to command the
tinue in the service of my country".
forgotte
peal to join our ranks.
respect of all decent fellow citizens.
ic origi
General von Steuben became an American citizen
There is a great need for Americans to be well
ity who
As a conscientious citizen you should be aware that
and after freedom was won took an active part in the
versed in American history and what that history
always
SOCIETY
in order to secure and enjoy your rights and freedom
affairs of the young nation. He prepared for the de-
down.
SECURITY
OF
means in terms of rights and freedom and the per-
you cannot afford is neglect your duties toward your
fence of the harbor of New York, developed plans for
petuation of this Republic of the people.
country.
the United States Military Academy at West Point,
AMERICA
N. Y. and wrote the United States Army training
The first Continental Congress was formed to
As an individual, your efforts are necessarily lim-
manual. He died on November 28, 1794 and was laid
unite the Colonies and to create a Continental Army
ited. As a member of an organized group much more
to rest in a hero's grave on his estate at Remsen,
THE
which, in turn, helped to make possible the writing of
worthwhile work can be done.
Oneida County, N. Y.
There
the greatest documents of freedom known to man-
both H
FOUNDED
MAY
6161
We would welcome the opportunity to enlist you
It is of particular interest that his name was
kind, the Constitution of the United States and the
selected by the founders of the Society upon the sug-
figure,
as a member. For further information, why not con-
Bill of Rights.
humilia
tact us?
gestion of a United States Senator who was not of
The descendants of Americans of Germanic origin,
German ancestry, who recognized the need for such
through
together with the thousands of freedom loving
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
an organization. Thus Frederick William von Steu-
the neo
ben became the patron of the Steuben Society of
fairs. T
people who have come to us in the intervening years,
369 Lexington Avenue
America.
the mir
have fought to retain the sovereignty of this great
New York, N. Y. 10017
in New
2
3
5
4
constitutional republic and for freedom in preserving
The Steuben Society of America
GERMANIC IMMIGRANTS
this nation. This struggle for American freedom con-
THE PATRON
The inspiring example set by General von Steuben
tinues today as the people of our Nation and those of
had much to do with the wave of immigrants of Ger-
the Free World are called on to face an alien and
manic origin which developed thereafter and contin-
have
eminent-
atheistic doctrine promulgated the world over by
General Frederick William von Steuben was born
ued for more than a century. They brought with
United
States
Communist subservients.
at Magdeburg, Germany, on September 17, 1730. He
came to America in 1777 to offer his services to the
them a strong, inherent trait of individualism which,
its
efforts
While man can now walk the moon - during this
Congress of the United States struggling for its in-
broadly applied, helped greatly in the rapid develop-
in
which
it
is
dependence, ready to serve under George Washing-
ment of the new American nation.
satellite, atomic, and missile age, we live in the midst
for
the
welfare
of alarms. With each new day, new anxieties seem to
ton, the commander-in-chief in any capacity in which
the
work
his experience would best serve its cause.
Date
of
all
becloud the future of our country; yet Americans
must not panic. We must retain our sense of direction
The conduct of General von Steuben, the friend
end
of
the
cult-
and not become defeatists. Ideas and words of clear,
of George Washington and drill master and organizer
"POLITICS FORBIDDEN"! A FALLACY!
calm appraisal must rise from citizens, regardless of
of the revolutionary army whose services contributed
These Germanic pioneers and their American-born
party, above discordant voices and unsupported
much toward winning the war for American indepen-
blood,
we
take
descendants, in their own selected business pursuits -
all
opinions.
dence, is a shining example of the aims and purposes
segments
of
which the founders of the Steuben Society of Amer-
whether agricultural, industrial or intellectual were
the
contribu-
To remain a free nation we must rededicate our-
ica wished its prospective members to know and
eminently successful. Although forming the second
the
arts,
in
selves to the principles heretofore established by those
learn to follow.
largest racial stock, these Americans had a disposition
the
Signature
to shun activity in purely political affairs, as long as
who over the years gave us our manifest of patriotism.
Steuben had the advantage of military schooling,
the government did not interfere with their own
Place.
best
be
assured
The Steuben Society of America works for the accom-
and had given distinguished service in the Prussian
business pursuits. They did not develop any special
To the STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
"I hereby apply for membership in your Society, and if accepted,
will give my best efforts to further its aims and purposes."
Have you ever been in any other Unit?
Are you a member of any political Club, Society, League or Organization?
understanding
plishment of these goals We urge all good citizens to
Army. His admiration for the struggling young
ambition towards organizing their group for leader-
based
participate in a rededication to the principles of
American nation and his love of freedom decided his
on
equal-
ship of a purely political character.
If so, state name, location and particulars
patriotism and the love of country in preserving our
course of action. History records that he was one of
great Republic.
America's foremost citizens, of whom Americans of
The fallacy of this tendency to shun political par-
APPLICATION
If so, state full particulars
program
of
the
Germanic origin can be proud. George Washington
ticipation, and the resulting lack of political leader-
For over fifty years, alert, upright American citi-
in a letter to Steuben, dated Annapolis, December
23, 1783, said in part, "I wish to make use of this last
ship was painfully brought home in the experiences
zens of Germanic descent throughout America have
willing
to
share
moment in my public life to signify in the strongest
of past periods when truth and decency were sub-
united in the Steuben Society of America, a volun-
preserve
and
terms my entire approbation of your conduct and to
merged in the passions of hatred and vengeance, and
teer, patriotic national organization, to maintain pro-
express my sense of the obligation the public is under
the important contributions this second largest ele-
to
conquer
grams rendering worthwhile services on a National,
to you for your faithful and meritorius service"; and
ment of its citizenry had made towards the creation
of
the
Steuben
State and Community level. The membership of this
"This is the last letter I shall ever write while I con-
and development of our American nation were often
serve
as
an
ap-
Society and its conduct is such as to command the
tinue in the service of my country".
forgotten. There were among the citizens of German-
respect of all decent fellow citizens.
ic origin men and women of true courage and abil-
General von Steuben became an American citizen
to
be
well
ity who pleaded for reason and justice, but they were
As a conscientious citizen you should be aware that
and after freedom was won took an active part in the
that
history
always in the minority and were forcibly shouted
in orue
to secure and enjoy your rights and freedom
affairs of the young nation. He prepared for the de-
down.
and
the
per-
your
duties
toward
you
cannot
affort
your
fence of the harbor of New York. developed plans for
negister
the United States Military Academy at West Point,
country.
N. Y. and wrote the United States Army training
formed
to
As an individual, your efforts are necessarily lim-
manual. He died on November 28, 1794 and was laid
"THE CAUSE"
I RECOMMEND
ntinental
Army
ited. As a member of an organized group much more
to rest in a hero's grave on his estate at Remsen,
the
writing
of
worthwhile work can be done.
Oneida County, N. Y.
There was a lack of sufficient representation in
as a member for the Steuben Society:
to
both Houses of Congress and there was no national
man-
We would welcome the opportunity to enlist you
It is of particular interest that his name was
States
and
the
figure, no great leader, to advocate their cause. This
NAME
as a member. For further information, why not con-
selected by the founders of the Society upon the sug-
humiliating position caused the Germanic element
tact us?
gestion of a United States Senator who was not of
German ancestry, who recognized the need for such
throughout the land to feel more keenly than ever
ADDRESS
PHONE
ermanic
origin,
reedom
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
an organization. Thus Frederick William von Steu-
the necessity for greater participation in public af-
loving
ben became the patron of the Steuben Society of
fairs. The realization of this need was the thought in
tervening
years,
369 Lexington Avenue
America.
the minds of a small group of men, who in 1919 met
of
this
great
in New York, first socially and casually, then fre-
REMARKS
New York, N. Y. 10017
5
6
4
SIGNED
Distribution: 20 copies mailed to
Steuben Sr 5/20/71 pm
moffice Copy
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BEFORE THE STEUBEN SOCIETY
AT THE AMERICANA HOTEL, NEW YORK, NEW YORK
7 p.m. SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1971
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
Good evening. I am very happy to be here. It is always a pleasure to be
among citizens who have a deep devotion to duty and a keen awareness of their
responsibilities as Americans.
I share with you your pride in the accomplishments of the Revolutionary War
general, Frederick William von Steuben. Certainly General von Steuben occupies a
place of great honor in the history of America. It might well be said that the
American colonists would never have won their freedom without his valiant services.
In looking over the Steuben Society's objectives and aims, I was most
impressed by your 14 points and notably the fact that this Society is "dedicated
to enlightened participation in local, state and national affairs."
My remarks tonight may not be entertaining. I have never been very good
at comedy routines. But my comments may be enlightening.
All of us in America need all of the enlightenment that may be available,
for we live in perilous times.
We live in an age when freedom has come heavily under attack.
I speak of the continuing danger of Communist expansionism.
I speak of an atmosphere which is becoming more and more pervasive among
Americans, an atmosphere which is giving rise to broadened and heightened attacks
on the free enterprise system and on the institution of free democratic government
itself.
I speak of the Soviet drive for superiority in nuclear power, in technology
and in naval forces.
I speak of the fact that while the Soviet Union continues to increase its
defense outlays, we have been drastically reducing ours in constant dollars.
While the Soviet Union makes great efforts to build up its Navy, we allow
ours to ride at anchor. While the Soviet Union sends increasing numbers of ships
into the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, leading members of the
United States Senate cast about for ways to cut our defense budget.
(more)
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-2-
In the area of nuclear power, the Soviets in the last three years have
achieved parity with us. The Russians now are developing super warheads, much
larger than any in our arsenal. At the same time the Russians have been increasing
the number and accuracy of their intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The threat of nuclear war hangs over the world like a time bomb. Let us
hope the process of defusing that bomb began with the announcement last Thursday
in Washington and Moscow that the United States and the Soviet Union had agreed
to negotiate limitations on both offensive and defensive nuclear weapons
simultaneously.
This agreement is clearly one of the most significant breakthroughs for
peace in the history of the modern world--a breakthrough in our efforts to place
curbs on the development of nuclear weapons.
While intensive negotiations lie ahead and concrete agreements may yet elude
us, we must recognize this initial agreement as a step toward preserving the peace
of the world and a step toward relief from the crushing cost burden of the arms
race.
The U.S.-Russian agreement to pursue negotiations involving both offensive
and defensive nuclear weapons holds a vast potential for benefit to mankind. It
indicates a more enlightened attitude on the part of the Russians. It prompts
me to look for the day when we can come to a substantive arms control agreement. I
feel there is genuine cause for optimism.
While we continue to negotiate, we must always keep in mind that peace comes
to the strong. I think the recently-announced .S.-Soviet agreement points up
the fact that President Nixon held the ABM in his hand as a trump card. It under-
scores the wisdom of his refusal to throw that card away in the face of attacks
by the Senate doves.
We must not, of course, allow the exhileration of the moment to run away
with reason.
Many obstacles lie in the path of any further agreements with the Soviet
Union, and not the least of these has been the Russian attempt to bring about the
dismantling of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It is a hopeful note that the Russians now are indicating a willingness to
discuss a mutual reduction of forces in Europe. They had been insisting on a U.S.
withdrawal without a corresponding Soviet withdrawal from Eastern Europe.
I am opposed to a unilateral reduction of U.S. forces in Europe, now or at
(more)
-3-
any time in the future. Our objective should be a mutual reduction, and we must
expand and intensify our negotiations to that end.
Unilateral reductions would weaken the possibility of getting the Soviet
Union to withdraw some of its forces from Eastern Europe.
I welcome Leonid Brezhnev's initiative in this regard. This was a response
to a NATO invitation to discuss mutual troop withdrawals. It will be on the agenda
of the NATO meeting in June.
There is, of course, continuing talk of shifting a greater portion of the
NATO expense burden to our NATO allies.
In view of our shockingly poor balance of payments situation, a greater
contribution on the part of our NATO allies is very much to be desired.
Of the 300,000 U.S. troops in Europe, 210,000 are stationed in Germany.
Maintaining this level of troops in Germany created a balance-of-payments outflow
of $1 billion each year in 1969 and 1970.
Fortunately, the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany concluded
an agreement designed to offset most of this balance-of-payments outflow during the
period July 1, 1969 through June 30, 1971. We now must negotiate a new offset
agreement to take effect when the present agreement expires.
Returning to the matter of a unilateral reduction of U.S. forces in Europe,
I believe this is a case of giving something away and getting nothing in return.
This is what is wrong with German Chancellor Willi Brandt's Eastern policy.
Brandt's Eastern policy is like a. supermarket hoping to come out ahead on
some other items by offering its customers so-called "loss leaders.' The danger,
of course, is that the customer will avail himself of the loss leader without buying
anything else.
And that is whar has happened in connection with Chancellor Brandt's Eastern
policy. The Soviet Union has signed a non-aggression pact with the Federal
Republic but has refused to cooperate on the questions of free and unhindered civil
access to Berlin, improvement of travel and communications for Berliners within and
around Berlin, and the ending of discrimination against Berlin by the Soviet Union
and some of its allies.
The German Federal Republic has kept its skirts clean by refusing to ratify
the treaties with the Soviet Union and Poland until such time as the Berlin questions
are satisfactorily resolved.
As for East Germany, that Communist state has rejected Brandt's proposal of
(more)
Ii
two states in a single German nation and offers of closer and more natural
inter-German contacts.
The Federal Republic has remained a loyal member of NATO throughout all of
Brandt's overtures to his Eastern neighbors, and our government has been in close
consultation with the government of the Federal Republic.
We have emphasized the four-power rights concerning Berlin where they needed
to be emphasized. The round of exchanges on Berlin which began in March 1970 with
the Soviet Union are continuing.
The Nixon Administration, working with our NATO allies, seeks a European
detente. But we are realistic about it. Our thinking is not befogged with
euphoric misconceptions concerning Soviet aims.
Any permanent easing of tension in Europe must include progress in solving
the problem of a divided Germany.
The German national question is one for the German people to decide. But
there is no doubt in my mind that this question ultimately will be resolved only
because the Federal Republic speaks from a position of strength--its secure position
as a member of a strong NATO.
As President Nixon has said, "Reducing the military confrontation in Europe
is in the common interest of East and West. Our mutual objective should be to
create a more stable military balance at lower levels and lower costs."
But while we seek to reduce the military confrontation, we must maintain the
relative strength of NATO and continue America's strong role in NATO.
Americans and Europeans need constantly to be reminded of the Soviet Union's
westward expansion at the close of World War II.
It was not until the Russians had brought Poland, East Germany, Hungary,
Bulgaria, Rumania and Czechoslovakia into the Communist camp that the free nations
of Europe joined with the United States and Canada to form the NATO shield against
further encroachments on the Atlantic world.
The 15-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization developed into an alliance
that rimmed Russia from Norway on the north to Turkey on the south. Thus did NATO
stop the Soviets' territorial aggrandizement.
NATO's principal value to world peace lies in its military strength. We must
keep NATO strong. We must not allow it to lapse into disrepair. Our contribution
of U.S. forces to NATO is the basis of our allies' confidence in us. We cannot
allow that confidence to waver.
(more)
5-
What should be the basis of NATO strategy in seeking to deter aggression?
We must have forces able to defend against the enemy without immediate resort
to nuclear war. This would give us full flexibility in responding to any outbreak
of hostilities. We must be capable of a strong and credible deployment of modern
NATO conventional forces. America's guarantee of nuclear defense is, of course,
crucial. It should not, however, be the sole basis of Allied deterrence.
And so we must remain vigilant and we must remain strong--while at the same
time we seek to weave the fabric of an enduring peace.
Every now and again I think of what I consider to be one of the greatest
speeches ever given by an American President.
I have in mind President Eisenhower's Farewell Radio and Television Address
to the American People, delivered Jan. 17, 1961.
That speech is most famous because of Ike's warning about the dangers of
undue influence on the part of the military-industrial complex. But Ike that night
said many other things far more important.
At one point, he said: "Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United
States had no armament industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time
and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency
improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent
armaments industry of vast proportions."
A little earlier in his address, Ike declared: "A vital element in keeping
the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant
action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction."
This is my message to you tonight--that we avoid fear and hate but that we
know the enemy and be ever ready to meet him if and when that dire event is thrust
upon us. It is only thus that we can fill the role of peacemakers in the kind of
world in which we live.
I congratulate the Steuben Society because I know you are dedicated to those
principles which have made America great.
Let us all embrace those principles and move forward together in pursuit of
peace and justice for peoples throughout the world.
###
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BEFORE THE STEUBEN SOCIETY
AT THE AMERICANA HOTEL, NEW YORK, NEW YORK
7 p.m. SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1971
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
Good evening. I am very happy to be here. It is always a pleasure to be
among citizens who have a deep devotion to duty and a keen awareness of their
responsibilities as Americans.
I share with you your pride in the accomplishments of the Revolutionary War
general, Frederick William von Steuben. Certainly General von Steuben occupies a
place of great honor in the history of America. It might well be said that the
American colonists would never have won their freedom without his valiant services.
In looking over the Steuben Society's objectives and aims, I was most
impressed by your 14 points and notably the fact that this Society is "dedicated
to enlightened participation in local, state and national affairs."
My remarks tonight may not be entertaining. I have never been very good
at comedy routines. But my comments may be enlightening.
All of us in America need all of the enlightenment that may be available,
for we live in perilous times.
We live in an age when freedom has come heavily under attack.
I speak of the continuing danger of Communist expansionism.
I speak of an atmosphere which is becoming more and more pervasive among
Americans, an atmosphere which is giving rise to broadened and heightened attacks
on the free enterprise system and on the institution of free democratic government
itself.
I speak of the Soviet drive for superiority in nuclear power, in technology
and in naval forces.
I speak of the fact that while the Soviet Union continues to increase its
defense outlays, we have been drastically reducing ours in constant dollars.
While the Soviet Union makes great efforts to build up its Navy, we allow
ours to ride at anchor. While the Soviet Union sends increasing numbers of ships
into the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, leading members of the
United States Senate cast about for ways to cut our defense budget.
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--2-
In the area of nuclear power, the Soviets in the last three years have
achieved parity with us. The Russians now are developing super warheads, much
larger than any in our arsenal. At the same time the Russians have been increasing
the number and accuracy of their intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The threat of nuclear war hangs over the world like a time bomb. Let us
hope the process of defusing that bomb began with the announcement last Thursday
in Washington and Moscow that the United States and the Soviet Union had agreed
to negotiate limitations on both offensive and defensive nuclear weapons
simultaneously.
This agreement is clearly one of the most significant breakthroughs for
peace in the history of the modern world--a breakthrough in our efforts to place
curbs on the development of nuclear weapons.
While intensive negotiations lie ahead and concrete agreements may yet elude
us, we must recognize this initial agreement as a step toward preserving the peace
of the world and a step toward relief from the crushing cost burden of the arms
race.
The U.S.-Russian agreement to pursue negotiations involving both offensive
and defensive nuclear weapons holds a vast potential for benefit to mankind. It
indicates a more enlightened attitude on the part of the Russians. It prompts
me to look for the day when we can come to a substantive arms control agreement. I
feel there is genuine cause for optimism.
While we continue to negotiate, we must always keep in mind that peace comes
to the strong. I think the recently-announced S.-Soviet agreement points up
the fact that President Nixon held the ABM in his hand as a trump card. It under-
scores the wisdom of his refusal to throw that card away in the face of attacks
by the Senate doves.
We must not, of course, allow the exhileration of the moment to run away
with reason.
Many obstacles lie in the path of any further agreements with the Soviet
Union, and not the least of these has been the Russian attempt to bring about the
dismantling of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
It is a hopeful note that the Russians now are indicating a willingness to
discuss a mutual reduction of forces in Europe. They had been insisting on a U.S.
withdrawal without a corresponding Soviet withdrawal from Eastern Europe.
I am opposed to a unilateral reduction of U.S. forces in Europe, now or at
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-3-
any time in the future. Our objective should be a mutual reduction, and we must
expand and intensify our negotiations to that end.
Unilateral reductions would weaken the possibility of getting the Soviet
Union to withdraw some of its forces from Eastern Europe.
I welcome Leonid Brezhnev's initiative in this regard. This was a response
to a NATO invitation to discuss mutual troop withdrawals. It will be on the agenda
of the NATO meeting in June.
There is, of course, continuing talk of shifting a greater portion of the
NATO expense burden to our NATO allies.
In view of our shockingly poor balance of payments situation, a greater
contribution on the part of our NATO allies is very much to be desired.
Of the 300,000 U.S. troops in Europe, 210,000 are stationed in Germany.
Maintaining this level of troops in Germany created a balance-of-payments outflow
of $1 billion each year in 1969 and 1970.
Fortunately, the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany concluded
an agreement designed to offset most of this balance-of-payments outflow during the
period July 1, 1969 through June 30, 1971. We now must negotiate a new offset
agreement to take effect when the present agreement expires.
Returning to the matter of a unilateral reduction of U.S. forces in Europe,
I believe this is a case of giving something away and getting nothing in return.
This is what is wrong with German Chancellor Willi Brandt's Eastern policy.
Brandt's Eastern policy is like a supermarket hoping to come out ahead on
some other items by offering its customers so-called "loss leaders.' The danger,
of course, is that the customer will avail himself of the loss leader without buying
anything else.
And that is whar has happened in connection with Chancellor Brandt's Eastern
policy. The Soviet Union has signed a non-aggression pact with the Federal
Republic but has refused to cooperate on the questions of free and unhindered civil
access to Berlin, improvement of travel and communications for Berliners within and
around Berlin, and the ending of discrimination against Berlin by the Soviet Union
and some of its allies.
The German Federal Republic has kept its skirts clean by refusing to ratify
the treaties with the Soviet Union and Poland until such time as the Berlin questions
are satisfactorily resolved.
As for East Germany, that Communist state has rejected Brandt's proposal of
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4
two states in a single German nation and offers of closer and more natural
inter-German contacts.
The Federal Republic has remained a loyal member of NATO throughout all of
Brandt's overtures to his Eastern neighbors, and our government has been in close
consultation with the government of the Federal Republic.
We have emphasized the four-power rights concerning Berlin where they needed
to be emphasized. The round of exchanges on Berlin which began in March 1970 with
the Soviet Union are continuing.
The Nixon Administration, working with our NATO allies, seeks a European
detente. But we are realistic about it. Our thinking is not befogged with
euphoric misconceptions concerning Soviet aims.
Any permanent easing of tension in Europe must include progress in solving
the problem of a divided Germany.
The German national question is one for the German people to decide. But
there is no doubt in my mind that this question ultimately will be resolved only
because the Federal Republic speaks from a position of strength--its secure position
as a member of a strong NATO.
As President Nixon has said, "Reducing the military confrontation in Europe
is in the common interest of East and West. Our mutual objective should be to
create a more stable military balance at lower levels and lower costs."
But while we seek to reduce the military confrontation, we must maintain the
relative strength of NATO and continue America's strong role in NATO.
Americans and Europeans need constantly to be reminded of the Soviet Union's
westward expansion at the close of World War II.
It was not until the Russians had brought Poland, East Germany, Hungary,
Bulgaria, Rumania and Czechoslovakia into the Communist camp that the free nations
of Europe joined with the United States and Canada to form the NATO shield against
further encroachments on the Atlantic world.
The 15-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization developed into an alliance
that rimmed Russia from Norway on the north to Turkey on the south. Thus did NATO
stop the Soviets' territorial aggrandizement.
NATO's principal value to world peace lies in its military strength. We must
keep NATO strong. We must not allow it to lapse into disrepair. Our contribution
of U.S. forces to NATO is the basis of our allies' confidence in us. We cannot
allow that confidence to waver.
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-5-
What should be the basis of NATO strategy in seeking to deter aggression?
We must have forces able to defend against the enemy without immediate resort
to nuclear war. This would give us full flexibility in responding to any outbreak
of hostilities. We must be capable of a strong and credible deployment of modern
NATO conventional forces. America's guarantee of nuclear defense is, of course,
crucial. It should not, however, be the sole basis of Allied deterrence.
And so we must remain vigilant and we must remain strong-while at the same
time we seek to weave the fabric of an enduring peace.
Every now and again I think of what I consider to be one of the greatest
speeches ever given by an American President.
I have in mind President Eisenhower's Farewell Radio and Television Address
to the American People, delivered Jan. 17, 1961.
That speech is most famous because of Ike's warning about the dangers of
undue influence on the part of the military-industrial complex. But Ike that night
said many other things far more important.
At one point, he said: "Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United
States had no armament industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time
and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency
improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent
armaments industry of vast proportions.'
A little earlier in his address, Ike declared: "A vital element in keeping
the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant
action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction."
This is my message to you tonight--that we avoid fear and hate but that we
know the enemy and be ever ready to meet him if and when that dire event is thrust
upon us. It is only thus that we can fill the role of peacemakers in the kind of
world in which we live.
I congratulate the Steuben Society because I know you are dedicated to those
principles which have made America great.
Let us all embrace those principles and move forward together in pursuit of
peace and justice for peoples throughout the world.
###
AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE
constitutional republic and for freedom i
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
this nation. This struggle for American I
FOREWORD
tinues today as the people of our Nation
Loyally to support the Constitution of the United
the Free World are called on to face a
States of America by advocating the proper applica-
Voluntary membership organizations have eminent-
atheistic doctrine promulgated the WOI
tion of its provisions and inculcating the principles
ly contributed to the progress of these United States
Communist subservients.
underlying true democratic government;
of America. Each organization directing its efforts
While man can now walk the moon -
toward certain worthwhile endeavors, in which it is
To quicken the spirit of sound Americanism and
satellite, atomic, and missile age, we live i
interested, makes for an overall effort for the welfare
foster a patriotic American spirit among all citizens;
of alarms. With each new day, new anxiet
of the entire country. We recognize the work of all
becloud the future of our country; yet
To aid in maintaining the independence and sover-
such organizations.
must not panic. We must retain our sense
eignty of the United States of America and its free-
The American Way of Life is a blend of the cult-
and not become defeatists. Ideas and won
dom from all foreign influence;
ural gifts of the peoples of all lands.
calm appraisal must rise from citizens, re
To establish co-operation among its members in
As American citizens of German blood, we take
party, above discordant voices and un
the exercise of their civic duties and to encourage
justifiable pride in the realization that all segments of
opinions.
among them an active participation in every phase
American life have been enriched by the contribu-
To remain a free nation we must rede
of our national life;
tions of men and women of our race in the arts, in the
selves to the principles heretofore establishe
sciences and in government.
who over the years gave us our manifest of 1
To promote the Welfare and enhance the happi-
Our continuing contributions can best be assured
The Steuben Society of America works for
ness of its members and their fellowmen;
and can only prosper in a climate of understanding
plishment of these goals We urge all good
and tolerance under a political system based on equal-
participate in a rededication to the prir
To perpetuate itself as a patriotic and fraternal
ity, justice and freedom.
patriotism and the love of country in prese
voluntary membership organization and to provide
for its government;
great Republic.
It is to this objective that the program of the
To guard our political liberty by maintaining an
Steuben Society of America is dedicated.
For over fifty years, alert, upright Amer
zens of Germanic descent throughout Amer
honest equality of citizenship regardless of the birth,
This booklet is intended for those willing to share
united in the Steuben Society of America,
origin or religion of any citizen;
in a responsibility to your benefit to preserve and
teer, patriotic national organization, to main
perpetuate our precious freedoms and to conquer
To maintain the traditions of our country.
grams rendering worthwhile services on a T
apathy. This folder tells something of the Steuben
State and Community level. The membershi;
Society of America, and is intended to serve as an ap-
Society and its conduct is such as to comm
peal to join our ranks.
respect of all decent fellow citizens.
There is a great need for Americans to be well
As a conscientious citizen you should be aw
)CIF
versed in American history and what that history
to secure and enjoy your rights and I
O,
means in terms of rights and freedom
in order
vour
duties
towa
and the per-
you
cannot
aftor
STEU
AMER
petuation of this Republic of the people.
country.
The first Continental Congress was formed to
THE
unite the Colonies and to create a Continental Army
As an individual, your efforts are necessarily li
which, in turn, helped to make possible the writing of
ited. As a member of an organized group much mc
A
worthwhile work can be done.
the greatest documents of freedom known to man-
:VDED
MAY
GIGH
kind, the Constitution of the United States and the
We would welcome the opportunity to enlist y
Bill of Rights.
as a member. For further information, why not CO
tact us?
The descendants of Americans of Germanic origin,
together with the thousands of freedom loving
STEUBEN SOCIETY OF AMERICA
people who have come to us in the intervening