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26
16
4
7
Institute Briefing Paper
Hudson
August 24, 1990
Chris-for 123
10/3 event
The Implications of German Economic Unification
FYI
Gary L. Geipel
AP
[SUMMARY: Germany's economic unification preceded
In all-German elections this December, Chancellor
and in many respects is the driving force in the country's
Helmut Kohl and the conservative Christian Democratic
political unification. Economic and monetary union in
Party's coalition can be expected to emerge victorious. A
Germany now is two months old. It has brought into
unified Germany and its new Bundestag [parliament] then
sharper focus the financial, social, and political chal-
will face at least five fundamental challenges in realizing
lenges that the German people themselves will have to
the benefits of economic merger:
overcome, and it offers important indicators of what the
First, the West and East German people must over-
rest of the world can expect from a united Germany in the
come certain aspects of the socialization they have under-
decade ahead.]
gone in the past forty years, which now hinder their
coming together as one nation. Second, German political
Introduction
leaders must play a more significant role in inspiring their
The economic variable in the future of Germany is as
people for a shared mission that requires both sacrifice and
important as it is difficult to calculate. There simply are no
patience. Third, the German political parties must come to
similar historical cases to refer to. Never has a rapid
terms with their new constituency in East Germany, which
merger been attempted between two regions with such
reflects different interests than those prevailing in West
different economic histories and levels of development.
Germany. Fourth, German leaders and average citizens
That East and West Germany contain people who speak
alike must demonstrate that they can navigate the difficult
the same language and share a common culture makes the
course between the painful but economically responsible
task only marginally easier or more predictable.
decisions necessary to promote East German recovery,
Still, the course of Germany's economic union will
and choices that only will maximize short-term gains.
determine to a large extent the behavior of a unified
Finally, Germany must develop an international economic
German state. Historians have argued convincingly that
strategy that maximizes the country's future growth
prosperity is more closely linked to a positive national
without isolating it from its economic and political
identity and political stability in Germany than in most
alliance partners.
other societies. At the same time, the results of economic
Germany's responses to such challenges are still ten-
union will influence Germany's future status as a competi-
tative. Nevertheless, enough evidence exists to derive at
tor in international markets, its strategic position in
least seven propositions regarding a united Germany:
Europe, and its political weight throughout the world. The
(1) The new Germany will display a growing free-market
economic variable in Germany's unification equation
orientation and entrepreneurial spirit, making it a
therefore must be confronted.
more formidable international competitor than at any
It is my premise here that while the difficulties of
point since World War II.
Germany's economic merger and East Germany's transi-
(2) Regional economic and political strength in Germany
tion to the free market will be considerable, they will be of
will grow, despite or in part because of the relocation
relatively short duration and herald a period of prosperity
of the German capital to Berlin.
unprecedented even in the history of West Germany's
(3) Germany's appeal to immigrants from throughout
economic miracle.
Europe and even the Middle East will grow, and could
Gary L. Geipel is a Research Fellow in Hudson Institute's Center for Soviet and Central European Studies in Indianapolis. Mr.
Geipel directed a Hudson conference on The Future of Germany in June, the first conference in the U.S. since the opening of
the Berlin Wall devoted to the issues of German reunification. Hudson Institute will publish a book this fall on the conference
proceedings. This paper is adapted from Mr. Geipel's presentation to the conference, which will be included in that book.
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper
Page
2
No. 123
place the United States and Germany in competition
most widely read West German magazines and newspa-
not only for markets but for talent.
pers - which have reached epic proportions in recent
(4) Economic issues will become the focus of political
months¹ - also have not helped to shore up enthusiasm
dissent in Germany, especially on the far right and the
for economic union. Now that economic union is
far left.
underway, it is easier to evaluate whether German
(5) Germany will play a pivotal economic role in Eastern
concerns are justified, and how those concerns might
Europe and the Soviet Union, not exceeded by any
translate into behavior.
other industrialized country; this has at least the
potential to influence German foreign policy.
The West German Perspective
(6) At the same time, Germany will solidify its position
For many West Germans, economic union has two
as primus inter pares -- first among equals -- in the
overriding implications: inflation resulting from the print-
European Community (EC).
ing of new Deutsche Marks (DMs) and a pillaging of the
(7) East Germany's recovery programs, the collapse of
public purse to fund East Germany's transformation to a
the East-West divide in Europe, and the economic
modern capitalist economy. Inflation is taken to mean
transformation of Eastern Europe will combine to
higher prices for consumer goods, and greater public
create an unprecedented competition for German in-
spending is equated with larger budget deficits and tax
vestment among all of the European countries - a
rates - in both cases threatening the vaunted West
competition that will be won, more than before, on
German standard of living.
the basis of free-market calculations and not political
On the first count, the historically based German fear
or institutional considerations.
of inflation can hardly be overstated, and it goes far in
explaining West German reaction to the exchange of East
The Economic Outlook
German personal savings accounts, wages, and pensions
When the Berlin Wall opened on the night of Novem-
to DMs at parity. From the standpoint of money supply,
ber 9, 1989, West Berlin's mayor said that "the German
however, West German fears of significant inflation re-
people were the happiest people in the world." If so, they
sulting from currency union are not well grounded.
simply weren't themselves that night. In mid-1990 - if
Estimates are that the overall supply of DMs increased in
most media accounts, opinion polls, and private conversa-
proportion (between 10 and 13 percent) to the increase in
tions are to be believed - the Germans again are in the
productive capacity that West Germany experienced as a
grips of an anxiety attack that is severe even by the
result of currency union. Indeed, in the months since
standards of a people for whom anxiety is a national
currency union, inflation has not been a problem in
cachet.
Germany. Money supply calculations were proven cor-
The main causes of German concern are not the
rect, and East Germans have not gone on the massive
country's future position in NATO or the status of the
spending spree that some economists feared.
Oder-Neisse border with Poland. Today it is money that
Having calmed themselves somewhat regarding infla-
worries Germans the most. In primitive terms, West
tion, West German taxpayers worry more than ever that
Germans worry about how much of it they'll have to spend
they will bear most of the direct costs of unification.
on unification; East Germans worry about how much of it
Estimates range between DM 500-800 billion ($300-500
they'll get, and how quickly. In polls taken just before
billion) of the resources that will be required to bring East
Germany's monetary union on July 2, more than half of all
Germany's infrastructure up to the level of West
West Germans expressed the belief that currency union -
Germany. Such estimates do not include the enormous
an inevitable aspect of the growing together that they
cost to modernize East German industry, also thought to
celebrated last November - will be disadvantageous to
be in the neighborhood of DM 500 billion.
them. Only 28 percent of West Germans were prepared to
A strong case can be made, however, that most of East
make financial sacrifices to help achieve unification. And
Germany's infrastructure-development bill will not bur-
less than 40 percent of East Germans agreed with Chan-
den the German taxpayer. Industrial modernization costs
cellor Kohl's campaign prediction that "in five years,
will be paid in large measure by private industry,
today's GDR will be a booming region."
particularly cash-flush West German firms. The role of
In all fairness to the Germans, euphoria is a difficult
government here is limited to providing tax and financing
and not very practical condition to sustain. After the
incentives. Early signs on investment are fairly positive.
reality of November 9 set in, a more sobering confronta-
The pool of funds made available to investors through
tion with the problems of unification was inevitable. The
low-interest loans from Bonn's European Recovery
shortsightedness, paranoia, and cynicism of some of the
Program (ERP) has been increased from DM 1.2 to DM 6
August 24, 1990
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 3
billion ($3.75 billion) this year to accommodate the more
Assessing its transitional problems, the East German Fi-
than 2,700 applications already received for business
nance Ministry recently estimated that expenditures in the
startup funding in East Germany from small and medium-
region will exceed likely tax revenues and existing budget
sized firms. Some large West German industrial firms
commitments from West Germany by at least DM 36
seem to be waiting for complete unification before
billion ($22.5 billion) next year. This will create an all-
moving aggressively into East Germany, or for existing
German budget deficit of as much as DM 100 billion
East German enterprises to become even cheaper buyout
($62.5 billion) in 1991.
targets by virtue of their collapse.
Faced with such numbers, Chancellor Kohl has ap-
Improvements to East Germany's public infrastruc-
peared to waver in recent statements on his pledge that
ture will be spread over at least the next decade, and paid
unification will not require additional taxes. Earlier this
to some extent from the sale or income of East German
year, Kohl's "German Unity Fund" was seen as a political
land and capital stock, estimated to be worth several
master stroke in offsetting part of the unification deficits
hundred billion DMs. Though a portion of capital stock is
through 1994 without requiring new taxes. The Fund's
so old and outmoded as to be of little value, proceeds from
DM 115 billion ($72 billion) will consist of DM 20 billion
the sale and privatization of viable East German enter-
prises and other state assets - which is being managed by
a trust agency in Berlin - along with the sale of state-
While the difficulties of Germany's
owned land, could fund a significant range of public-
economic merger will be considerable,
works projects. Eventually, as the East German corporate
sector grows and private incomes increase, the tax
they will herald a period of prosperity
revenues of the East German Länder [states] will grow
unprecedented even in the history of
proportionately, allowing more financing of infrastructure
West Germany's economic miracle.
projects through the budget process.
The most serious burden facing Germany's federal
budget is the cost of cushioning East Germany's transition
($13 billion) the Bonn government otherwise would have
to a market economy, which even in the most optimistic
spent on West Berlin subsidies and other financial relics of
scenarios will take years. The budget deficits of a united
Germany's division, and DM 95 billion ($59 billion)
Germany will be large through at least the middle of the
raised on domestic and international capital markets.
1990s, as a result of extending West German unemploy-
Bonn and the German states will divide the interest
ment and other social benefits to the East German people
payments on those additional debts, thus cushioning the
and temporarily guaranteeing the solvency of firms that
blow for any single government. Already, however, East
show at least some prospect of becoming viable in a
Germany's Finance Ministry has recommended doubling
capitalist economy. More than 250,000 East German
the size of the Unity Fund to compensate for the higher-
workers were unemployed within six weeks of currency
than-expected short-term costs of unification. Just servic-
union, and another 800,000 saw their hours cut back
ing the interest on that much additional debt may require
drastically; some 100,000 older workers took early
tax hikes.
retirement. The age and inefficiency of East German
Kohl and members of his coalition continue to hope,
enterprises will force many of them to close entirely in the
with good reason, that German deficits will decline after
face of competition. Other firms will lay off thousands of
1991 as laid-off East German workers find new jobs and
workers, as they specialize and retool in an effort to
corporate tax revenues rise from unity-induced growth.
increase productivity. All told, as many as 2.7 million East
Clearing away the dead wood of East German industry -
German workers may face at least some period of
even if temporarily quite painful - should guarantee that
unemployment in the transition period.
any tax increases and other sacrifices borne by the West
In July alone, East Germany extended credit guaran-
Germans will be moderate and of short duration.
tees of more than DM 10 billion ($6.25 billion) - the
amount originally budgeted for all of 1990 - to firms
The East German Perspective
facing imminent bankruptcy. Since then, the East German
Polls and personal encounters confirm the general
trust agency responsible for offering guarantees has tight-
mood described by two Financial Times reporters: "[East
ened its criteria. Now, only firms with a viable business
Germans] may have voted for the 'cold shower' route to
plan and a reasonable chance of survival will receive state
the market economy, but they were damned if they were
assistance. Such strictness, of course, will hasten the col-
going to look happy about it." Many East Germans, of
lapse of many firms and increase unemployment further.
course, took some time to realize just how cold a shower
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 4
No. 123
they had voted for. What they heard described by Kohl
purchasing automobiles, clothing, furniture, and basic
and others in campaign speeches last March was
appliances, for example).
something more akin to utopia than to shock treatment.
As with West German concerns regarding tax hikes,
Now, East Germans are face-to-face with large-scale
however, East German anxieties quickly can be exagger-
unemployment. Pensioners on fixed incomes worry that
ated. Far less often cited than unemployment statistics is
the replacement of all food, rent, and transportation
the fact that more than 100,000 new private businesses
subsidies with market prices by early 1991 will force them
were registered in East Germany in the first half of 1990
to live below the subsistence level. Other East Germans
(before economic union even took place). At the same
fear becoming the new poor of a united Germany, and
time, about 70 percent of existing East German enterprises
believe that they will receive fewer social security
are given a realistic chance of survival in a free-market en-
benefits than they are accustomed to. And many resent
vironment, albeit with streamlined work forces. In com-
that their country has become the target of West German
parison with prospects for a quick economic transition in
speculators, who they believe will soon own the majority
Czechoslovakia, Hungary, or Poland, East Germany's
of property and productive capacity.
situation is rosy. Its people now have hard currency to
Such East German concerns are not groundless.
spend and plenty to buy with it. And they are protected by
Those who keep their jobs will make less, initially, than
a social safety net known for keeping even its sorriest
the average West German worker (see Figure 1), which in
cases above water.
a situation of rising consumer prices will leave East
Germans feeling disadvantaged. Only two weeks after the
Economic Union and
currency union, prices in East Germany for most basic
the December Elections
food products and consumer goods equaled or exceeded
Two questions will be crucial in determining the
levels in West Germany. East German retirees initially
outcome of the first all-German elections in almost fifty
will not have the pension income needed to support even a
years, scheduled for December 2. First, do Germans take
basic existence (see Figure 1), and will deplete at least part
the long view or the short view of their country's
of their savings. Though the pension system can be
economic situation? Second, to what extent will the
expected to correct for price increases, this will occur with
economics of unification be a factor in voters' choices?
some delay. Discretionary buying power for most East
It is a safe bet that the economic chaos in East
Germans will remain severely restricted until pay rates
Germany will get worse before it gets better, and that East
begin to rise and East Germans correct some of the more
Germany will be a liability before it can become an asset
basic
shortcomings
in their standard of living (by
to a unified German economy. It is an equally safe bet that
Figure 1: East German Income Expectations
Average Monthly Income in DM, July 1990
East Germany
West Germany
2500
2370
2000
1470
1500
1180
1035
1000
640
500
410
0
Unemployment Checks
Wages
Pensions
Source: Hudson calculations based on official statistics
August 24, 1990
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 5
unification ultimately will lead to a period of unprece-
approach gained no credibility, since its consequence
dented economic growth and prosperity for all of
almost certainly would have been a continued massive
Germany. The time horizon of German voters therefore is
migration of East Germans to the West - a prospect that
crucial. Both major political parties are betting that the
worried West Germans even more than a fast, expensive
short-term perspective will win out. For Chancellor Kohl
unification scheme. Moreover, the SPD will be hard
and his Christian Democrats (CDU), the further the
pressed to criticize the speed of unification to win West
elections are held from the "burp" - the point of
German voters, since doing so would risk alienating East
maximum discomfort in the swallowing of the East
Germans.
German economy - the better. For the opposition Social
Unification policies are likely to be somewhat more
Democrats (SPD) and their Chancellor-Candidate, Oskar
important in the behavior of East German voters, though
Lafontaine, the more economic pain voters are feeling at
still not decisive, given the timing of the elections. The
election time, the better.
remarkable victory of the East German CDU, in the coun-
If the major parties' assessment of voter perspectives
try's first free elections last March, contradicted political
holds true, then December 2 should be slightly more
traditions in the region (which favored the SPD) and
favorable to the CDU and its coalition partner, the FDP
defied the predictions of most pollsters. East Germany's
(see Figure 2 on page 6 for current projection). Even if
vote for the CDU was a vote - often based on last-minute
new taxes become necessary, Kohl should be able to hold
decisions at the polling place - for the shortest perceived
off announcing them - and disturbing West German
route to prosperity, one that led through Bonn and enlisted
voters - until 1991. For East Germans, the most difficult
Chancellor Kohl's CDU in opening West German purse
economic times also are not likely to be reached until
strings.
early 1991. Rent subsidies will be lifted then, raising
In other words, many East Germans in March were
monthly living costs significantly. Also by the first of the
classic single-issue voters who put aside tradition, senti-
year, pre-unification orders from East Germany's bread-
ment and a more comprehensive view of party programs
and-butter clients in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe
to. achieve a single desired outcome: in this case,
will have been fulfilled, removing the last cushion from
economic parity with West Germany. As single-issue
enterprises facing massive restructuring.² Until a new
voters, the East Germans should not be expected to display
equilibrium in trade with the East is found, many of the
unwavering loyalty to the CDU, especially if their
more than 500,000 jobs linked to Soviet orders could be
prospects for quick prosperity appear to dim.⁴ In Decem-
lost, sending East German unemployment to its peak in
ber, however, most East Germans probably will still
1991.
blame their economic difficulties not on Chancellor Kohl
Lafontaine is on record as calling the July 1 currency
and his experienced Cabinet, but on forty years of
union "a mistake," for the primary reason that it will cause
communist rule or, at worst, on the amateurism of the
massive unemployment. This stance was criticized both
caretaker government they elected last March.
outside and inside the SPD as unproductive obstruction-
ism. Clearly, it is a gamble. Lafontaine's position could
Challenges for the Germans
backfire as evidence of more fundamental reservations
Many observers are surprised that while Germany -
about speedy unification, which would earn him no points
especially West Germany - is unusually well endowed
with most East Germans. On the other hand, if the pain of
with the means to make unification a reality, it seems
currency union exceeds current predictions, Lafontaine
strangely lacking in the will. This is less surprising if one
may be in a unique position to profit from saying "I told
considers that the fundamental challenge of Germany's
you so."
economic merger, as described by Professor Arthur
In the end, with all-German elections held already on
Stahnke at Hudson Institute's recent conference, is "the
December 2, the economics of unification may not be the
combination of epic change and people thinking in
critical factor that many politicians expect them to be.³
ordinary terms." Thinking in ordinary terms - with a
Among West German voters, this is because no alternative
short-term perspective, focused on personal circum-
is seen to the unification policies Kohl has pursued. Wide-
stances, and resistant to new ways of solving problems -
spread anxiety provably will not be translated into an anti-
is how most of us confront our daily lives. The Germans
CDU backlash, because the SPD never advanced a com-
are no exception. Their natural impulse is to view
prehensive alternative approach to currency union or the
unification through their pocketbooks and from their
financing of East German reconstruction. Indeed, most of
figurative front porches, not always realizing that they are
the SPD leadership supported Kohl's economic strategy
now part of an "epic" economic and social experiment
this year. Lafontaine was the exception, but his go-slow
upon which their future prosperity and stability depend.
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 6
No. 123
Figure 2: Political Preferences
in Unified Germany
CDU/CSU/DSU -
(if national election held tomorrow)
44.2%
Republikaner -
1%
FDP - 8.3%
SPD - 36.5%
PDS 3%
Greens - 7%
Hudson estimate
Several factors are
important in determining how the
people acquiesced but took their non-participation to an
Germans will fare.
extreme - focusing their energy and creativity on their
It will be crucial, first of all, that the German people
vegetable gardens or their grey-market freelancing in the
overcome certain aspects of the socialization they experi-
service sector, in an effort to compensate for the drudgery
enced as citizens of very different German states, which
and low pay of their official jobs. In short, the East
now hinder their coming together in one state.
Germans expected everything and nothing from authority.
West Germans, for example, to a degree found in few
Confronted now with unification, the East Germans must
other societies, have defined the quality of their nation by
begin to trust that their "real" jobs are the route to survival
its ability to deliver increasing personal prosperity and
and that their productivity on those jobs is crucial. At the
increasing leisure time. Perhaps appalled by Germany's
same time, they must learn that the prosperity they covet
past pursuit of national goals, West Germans now focus
in West Germany was not the gift of a better central
most of their attention on their own well-being. This
authority but the result of a better social contract: one in
tendency is not easy to quantify, but it is visible to even the
which patience, hard work, and participation have a
casual observer. With generous incomes, more time off
reasonable chance of being rewarded.
than any work force in the world, and a social system that
A united Germany's ability to overcome such sociali-
absolves them of almost any responsibility for charity or
zation problems is closely linked to the kind of inspiration
volunteerism, the Germans are virtually unconstrained in
it receives from its leaders. Thus far, no political figure or
their pursuit of material goods, long vacations, and the
party platform has succeeded in creating a sense of
good life. To the extent that any of this is threatened, even
mission among the Germans, one that could bind East and
temporarily, unification comes as a rude shock. It is the
West Germans together to expect and accept temporary
ultimate national -- rather than personal -- mission and is
sacrifices and delays in the pursuit of an ultimate boom.
equated with sacrifice. The likelihood that unification will
Kohl and the CDU fired East Germans up in the
lead to even greater prosperity is easily obscured.
March election campaign, only to send them plummeting
East Germans also have a peculiar view of national
again in April with rhetoric designed to reduce expecta-
undertakings, though for different reasons. Saddled for
tions and reassure West Germans that not too much had
forty years with a government they did not trust and one
been promised. Since then, Kohl's personal enthusiasm
that delivered neither prosperity nor personal freedom, the
for unification has grown steadily, but the response from
East Germans also retreated inward. The East German
him and his coalition partners to the problems of economic
"niche society," as it was sometimes called, was a peculiar
union is more often to deny them than to cast them as
bargain. The state claimed sole responsibility for major
exciting, conquerable challenges. Even West German
decisions, from broad economic strategy down to the
President Richard von Weizsäcker, who on other issues
allocation of university spaces and jobs. The East German
has spoken with the most eloquent and morally persuasive
August 24, 1990
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 7
voice in German politics, has done almost nothing to
economic environment must be created in East Germany
soothe the anxieties surrounding unification. Lafontaine
that will attract the most investment (especially from West
and part of the West German SPD, stunned by their March
Germany) and overcome forty years of socialism in the
defeat in East Germany, reacted by carving out a "You'll
least time, while maintaining optimism and stability
be sorry" line towards East German voters and playing on
among the East German population. The first set of goals
cost-of-unity anxieties in the West. More recently,
may be directly contradicted by politically attractive
Lafontaine has remained preoccupied with pointing out
choices that maximize the second set of goals.
problems raised by unification, rather than with finding
It helps to envision a continuum, where East Ger-
creative solutions to overcome them.
many's maximum attractiveness to outside investment
Perhaps it is unfair to criticize Germans for shying
and most rapid transition to economic viability on one end
away from campaigns to pump up national enthusiasm,
(meaning low wage rates and unrestrictive labor laws) is
given their history. The German people have learned to
associated with significant disparities in wealth and the
play down such enthusiasm to reassure outsiders. Ulti-
continuing emigration of East Germans to the West. On
mately, however, outsiders may be more disconcerted by a
the other end of this continuum, rigid employment
German people who appear unwilling to make sacrifices
guarantees in East Germany (such as a wage parity with
in the pursuit of a greater good. Such a people, after all,
West Germany, high levels of unemployment insurance
would be less likely to overcome tensions among
and/or a constitutional right to work) would keep East
themselves. In a more practical sense, German anxieties
Germans in place and ease their sense of second-class
over unification easily could become self-fulfilling if
status, but could lead to hesitation among investors and an
allowed to persist unchecked.
expensive, drawn-out transition from state socialism.
The emergence of leadership for a new Germany
Germany's treaty on economic union staked out a
probably will occur only as quickly as the country's politi-
viable middle position on this continuum. The 1:1 conver-
cal parties adjust to their new constituencies. The major
sion of East German wages (which average just under half
political parties common to both East and West Germany
of the average West German wage) is somewhat generous
(the CDU, SPD, the Liberal party [FDP], and the Greens)
to the East German labor force with regards to its produc-
will unify this fall, but their internal adjustments could
tivity (estimated at between one-third and one-half of
take much longer. Ideological compatibility cannot
West German levels). The treaty applies key provisions of
always overcome competing interests, and for several
West German labor law to East German workers,
years the interests of the East German people - - seeking
including protection against dismissal, but does not set
transfers of wealth from West Germany and other rapid
guidelines for wage levels or accept the right to work
steps to overcome their economic backwardness - will
guaranteed under the East German constitution. It
compete with the desire of many West Germans to guard
establishes unemployment benefits for East German
their own prosperity. It will be difficult for a truly national
workers, but sets them at a percentage of the last wage
leader to emerge, since by the accident of birth politicians
earned, thus making unemployment checks relatively
will be more familiar with and thus more adept at
unattractive as an alternative to paychecks.
representing the interests of either East or West German
Finally, Germany's economic unification creates
constituents.
international challenges as well. The thought of German
Economic unification is readily seen as a zero-sum
armies on the move may evoke fears among other Europe-
game, in which East Germany's gain is West Germany's
ans, particularly those of the World War II generation.
loss, and every West German owner of land or a business
The chances of history repeating itself in the form of
is one less East German owner. As a West German
German military aggression are slim to none, however.
newspaper columnist recently wrote, "The longer the
Far more immediate for many Europeans is the question of
impression persists, that we [West Germans] have to cover
Germany's economic role on the Continent. As the
for die da drüben [them over there].
the
more
the
wealthiest country in Europe and the country positioned at
readiness of West Germans to make sacrifices will sink."
the Continent's East-West crossroads, Germany faces a
The German political parties will be challenged to unite
variety of sometimes conflicting economic pressures.
their followers in both parts of Germany behind policies
The West European countries need Germany's full
that transcend rather than exacerbate this East-West
participation in realizing the European Community's inte-
division, now based on economic rather than political
gration goals. At the same time, they fear that an enlarged
differences.
Germany may use the EC as a vehicle for asserting eco-
A related challenge involves the management of eco-
nomic hegemony over its neighbors - dictating stan-
nomic recovery in East Germany more generally. An
dards, regulations, subsidies, interest rates, and the like
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 8
No. 123
from a position of disproportionate strength. Similarly, the
homogeneous, highly productive, competitively tested
reforming East European states seek to expand a historic
and - in many sectors - almost fully employed work
reliance on Germany as their chief Western trade and
force. Emphasizing welfare mechanisms over the market
investment partner, without allowing Germany to dictate
could be a formula for disaster in a new Germany where
the terms of such cooperation.
job creation, infrastructure modernization, and intense
The addition of East Germany complicates both the
international competition are the key challenges.⁷
West and East European equations. Other EC members
The slower growth of the welfare state will challenge
fear that by virtue of its economic backwardness, East
precedent in both East and West Germany but probably
Germany could become a recipient of various EC
will be necessary for Germany to succeed. East Ger-
subsidies - particularly in agriculture - diluting
many's economic recovery will be successful in direct
Germany's position as the largest contributor to Commu-
proportion to the pace of job creation in the region, which
nity funds. The East European countries worry that
in turn depends on workers' initial acceptance of wages
economic chaos in East Germany and the region's
and employment guarantees less generous than those pre-
overnight transformation to capitalism will nullify their
vailing in West Germany. Given the choice between un-
sales contracts with East German firms. 6 With consider-
employment compensation based on their low, pre-
able justification, they fear that East German consumers
unification wage levels, and jobs that pay less than the
now armed with Deutsche Marks will favor high-quality
West German average, most East German workers will
Western goods over items from Eastern Europe.
opt for jobs. Their power at the negotiating table will grow
only as fast as their productivity, which probably will not
Germany After the Headlines
approach Western levels in all sectors until the mid-1990s.
How Germany responds to the challenges created by
economic unification will determine its character well,
Thus far, no political figure or party
into the 21st century. It is something of a cop-out to argue,
as many West Germans do, that a unified Germany will be
platform has succeeded in creating a
no more than an expanded version of their own Federal
sense of mission that could bind
Republic. That message is certainly reassuring - given
West Germany's history as a stable, responsible democ-
East and West Germans together to
racy - and there are no grounds to suspect that Kohl and
expect and accept temporary sacrifices
his governing coalition intend to dismantle the very insti-
tutions and mechanisms that brought power to themselves
in the pursuit of an ultimate boom.
and prosperity to their country.
Seen proportionately, however, German unification
In the interim, the existence of cheaper, East German
can be compared to the overnight addition of 50 million
labor probably will keep-wage demands in Germany as a
new citizens to the United States, along with an underde-
whole in check. Unification and a universal thirty-five-
veloped land area one-third the size of existing U.S. terri-
hour work week in Germany also may not be compatible
tory. While such growth might not topple capitalism or the
for a decade or more, a much longer timetable than
American system of government, it would cause funda-
German labor unions now hope for. At the same time, the
mental shifts in investment priorities, demographics, for-
budgetary burden of unemployment payments to laid-off
eign policy goals, and national self-image in the U.S. The
East Germans, and the enormous cost to build a modern
changes in Germany will be no less significant. Several
infrastructure in East Germany, will lead politicians as
likely developments, which follow from Germany's eco-
well as taxpayers to think twice about further expanding
nomic union, deserve particular attention.
the country's expensive social safety net. Finally, as I will
describe below, divisions among the political left in
A Tilt to the Market
Germany can be expected to grow worse in the coming
First, West Germany's peculiar "social market econ-
years before they begin to heal - thus weakening the
omy" may tilt more to the market and less to the social end
political front favoring greater state intervention.
of that dichotomy. Essentially a free market that supports
Such downward pressures on the growth of the
an enormous social safety net, the social market economy
welfare state, and the availability of a cheaper labor force,
is not a gift that can be given to East Germany overnight
should fuel German growth to a degree not seen since the
and it is not a formula for the region's recovery. It
heyday of West Germany's "economic miracle" in the
describes conditions as they have evolved in West
1960s. Internationally, Germany will be a leaner, meaner
Germany over several decades of prosperity, with a
competitor than it is now.
August 24, 1990
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 9
Greater Regional Power
likely to be painful and protracted, particularly in
At the same time, unification almost certainly will
Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union. By the
increase regional power in Germany. West Germany's
late 1990s, the unemployed of those countries could
federal system already defers significant fiscal and legal
appear in record numbers as the new guest workers and
authority to the Länder. In a unified Germany, where
pending citizens of a united Germany. Because of their
regional economic differences initially will be great,
geographic mobility, their initial willingness to accept
strong state parliaments and local lobbies will be needed
lower wages, and their solid educations, East European
to compete for federal monies and for private investment
resettlers may be less of a burden to the German social
resources. Programs in the West German states of Baden-
system than the country's existing core of long-term,
Württemberg and Bavaria to promote high-tech growth
structurally unemployed workers who resist relocation or
deserve to be emulated by savvy leaders in the new East
retraining.
10
German states, in their efforts to leapfrog to the highest
East Europeans may be joined by immigrants from
level of development.
Algeria, Egypt and Morocco as well. Demographic pro-
The economic power of individual German cities also
jections indicate that a labor surplus of about 4 million
should increase as a result of unification. A string of West
young Arabs a year is likely in the 1990s, many of whom
and East German cities near the former intra-German
will be drawn to a prosperous European Community and
border - relegated for forty years to the peripheries of
its powerful German core.
their respective countries - now find themselves at the
Immigration to Germany has international signifi-
center of a unified Germany and are reestablishing
cance for at least two reasons. Eventually, it could signal
traditional connections. Smaller cities such as Braun-
a heightened competition between Germany and the U.S.
schweig, Kassel, Hof and Plauen will become important
(which is slowly beginning to realize the economic impor-
East-West and North-South transportation and commer-
tance of increasing immigration quotas) for the most tal-
cial hubs, while Hamburg and Hannover - already
ented young workers and technicians of the world. More
thriving metropolitan areas - will regain their traditional
importantly, it presents the surest test of Germany's com-
"Hinterlands," from which to draw talent and supplies.
mitment to international integration and ethnic tolerance.
The relocation of the German capital to Berlin, far
Even under the best economic circumstances, social ten-
from further centralizing power in the country, probably
sions will be created in Germany - as in the rest of
will lead other powerful West German cities -- notably
Western Europe - by a new influx of foreign workers.
Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Hamburg -- to redouble
Economic downturns could strengthen the hand of ex-
their efforts at business development and the pursuit of
tremist political groups that seek national purity and
local and regional political agendas.
complain about competition for jobs.
More Immigration
The Rise of Economics on the Political Agenda
A third important change brought on by unification
On both the left and the right, economic issues will
and Germany's growing economic power will be an in-
become relatively more important in Germany's political
crease in immigration to the country. By the middle of this
life than they were in the past. The easing of Cold War
decade, most of the East German population will have
tensions, the partial withdrawal of U.S. and Soviet troops
been accommodated in stable jobs and the region's infra-
from Germany, and the consensus that seems to exist
structure projects will be in full swing. Then, the
regarding the size of Germany's own armed forces should
combination of shorter work weeks achieved by West
make security issues in the country far less contentious in
German labor unions in the 1980s, and low birth rates
the coming years. At the same time, however, the
since the 1970s, could mean a serious shortage of skilled
problems of East Germany's economic recovery -
labor. A fully-employed Germany will need the immigra-
especially the relative backwardness of its people in
tion that it has tried to discourage since the 1980s,⁸ when
comparison with West Germans - the slower expansion
automation and other capital improvements spurred West
of the welfare state that has been suggested here, the
Germany's modest growth.
increase in immigration to Germany, and the enormous
To alleviate this shortage, Germany will need to
problems of environmental cleanup in East Germany will
better educate the children of Mediterranean immigrants
create much grist for the rhetorical mills of German
who already live in the country9 and encourage vocational
parties and politicians seeking a new or larger profile.
training for new arrivals. Germany also may think twice
Political dissidence on the left in a unified Germany
before attempting to turn away immigrants from Eastern
probably will be rooted to an increasing extent in critiques
Europe. The region's recovery from central planning is
of capitalism. To the ranks of those who find unbridled
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 10
No. 123
market mechanisms objectionable, East Germany will
expected to achieve scattered success in local elections,
contribute two groups.
and Gysi can be expected to remain in the public eye by
First, many of the revolutionaries who led the
sheer force of personality.
country's uprising against the Erich Honecker regime in
For the foreseeable future, however, the presence of
1989 were not seeking quick unification and the adoption
the PDS will divide the German left even more than it
of West German economic norms. Instead, they believed
already is. The PDS can be expected to draw votes away
that they could reshape their German Democratic Repub-
from the Greens and other "alternative" parties in Ger-
lic by following a third way between Stalinism and
many, and perhaps even from the increasingly disaffected
capitalism. This group of mostly Protestant Church-based
far left of the SPD, but it will remain unacceptable as a
intellectuals was relegated to the sidelines during the
coalition partner for the other parties by virtue of its status
unification process, but will remain a source of dissent in
as the successor to East Germany's communists.
the new Germany. Already, they lead the criticism of a
On the far right, since the restoration of a united
perceived West German capitalist buyout, which they say
Germany has been "lost" as a political issue, economics
will leave East Germans with less control over their own
also can be expected to come to the fore. In the case of the
destinies than they had under the old regime. In some
neo-Nazi movement, this could take the form of fixing
cases, East Germany's dissidents will feel comfortable
blame for the economic problems of unification on for-
with the agenda of the Greens, and could breathe new
eigners, Jews and intellectuals. Most analysts, however,
vigor into a party that has been decimated by internal strife
believe that the neo-Nazi movement, which is strongest
for several years. The East German left also could find
among East German youth, is rooted in social tension left
growing support among the West German educational and
over from East German communism and has almost no
media elite - especially if economic unification proves
potential to evolve into a large force.
more painful than promised by the conservatives.
The Republikaner party, which in 1989 seemed on the
The remnants of East Germany's Communist Party,
verge of gaining access to the Bundestag via its nationalist
now called the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), also
agenda, now is fighting to survive. The party might find
will retain some significance in a unified Germany. The
support among some West Germans by criticizing the cost
PDS may have difficulty winning seats in an all-German
and mismanagement of unification, and could play on
parliament, given the requirement that parties get 5
anti-foreigner sentiments that are fairly widespread in
percent of the vote to be seated in the Bundestag. Still,
East Germany, but - ironically given its past agenda -
PDS leader Gregor Gysi is one of the most charismatic
will have difficulty finding a truly national set of issues on
new entrants on the German political scene in many years,
which to base a run for power.
and the party showed pockets of strength - particularly in
Berlin - in the East German elections. The PDS may
Greater Connections to the East
continue to find support among the relatively small group
Even before the thaw of 1989, West Germany was the
primary Western trading partner of the Soviet Union and
most of Europe's other centrally planned economies.
Downward pressures on the growth of
Now, the new German economy is absorbing East German
the welfare state, and the availability of
firms with extensive commitments and historical ties to
a cheaper labor force, should fuel
the East. In this decade and well into the 21st century, a
united Germany will play a role in the Soviet Union and its
German growth to a degree not seen
former empire not unlike America's role in Western
since the heyday of West Germany's
Europe after World War II: providing the majority of
outside investment in industrial and agricultural capacity
"economic miracle" in the 1960s.
and serving as the primary market for the resulting
products.
of East Germans who believe that communism went
In a fascinating interview with an East German news-
wrong in East Germany because of individuals who
paper, Vyacheslav Dashitchev, one of Mikhail Gor-
corrupted its mission, and who will remain forever
bachev's two key advisors on Germany, characterized
appalled by the country's capitalist merger. At the same
German unification as beneficial to the Soviet Union. It
time, Gysi is nearly worshipped by some West Germans
gives the Soviet Union "the chance to again become
on the far left, who feel left in the cold either by the
integrated in European civilization," Dashitchev said,
collapse of communism or by accommodationist tenden-
implying that Germany would assume its past role as an
cies in the Greens movement. In sum, the PDS can be
economic and cultural bridge between Russia and the
August 24, 1990
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 11
West. East German Prime Minister Lothar De Maiziere
but its leadership position in the EC almost certainly will
reflected significant support in Germany for the bridge
be strengthened. Some argue that German leadership will
role when he backed moving the German capital to Berlin
not translate into domination of the Community, since
by saying that a unified Germany will need to become
Germany's freedom of action is limited by the myriad EC
"more eastern." The midpoint between Warsaw and Paris
mechanisms to which it already has subordinated its own
"is not Bonn but Berlin," De Maiziere said.
laws. The momentum of European integration, one EC
While seeking German investment, the Soviets also
optimist argues, gives the Community - as "the corner-
can be expected to rely, to the extent possible given
stone of the new Europe" - greater leverage on the
NATO export guidelines and their own hard-currency
unification process than even the Four Powers. 11
limitations, on purchases of technology and technical
Such arguments may overstate the EC's ability to
assistance from Germany. Indications are strong that the
influence specific aspects of unification or to minimize
Russians and Germans may even cooperate in the creation
Germany's domination of the Community. With the
of a German-speaking oblasť [province] in the Russian
strongest currency in Europe, the most powerful firms, the
Republic. The Kaliningrad Oblast', a small section of the
largest investment resources and the largest market,
Russian Republic between Lithuania and Poland, still is
Germany will be in a position to make European
home to a German minority population. If plans blessed by
integration virtually synonymous with its own concep-
Gorbachev and Kohl are realized, the oblasť could draw
tions. In the end, however, Germany may not need a
ethnic Germans from throughout the Soviet Union into a
policeman. Because of its position as the largest exporter
special economic zone.
in the EC, Germany will have a strong vested interest in
The German economy is nothing if not highly diversi-
forging a consensus on European integration that keeps its
fied in its international relationships. Thus, the danger of
established markets wide open.
German dependency on trade with the Soviet Union and a
major political tilt is small. Still, by virtue of its increased
Greater Competition for German Investment
stake in Russian and East European economic perform-
Germany's public and private resources, which are
ance, Germany will be intolerant of Western policies that
considerable, will be stretched thin in the coming years as
isolate those countries, such as high-tech export controls
it seeks to fund the recovery of East Germany, expand
or exclusion from international economic bodies. West
industrial capacity throughout the country, act as a cur-
Germany's desire to support perestroika is longstanding,
rency stabilizer in Western Europe, assist recovery efforts
and a unified Germany can be expected to serve as
in Eastern Europe and increase its private investment
Moscow's chief Western lobbyist for economic assis-
throughout Europe. Some potential targets of German
tance. The recent Soviet-German accord notwithstanding,
investment feel that this list is too long, and that they will
Germany's economic stake in the East also is bound to
lose out.
increase pressures - both inside Germany and from the
In the Mediterranean tier of the EC, for example, the
Soviet Union - to scale back its role in NATO.
Spanish fear that the convergence of Spanish wage rates
with those in the rest of Europe, along with Germany's
Leadership in the European Community
greater cultural affinity with Eastern Europe, will spell the
Germany's commitment to the EC's 1992 integration
end of Spain's popularity as a German investment target.
process should not be doubted, but its sheer economic
East Europeans, for their part, often believe that they will
weight will increase the pressure for conformity in the rest
not be able to compete with East Germany as a business
of Europe.
site for German firms contemplating expansion.
In the immediate wake of unification, since East
Such concerns may or may not be justified. German
Germany becomes an immediate part of the Community,
unification and the retreat of the Soviet Empire in Eastern
Germany's poorer half will receive financial assistance
Europe simply will mean that firms and countries are
from the EC - in the form of agricultural subsidies, for
evaluated, more than ever, on their economic merits and
example. The bill for East Germany's entry into the EC is
political stability when decisions are made regarding both
estimated at about $2 billion annually through 1993,
private investment and public aid. No longer will Turkey,
though part of that amount will be offset by increased tax
for example, be guaranteed aid simply because of its
receipts, and West Germany has promised to pay as much
military significance in proximity to the Soviet Union. No
as 80 percent of the cost itself.
longer - assuming Eastern Europe's economic transition
Germany has indicated that it does not intend to seek
goes well - will countries such as Greece, Ireland, and
increased representation in the European Parliament and
Portugal be the only low-wage, free-market investment
on the EC's Council of Ministers as a result of unification,
sites in Europe.
Hudson Institute Briefing Paper Page 12
No. 123
A poll by the leading West German business journal
Germany is an improvement even on the Federal
found that well over half of German business leaders view
Republic, and on other Germanys past.
East Germany as better or equally good, when compared
NOTES
with low-wage countries of the EC, as a place to locate
"The newsmagazine Der Spiegel has bannered the imminent eco-
operations. Czechoslovakia and Hungary also equal or
nomic collapse of East Germany on at least three occasions since the
opening of the Berlin Wall.
exceed the attractiveness of poorer EC countries in the
2While the Soviet and East European markets will continue to be
minds of German executives. Still, the advantages to Ger-
very important, they will be more selective in buying from East German
man firms of doing business inside the EC increase as
enterprises that are seeking payment for their goods in hard currency.
integration progresses. West Germany's investment in
³Länder elections earlier this year in Lower Saxony and North
Rhine-Westphalia were an early test of this thesis. The CDU lost 300,000
other EC countries doubled from 1988 to 1989, to DM
votes compared to its previous showing in Lower Saxony, and picked up
12.3 billion. Though similar growth is unlikely in the next
only 60,000 new voters in North Rhine-Westphalia. Such small shifts in-
several years, neither is a significant downturn to be ex-
dicate that unification issues played a minor role. The CDU gained little
pected as a result of German preoccupation with East
from Kohl's claim to be "unification chancellor" and the SPD gained little
from early doubts about Kohl's policies on monetary union.
Germany or any new fascination with Eastern Europe. The
The East Germans' fickle attitude was evident only a few days after
bottom line is that competition for German investment
the March elections, when Kohl appeared to equivocate on the exchange
will be fierce.
of East German Marks at parity. Around dinner tables in Saxony, I heard
the play on words that "Kohl hat uns ordentlich verkohlt" [Kohl really
pulled one over on us].
Conclusion
⁵As early as his election-night speech to party faithful in East Berlin,
The many probable changes in Germany discussed
which I witnessed, honorary SPD Chairman Willy Brandt adopted "wir
here combine to signal the most fundamental difference
werden sehen" [we'll see about that] as a response to the CDU's early
between West Germany and a united Germany. The new
economic optimism.
⁶Hungary already indicated that it will seek DM 500 million in
country will be a superpower: the strongest economic
damages from East Germany, for its cancellation of several contracts with
force on the Eurasian continent and a country with
Hungarian firms.
growing political power to match. Fortunately, Germany
⁷The case for a greater market orientation in West Germany was
also will be a democracy - one with significant internal
being made even before unification, in the context of improving the
country's attractiveness to foreign companies.
transitions to face but a proven democracy nevertheless.
"West Germany is offering its Turkish residents DM 10,000 to leave
As any superpower, Germany will be needed and
the country.
praised by some nations, resented and criticized by others.
⁹At the end of 1989, West Germany was home to almost 5 million
foreigners, about 7.7 percent of the total West German population. At the
As Germany, however, it will bear a particular historical
same time, about 190,000 foreigners resided in East Germany, only 1.2
burden in making the transition to world-power status.
percent of the East German population.
Former British Trade Secretary Nicholas Ridley's recent
¹⁰West German labor authorities listed more than 300,000 job va-
rhetoric will be repeated in other contexts, implying that
cancies in May 1990. When contrasted with West Germany's relatively
high unemployment rate, this indicates that lagging structural adjustments
that by being German and being successful, Germany is
and geographic immobility are serious problems, more so than immigra-
bent on taking over. Germany's ability to react to such
tion or a labor surplus.
criticism by quietly disproving it, rather than retreating to
"Peter Ludlow, "German Unification and European Unity," Work-
a wounded self-righteousness, will indicate that a united
ing Document No. 49 (Brussels: Centre for European Policy Studies,
1990), p. 9.
Hudson Institute
Non-Profit
Herman Kahn Center
Organization U.S.
P.O. Box 26-919
Postage
PAID
Indianapolis, Indiana 46226
Permit No. 7968
Indianapolis, IN
DIGIT
20500
THE HON. DAVID F. DEMAREST JR.
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON DD 20500
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 2, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR MARK DAVIS
FROM:
JOHN P. SCHMITZ
DEPUTY COUNSEL JRS TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
German/American Speech Draft
Great draft; thanks for sending it to me. Here are my
comments -- I am sorry I did not get them to you earlier, but as
you can see from your staffing sheet neither Boyden nor I were
copied on it.
1) If you or others like the "closed book/reopened book"
metaphor we spoke about yesterday on the phone, it would seem
best used as transition between paras. 4 & 5 on page 1.
2) You should know that the German School 1st grade class
(not choir) consists not only of German children but also German-
American and just plain American children. One child's father (a
Navy doctor) is currently serving in the Persian Gulf. I have
made appropriate corrections on the draft. (pp. 1 & 4)
I have also drafted a few paragraphs (attached) expanding on
this "German-American" angle. Please use as much or as little
you think fit the message of the day. I would think is fits best
at the end of the speech, where you talk about the future (p. 4)
3) I like your list of German-American cities. Maybe the
President might also like to note one of the largest German-
American subgroups: German-Texan Americans. For example, insert
at the end of the second paragraph on p. 2:
"I am proud to say that my home state Texas has one of
the oldest and largest German American communities. In
fact, as my good friend and fellow Texan Chase
Untermeyer reminded me, German Americans founded the
Republican party in Texas shortly after the Civil War. "
CC: Andy Card
Dave Demarest
Jim Cicconi
Chriss Winston
Jim Pinkerton
Bob Hutchings
Sichan Siv
Kathy Jeavons
Although few Presidents can pass up being photographed with
a group of beautiful small children that was not the reason I
invited Mrs. Dalal's (DA LAL) class of 6, 7, & 8 year olds to the
White House.
They certainly performed well and have even managed to
remain seated and attentive throughout my speech (that's one
reason I like to go first) but I see so much more in these faces.
I see the future and it is at once very hopeful and promising.
I understand that although we call it the German School,
half the children are German-Americans. The parents of these
children are teachers, homemakers, scientists, writers,
diplomats, and lawyers. Many have served in the U.S. military
and one doctor is presently on active duty serving in the Persian
Gulf. These are not the struggling German immigrants of the past
but are today's German-Americans who will no doubt contribute to
our future just as mightily as their ancestors in the past.
Whether American or German, each is helping to build society, not
least by raising their children thoughtfully and gently, without
the prejudices of the past.
It is remarkable to see the innocent, natural way these
children have bridged cultural gaps and sought common ground to
form longlasting friendships, not overlooking, but accepting
differences, as only children can do with the grace of innocence.
[All of these children are fluent in English and German,
though I hear they prefer English on the playground.]
[Friendships formed in nursery school before some children
even knew German or English were based on playing dress-up,
riding bikes, children's games and a genuine joy and appreciation
of each other as human beings. They didn't emphasize how they
were different, but although we see the children dressed in
traditional attire, inside they represent the diversity,
intellectual free spirit, strength of character, cooperation,
friendship and hopefulness of the future.]
Over the next few years a United Germany and a changing
world will inevitably encounter difficult and challenging times.
We need to always remember to strive for higher goals, respect,
trust cooperation, and longlasting friendship, goals the United
States and Germany have shared for years and which are embodied
by these very young and capable children, both American and
German.
German Americans have made tremendous contributions to
American culture. As the children sang "Brother come dance with
me. Both hands I extend to you. " We will continue to extend
both our hands to our German partners in leadership during this
joyous and critical point in history.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 1: 58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German Schools Children Choir.
1st Gade class.
On this in very special day, the people of America send
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- a message I would like to share with you.
closed book (respened
book metaphor here?
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee. [I am proud to say that
my home state of Texas has
one
M'He
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these oldecticommuneto German of Gerna
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies - Amender
on too
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other as my good
struggling to be free.
friend and fill
Texas
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
reminds me Germs
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper Founded America M
Republican Par
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this n Te
Shorty after
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most the Curtnas
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. 111 When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. 111 And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. III
3
And 16 we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground.
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)), the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. 111
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul. 111
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more. INSERT (German Schent)
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation,
German, some German-Ameur
some plain America
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
American friendship)
the future of new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
Document No.
178559
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
90 OCT 2 P2: 59
10/2/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY CELEBRATION
THE ROSE GARDEN
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990
11:10 am
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
1"
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
WINSTON
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
top 10/2
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
90 OCT -1 PM 9: 29
October 1, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
and
FROM:
MARK DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY CELEBRATION
On Wednesday, October 3, at 11:10 a.m., you will address 200
attendees in the Rose Garden, at a celebration of German-American
Day. Your remarks, approximately 6-8 minutes in length, will be
on cards.
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
Date: October 1, 1990
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
On this very special day, the people of America send their
heartiest congratulations to all Germans. Even as we meet here
in the Rose Garden, Germans are celebrating their new unity from
Berlin to Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of
Leipzig to the golden vineyards along the hills of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- sentiments I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania
-- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies
-- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. III And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. III
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free. The Cold War is
at long last over.\\\
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." Over the decades, Adenauer's vision of
a friendship between Germany and the United States, between
Germany and the free peoples of the world has been realized.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt, Willy
Brandt, Helmut Schmidt, and, of course Helmut Kohl. This day has
come because in 1989, the people of Germany stood their ground
for freedom. III
The United States is proud to have joined your countrymen in
building the foundations of freedom -- proud to have been a
steady partner in your quest. America is also proud to count
itself among the friends and allies of a free Germany -- now, and
forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
4
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. 11 Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs.
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul. 111
This is my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with more than seventy heads of state. We
discussed many critical issues -- from health care to education.
But we were profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must
entrust the future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
GERMAN-AMERICANS \ THE ROSE GARDEN
OCTOBER 3, 1990 \ 11:10 P. M.
AMBASSADOR RUHFUS [[RuFus]], BRUCE GELB, ELLSBETH
SEEWALD, ADALBERT THEUNE [[TOY-NAH]], HELMUT KRUGER AND
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS -- WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE. I
THANK THE GERMAN ARMY BAND FOR THEIR STIRRING RENDITION
OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM. AND, OF COURSE, THIS EVENT IS
ALL THE RICHER FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE
GERMAN SCHOOL.
ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY, THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA
SEND THEIR HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GERMANS.
- 2 -
EVEN AS WE MEET HERE IN THE ROSE GARDEN, GERMANS ARE
CELEBRATING THEIR NEW UNITY FROM BERLIN TO BONN, FROM
MUNICH TO BREMEN, FROM THE URBAN PLAZAS OF LEIPZIG TO
THE GOLDEN VINEYARDS ALONG THE HILLS OF THE RHINE.
THROUGHOUT THIS NEWLY UNITED NATION, GERMANS
CELEBRATE A WONDERFUL MOMENT DELAYED FOR ALMOST HALF A
CENTURY. AND AS PART OF THAT CELEBRATION, I'VE SENT A
VIDEO ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF GERMANY -- SENTIMENTS I
WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU.
- 3 -
FOR 45 YEARS, AT THE HEART OF A DIVIDED CONTINENT
LIVED A DIVIDED PEOPLE. A CRUEL WALL OF CONCRETE CUT
NEIGHBOR FROM NEIGHBOR, HUSBAND FROM WIFE, CHILD FROM
PARENT -- AND A NATION FROM ITSELF. ON THIS FAULT LINE
OF THE EAST-WEST CONFLICT -- ONE PEOPLE SPLIT BETWEEN
TWO WORLDS.
As THE GERMAN PEOPLE SUFFERED THROUGH THIS LONG
ORDEAL, AMERICANS WERE MORE -- MUCH MORE -- THAN
SYMPATHETIC OBSERVERS.
- 4 -
AFTER ALL, WE ARE UNITED BY BONDS OF CULTURE THAT REACH
BACK TO EARLY COLONIAL TIMES, WHEN GERMANS FIRST BECAME
GERMAN-AMERICANS.
AT THE INVITATION OF WILLIAM PENN, GERMANS ARRIVED
IN AMERICA TO START A NEW LIFE. LIFE WAS HARD -- THEIR
FIRST HOMES WERE CAVES HOLLOWED OUT OF THE GROUND --
BUT THEIR DETERMINATION WAS HARDER. THEY BUILT A
COMMUNITY -- GERMANTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA -- INSPIRING
MILLIONS MORE TO FOLLOW AND CONTINUE TO BUILD.
- 5 -
GERMAN-AMERICANS FOUNDED HAGERSTOWN AND FREDERICK,
MARYLAND. MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. NEW
BRAUNFELS, TEXAS. FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY -- BERLIN,
WISCONSIN -- AND ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA. AND THEY WENT ON
TO HELP BUILD SOME OF THE GREAT CITIES OF AMERICA --
PHILADELPHIA, CINCINNATI, ST. LOUIS AND MILWAUKEE.
- 6 -
THE 60 MILLION AMERICAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THESE
GERMAN PIONEERS, LIKE ALL AMERICANS, FELT A DEEP TIE TO
BOTH GERMANIES -- ONE A NEW DEMOCRACY IN THE HEART OF
EUROPE, THE OTHER STRUGGLING To BE FREE.
AFTER ALL, OUR OWN COUNTRY ONCE LIVED UNDER
OPPRESSION. WE REMEMBER JOHN PETER ZENGER, A YOUNG
GERMAN-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITOR WHO DARED TO CHALLENGE
AUTHORITY IN 1734.
- 7 -
AND IT WAS THIS SAME GERMAN IMMIGRANT WHO HELPED
AMERICA ESTABLISH OUR MOST CHERISHED TRADITION --
FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
So NOW, AMBASSADOR RUHFUS ((Rufus)), WHEN EAST
GERMANS WERE PUNISHED FOR DISSENT, WE SHARED YOUR
SPIRIT OF DEFIANCE. 111 WHEN GERMAN PEOPLE WERE SHOT
FOR ATTEMPTING TO FLEE TO FREEDOM, WE SHARED YOUR
OUTRAGE. III AND WHEN WEST GERMAN LEADERS DARED TO HOPE
FOR A GERMANY UNITED IN FREEDOM, WE SHARED YOUR
DREAM. III
- 8 -
AND so WE ARE HERE TODAY TO AFFIRM THAT SOMETIMES,
DREAMS DO COME TRUE. GERMANY IS UNITED. GERMANY IS
FREE. THE COLD WAR IS AT LONG LAST OVER.\\\ III
THIS DAY WAS so CLEARLY ENVISIONED BY KONRAD
ADENAUER, WHO SAID THAT A SOLUTION TO A DIVIDED GERMANY
"IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH THE HELP OF OUR FRIENDS." OVER
THE DECADES, ADENAUER'S VISION OF A FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN
GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES, BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE
FREE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD HAS BEEN REALIZED.
- 9 -
THIS MOMENT HAS COME BECAUSE AMERICANS STOOD BY THE
PEOPLE OF BERLIN -- FROM THE DAREDEVIL PILOTS OF THE
AIRLIFT, TO A YOUNG PRESIDENT WHO MADE HIS BOLD
DECLARATION BEFORE THE WALL.
THIS MOMENT HAS ALSO COME BECAUSE OF THE
DETERMINATION OF WEST GERMAN LEADERS TO MAKE GERMANY
WHOLE AND FREE -- NOT ONLY ADENAUER BUT ALSO ERNST
REUTER ((ROY-TER)), LUDWIG ERHARD, WILLY BRANDT, HELMUT
SCHMIDT, AND, OF COURSE HELMUT KOHL.
- 10 -
THIS DAY HAS COME BECAUSE IN 1989, THE PEOPLE OF
GERMANY STOOD THEIR GROUND FOR FREEDOM. III
THE UNITED STATES IS PROUD TO HAVE JOINED YOUR
COUNTRYMEN IN BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM --
PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A STEADY PARTNER IN YOUR QUEST.
AMERICA IS ALSO PROUD TO COUNT ITSELF AMONG THE FRIENDS
AND ALLIES OF A FREE GERMANY -- NOW, AND FOREVER MORE.
THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CHANGE, FOR AMERICA, FOR A
UNITED GERMANY, FOR THE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE OF WHICH WE
ARE BOTH A PART.
- 11 -
I'M CERTAIN THAT OUR TWO NATIONS WILL MEET THE
CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST -- AS
PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP.
THIS DAY, so MEANINGFUL FOR GERMANY -- ALSO
INSPIRES THE WORLD. 11 METERS AWAY FROM THE WALLS OF
THE REICHSTAG -- SCENE OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE
NEWLY REUNITED GERMAN PARLIAMENT -- STOOD THE BERLIN
WALL.
- 12 -
FOR YEARS FREE MEN AND WOMEN EVERYWHERE DREAMED OF THE
DAY THE BERLIN WALL WOULD CEASE To EXIST -- WHEN A
WORLD WITHOUT THE WALL WOULD MEAN A GERMANY MADE WHOLE
ONCE MORE. WHEN GERMANY, UNITED AND SOVEREIGN, WOULD
CONTRIBUTE IN FULL MEASURE AS A FORCE FOR PEACE AND
STABILITY IN WORLD AFFAIRS. III
TODAY, IT IS THE WALL THAT LIES IN RUINS, AND OUR
EYES OPEN ON A NEW WORLD OF HOPE.
- 13 -
THE LAST REMNANTS OF THE WALL REMAIN -- THERE AT
THE HEART OF A FREE BERLIN. A RAGGED MONUMENT IN BRICK
AND BARBED WIRE: PROOF THAT NO WALL IS EVER STRONG
ENOUGH TO STRANGLE THE HUMAN SPIRIT -- THAT NO WALL CAN
EVER CRUSH A NATION'S SOUL. III
THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO THE GERMAN PEOPLE, AND THAT
IS THE HEARTFELT SENTIMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA.
BUT BEFORE I SIGN THIS DOCUMENT, PROCLAIMING THIS VERY
SPECIAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY, LET ME SAY ONE THING MORE.
- 14 -
LAST SUNDAY, I ATTENDED THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR
CHILDREN AT THE UNITED NATIONS WITH MORE THAN SEVENTY
HEADS OF STATE. WE DISCUSSED MANY CRITICAL ISSUES --
FROM HEALTH CARE TO EDUCATION. BUT WE WERE PROFOUNDLY
TOUCHED BY THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE MUST ENTRUST THE
FUTURE OF OUR NATIONS TO ANOTHER GENERATION.
- 15 -
LOOKING AT THE BEAUTIFUL GERMAN CHILDREN WITH US
TODAY, I BELIEVE I CAN SEE THE FUTURE OF THE NEW
GERMANY -- A FUTURE OF LIBERTY AND LEADERSHIP, GOODWILL
AND GREATNESS.
ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
#
#
#
GERMAN-AMERICANS \ THE ROSE GARDEN
OCTOBER 3, 1990 \ 11:10 P. M.
AMBASSADOR RUHFUS [[RuFus]], BRUCE GELB, ELLSBETH
SEEWALD, ADALBERT THEUNE [[TOY-NAH]], HELMUT KRUGER AND
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS -- WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE. I
THANK THE GERMAN ARMY BAND FOR THEIR STIRRING RENDITION
OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM. AND, OF COURSE, THIS EVENT IS
ALL THE RICHER FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE
GERMAN SCHOOL.
ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY, THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA
SEND THEIR HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GERMANS.
- 2 -
EVEN AS WE MEET HERE IN THE ROSE GARDEN, GERMANS ARE
CELEBRATING THEIR NEW UNITY FROM BERLIN TO BONN, FROM
MUNICH TO BREMEN, FROM THE URBAN PLAZAS OF LEIPZIG TO
THE GOLDEN VINEYARDS ALONG THE HILLS OF THE RHINE.
THROUGHOUT THIS NEWLY UNITED NATION, GERMANS
CELEBRATE A WONDERFUL MOMENT DELAYED FOR ALMOST HALF A
CENTURY. AND AS PART OF THAT CELEBRATION, I'VE SENT A
VIDEO ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF GERMANY -- SENTIMENTS I
WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU.
- 3 -
FOR 45 YEARS, AT THE HEART OF A DIVIDED CONTINENT
LIVED A DIVIDED PEOPLE. A CRUEL WALL OF CONCRETE CUT
NEIGHBOR FROM NEIGHBOR, HUSBAND FROM WIFE, CHILD FROM
PARENT -- AND A NATION FROM ITSELF. ON THIS FAULT LINE
OF THE EAST-WEST CONFLICT -- ONE PEOPLE SPLIT BETWEEN
TWO WORLDS.
As THE GERMAN PEOPLE SUFFERED THROUGH THIS LONG
ORDEAL, AMERICANS WERE MORE -- MUCH MORE -- THAN
SYMPATHETIC OBSERVERS.
- 4 -
AFTER ALL, WE ARE UNITED BY BONDS OF CULTURE THAT REACH
BACK TO EARLY COLONIAL TIMES, WHEN GERMANS FIRST BECAME
GERMAN-AMERICANS.
AT THE INVITATION OF WILLIAM PENN, GERMANS ARRIVED
IN AMERICA TO START A NEW LIFE. LIFE WAS HARD -- THEIR
FIRST HOMES WERE CAVES HOLLOWED OUT OF THE GROUND --
BUT THEIR DETERMINATION WAS HARDER. THEY BUILT A
COMMUNITY -- GERMANTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA -- INSPIRING
MILLIONS MORE TO FOLLOW AND CONTINUE TO BUILD.
- 5 -
GERMAN-AMERICANS FOUNDED HAGERSTOWN AND FREDERICK,
MARYLAND. MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. NEW
BRAUNFELS, TEXAS. FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY -- BERLIN,
WISCONSIN -- AND ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA. AND THEY WENT ON
TO HELP BUILD SOME OF THE GREAT CITIES OF AMERICA --
PHILADELPHIA, CINCINNATI, ST. LOUIS AND MILWAUKEE.
- 6 -
THE 60 MILLION AMERICAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THESE
GERMAN PIONEERS, LIKE ALL AMERICANS, FELT A DEEP TIE TO
BOTH GERMANIES -- ONE A NEW DEMOCRACY IN THE HEART OF
EUROPE, THE OTHER STRUGGLING TO BE FREE.
AFTER ALL, OUR OWN COUNTRY ONCE LIVED UNDER
OPPRESSION. WE REMEMBER JOHN PETER ZENGER, A YOUNG
GERMAN-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITOR WHO DARED TO CHALLENGE
AUTHORITY IN 1734.
- 7 -
AND IT WAS THIS SAME GERMAN IMMIGRANT WHO HELPED
AMERICA ESTABLISH OUR MOST CHERISHED TRADITION --
FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
So NOW, AMBASSADOR RUHFUS ((Rufus)), WHEN EAST
GERMANS WERE PUNISHED FOR DISSENT, WE SHARED YOUR
SPIRIT OF DEFIANCE. III WHEN GERMAN PEOPLE WERE SHOT
FOR ATTEMPTING TO FLEE TO FREEDOM, WE SHARED YOUR
OUTRAGE. III AND WHEN WEST GERMAN LEADERS DARED TO HOPE
FOR A GERMANY UNITED IN FREEDOM, WE SHARED YOUR
DREAM. III
- 8 -
AND so WE ARE HERE TODAY TO AFFIRM THAT SOMETIMES,
DREAMS DO COME TRUE. GERMANY IS UNITED. GERMANY IS
FREE, THE COLD WAR IS AT LONG LAST OVER. OVER.\\\
THIS DAY WAS so CLEARLY ENVISIONED BY KONRAD
ADENAUER, WHO SAID THAT A SOLUTION TO A DIVIDED GERMANY
"IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH THE HELP OF OUR FRIENDS." OVER
THE DECADES, ADENAUER'S VISION OF A FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN
GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES, BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE
FREE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD HAS BEEN REALIZED.
- 9 -
THIS MOMENT HAS COME BECAUSE AMERICANS STOOD BY THE
PEOPLE OF BERLIN -- FROM THE DAREDEVIL PILOTS OF THE
AIRLIFT, TO A YOUNG PRESIDENT WHO MADE HIS BOLD
DECLARATION BEFORE THE WALL.
THIS MOMENT HAS ALSO COME BECAUSE OF THE
DETERMINATION OF WEST GERMAN LEADERS TO MAKE GERMANY
WHOLE AND FREE -- NOT ONLY ADENAUER BUT ALSO ERNST
REUTER ((ROY-TER)), LUDWIG ERHARD, WILLY BRANDT, HELMUT
SCHMIDT, AND, OF COURSE HELMUT KOHL.
- 10 -
THIS DAY HAS COME BECAUSE IN 1989, THE PEOPLE OF
GERMANY STOOD THEIR GROUND FOR FREEDOM. III
THE UNITED STATES IS PROUD TO HAVE JOINED YOUR
COUNTRYMEN IN BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM --
PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A STEADY PARTNER IN YOUR QUEST.
AMERICA IS ALSO PROUD TO COUNT ITSELF AMONG THE FRIENDS
AND ALLIES OF A FREE GERMANY -- NOW, AND FOREVER MORE.
THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CHANGE, FOR AMERICA, FOR A
UNITED GERMANY, FOR THE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE OF WHICH WE
ARE BOTH A PART.
- 11 -
I'M CERTAIN THAT OUR TWO NATIONS WILL MEET THE
CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST -- AS
PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP.
THIS DAY, so MEANINGFUL FOR GERMANY -- ALSO
INSPIRES THE WORLD. 11 METERS AWAY FROM THE WALLS OF
THE REICHSTAG -- SCENE OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE
NEWLY REUNITED GERMAN PARLIAMENT -- STOOD THE BERLIN
WALL.
- 12 -
FOR YEARS FREE MEN AND WOMEN EVERYWHERE DREAMED OF THE
DAY THE BERLIN WALL WOULD CEASE TO EXIST -- WHEN A
WORLD WITHOUT THE WALL WOULD MEAN A GERMANY MADE WHOLE
ONCE MORE. WHEN GERMANY, UNITED AND SOVEREIGN, WOULD
CONTRIBUTE IN FULL MEASURE AS A FORCE FOR PEACE AND
STABILITY IN WORLD AFFAIRS. III
TODAY, IT IS THE WALL THAT LIES IN RUINS, AND OUR
EYES OPEN ON A NEW WORLD OF HOPE.
- 13 -
THE LAST REMNANTS OF THE WALL REMAIN -- THERE AT
THE HEART OF A FREE BERLIN. A RAGGED MONUMENT IN BRICK
AND BARBED WIRE: PROOF THAT NO WALL IS EVER STRONG
ENOUGH TO STRANGLE THE HUMAN SPIRIT -- THAT NO WALL CAN
EVER CRUSH A NATION'S SOUL.
THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO THE GERMAN PEOPLE, AND THAT
IS THE HEARTFELT SENTIMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA.
BUT BEFORE I SIGN THIS DOCUMENT, PROCLAIMING THIS VERY
SPECIAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY, LET ME SAY ONE THING MORE.
- 14 -
LAST SUNDAY, I ATTENDED THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR
CHILDREN AT THE UNITED NATIONS WITH MORE THAN SEVENTY
HEADS OF STATE. WE DISCUSSED MANY CRITICAL ISSUES --
FROM HEALTH CARE TO EDUCATION. BUT WE WERE PROFOUNDLY
TOUCHED BY THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE MUST ENTRUST THE
FUTURE OF OUR NATIONS TO ANOTHER GENERATION.
- 15 -
LOOKING AT THE BEAUTIFUL GERMAN CHILDREN WITH US
TODAY, I BELIEVE I CAN SEE THE FUTURE OF THE NEW
GERMANY -- A FUTURE OF LIBERTY AND LEADERSHIP, GOODWILL
AND GREATNESS.
ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
90 OCT 2 P1:01
October 2, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR MARK DAVIS
FROM:
JOHN P. SCHMITZ. ips
DEPUTY COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
German/American Speech Draft
Great draft; thanks for sending it to me. Here are my
comments -- I am sorry I did not get them to you earlier, but as
you can see from your staffing sheet neither Boyden nor I were
copied on it.
1) If you or others like the "closed book/reopened book"
metaphor we spoke about yesterday on the phone, it would seem
best used as transition between paras. 4 & 5 on page 1.
2) You should know that the German School 1st grade class
(not choir) consists not only of German children but also German-
American and just plain American children. One child's father (a
Navy doctor) is currently serving in the Persian Gulf. I have
made appropriate corrections on the draft. (pp. 1 & 4)
I have also drafted a few paragraphs (attached) expanding on
this "German-American" angle. Please use as much or as little
you think fit the message of the day. I would think is fits best
at the end of the speech, where you talk about the future (p. 4).
3) I like your list of German-American cities. Maybe the
President might also like to note one of the largest German-
American subgroups: German-Texan Americans. For example, insert
at the end of the second paragraph on p. 2:
"I am proud to say that my home state Texas has one of
the oldest and largest German American communities. In
fact, as my good friend and fellow Texan Chase
Untermeyer reminded me, German Americans founded the
Republican party in Texas shortly after the Civil War. "
CC: Andy Card
Dave Demarest
Jim Cicconi
Chriss Winston
Jim Pinkerton
Bob Hutchings
Sichan Siv
Kathy Jeavons
Although few Presidents can pass up being photographed with
a group of beautiful small children that was not the reason I
invited Mrs. Dalal's (DA LAL) class of 6, 7, & 8 year olds to the
White House.
They certainly performed well and have even managed to
remain seated and attentive throughout my speech (that's one
reason I like to go first) but I see so much more in these faces.
I see the future and it is at once very hopeful and promising.
I understand that although we call it the German School,
half the children are German-Americans. The parents of these
children are teachers, homemakers, scientists, writers,
diplomats, and lawyers. Many have served in the U.S. military
and one doctor is presently on active duty serving in the Persian
Gulf. These are not the struggling German immigrants of the past
but are today's German-Americans who will no doubt contribute to
our future just as mightily as their ancestors in the past.
Whether American or German, each is helping to build society, not
least by raising their children thoughtfully and gently, without
the prejudices of the past.
It is remarkable to see the innocent, natural way these
children have bridged cultural gaps and sought common ground to
form longlasting friendships, not overlooking, but accepting
differences, as only children can do with the grace of innocence.
[All of these children are fluent in English and German,
though I hear they prefer English on the playground.]
[Friendships formed in nursery school before some children
even knew German or English were based on playing dress-up,
riding bikes, children's games and a genuine joy and appreciation
of each other as human beings. They didn't emphasize how they
were different, but although we see the children dressed in
traditional attire, inside they represent the diversity,
intellectual free spirit, strength of character, cooperation,
friendship and hopefulness of the future.]
Over the next few years a United Germany and a changing
world will inevitably encounter difficult and challenging times.
We need to always remember to strive for higher goals, respect,
trust cooperation, and longlasting friendship, goals the United
States and Germany have shared for years and which are embodied
by these very young and capable children, both American and
German.
German Americans have made tremendous contributions to
American culture. As the children sang "Brother come dance with
me. Both hands I extend to you. " We will continue to extend
both our hands to our German partners in leadership during this
joyous and critical point in history.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 1: 58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German Schools Children Choir.
1st Gade class.
On this in very special day, the people of America send
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- a message I would like to share with you.
closed book (regpened
book metaphor here?
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee. [I am proud to say that
my home state of Texas has
one
L'He
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these oldectionmuneto German of Gerna
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies - Amender
In too
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other as my good
struggling to be free.
friend and fill
Texas chaw Unten
reminds me Germs
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
America
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper Founded M
Republican Pan
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this n Te
Shouldy after
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most the Cintra,
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. III When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. 111 And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. III
3
And go we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)) Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground. III
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)), the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. 111
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul. sou1.\\\
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more. INSERT (German Schent)
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
some German, some German-Ameur
some plain America
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
American friendship
the future of new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
Democomments
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PH 58
Date: September 28, 1990
90
OCT
Draft: Two
PI:
59
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
On this is a very special day, the people of America send
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- a message I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. 111 When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. III And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream.
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free. III
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
verb
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)) Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground.
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)), the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. III
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul.
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
178559SS
Document No.
90 OCTTE All: 12
HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/28/90
NOON, MONDAY, OCT. 1
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS
THE ROSE GARDEN
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990
11:10 AM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Chriss Winston, x2930, Rm. 122, with a copy to my
office, by NOON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
NO COMMENTS. THANKS.
HOLLY WILLIAMSON
10-1-90
HW
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: 10/1 1230 pm
TO:
Chriss Winston
FROM:
JAMES P. PINKERTON
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Policy Planning
Re:
German- American speech
One comment after all:
why the omission of
willy Brandt + Helmut Schmidt K'
Why sleight the SPD ?
comment FROM M.D.:
BIT the MART 111116 MIAML He
BECAUSE IF THEY HAD THEiR WAY,
West GERMANY woulD be joining EAST
GERMANY - AnD not the other copy AROUND
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.\\\
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends. " A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
Helmutmitt
This moment has also come because of the determination of
willyoude
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground. III
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)), the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
On this is a very special day, the people of America send
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
IS newly united
wonderful
Throughout the nation, Germans celebrate a moment delayed
for almost half a century. And as part of that celebration, I've
sent a video address to the people of Germany -- a message I
would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build r the great cities of
America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. III When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. III And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. \\\
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free. III
3
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment_has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)) Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground.
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)) the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
4
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. III
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul.
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
178559SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
90 OCT I All: 49
9/28/90
NOON, MONDAY, OCT. 1
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS
THE ROSE GARDEN
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990
11:10 AM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Chriss Winston, x2930, Rm. 122, with a copy to my
office, by NOON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. Thank you.
RESPONSE: no comment
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 1:58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
On this is a very special day, the people of America send
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- a message I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. III
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.\\\
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground. 111
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)), the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. III
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul.
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ( (number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 1, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: German-Americans The Rose
Garden
We have reviewed the attached draft and have no suggested
changes from a policy standpoint. We approve of the draft
remarks in their current form.
CC: James W. Cicconi
178559SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/28/90
NOON, MONDAY, OCT. 1
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS
THE ROSE GARDEN
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990
11:10 AM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
FIRESTONE
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Chriss Winston, x2930, Rm. 122, with a copy to my
office, by NOON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
On this is a very special day, the people of America send
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- a message I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. III And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. 111
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt and
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground. III
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)) the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. 11 Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. III
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul.
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
gapen
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
min
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
away the
German School Children's Choir.
Even as memeet have He Rose Garden,
Germansare are celebrating their
On this is at very special day, the people of America send
unity
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
sentiments
Germany a message I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus) when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream.
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
athendrop
This moment has also come because of the determination of
onalsotion
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Schmidt
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt and
+ Brandt
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground.
Ambassador Rufhus ( (Rufus) ) the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. 11 Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. 111
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- This is that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul. III
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations detailed(?) with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
178559SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
9/28/90
DATE:
NOON, MONDAY, OCT. 1
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS
THE ROSE GARDEN
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990
11:10 AM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
N/C
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
N/C
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
FIRESTONE
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
N/C
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Chriss Winston, x2930, Rm. 122, with a copy to my
office, by NOON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Cold War
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus] Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.) ) And let me especially thank the children of the
Even as we meet herein the Roe
German School Children's Choir.
Garden, Germano are
celebrating their new
On this is a very special day, the people of America send unity
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, / from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
hills
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
sentiments
Germany -- a message I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. III When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. III And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream.
Cold war
The is at 10ng / ast
3
over.
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
Over the decades, Adenaver's vision of as
the help of our friends."
A friendship with the United States,
between Germones and
between Germonyand
and all the free peoples of the world. has become been a maleyed
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Willy Brandt, Helmut Schudt
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt, and of course,
Helmut Kohl. Most of all this day has come because in 1989, the
for freedom.
brave people of East Germany stood their ground III
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus) ) the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. 11 Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. III
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul. 111
This is
That was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
critical
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
#
#
G. unity not last achievement
self-detementor- -
S.
unity not the last unfinished
busivene of the wantinue period.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 1, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON and
FROM:
MARK DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY CELEBRATION
On Wednesday, October 3, at 11:10 a.m., you will address 200
attendees in the Rose Garden, at a celebration of German-American
Day. Your remarks, approximately 6-8 minutes in length, will be
on cards.
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
Date: October 1, 1990
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
((Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus]], Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.)) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
On this very special day, the people of America send their
heartiest congratulations to all Germans. Even as we meet here
in the Rose Garden, Germans are celebrating their new unity from
Berlin to Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of
Leipzig to the golden vineyards along the hills of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
Germany -- sentiments I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania
-- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies
-- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus)), when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream.
3
And so we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free. The Cold War is
at long last over.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." Over the decades, Adenauer's vision of
a friendship between Germany and the United States, between
Germany and the free peoples of the world has been realized.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
This moment has also come because of the determination of
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY-ter)), Ludwig Erhardt, Willy
Brandt, Helmut Schmidt, and, of course Helmut Kohl. This day has
come because in 1989, the people of Germany stood their ground
for freedom.
The United States is proud to have joined your countrymen in
building the foundations of freedom -- proud to have been a
steady partner in your quest. America is also proud to count
itself among the friends and allies of a free Germany -- now, and
forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
4
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. 11 Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. III
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul.
This is my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations with more than seventy heads of state. We
discussed many critical issues -- from health care to education.
But we were profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must
entrust the future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
October 1, 1990
MEMORANDUM:
To:
CHRISS WINSTON
From:
MARK DAVIS
Re:
German-American event
John Schmitz, of Counsel's office, called me to recommend a
metaphor along these lines:
"When the four powers agreed to end the last restrictions on
German sovereignty, we closed the book on conflict and Cold
World. Let us now turn to another book, an older book -- the
chronicle of 200 years of German and American partnership."
Perhaps this could be used as a bridge to the section on German-
American contributions since the founding of Germantown, Pa.
178559SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
7758
9/28/90
DATE:
NOON, MONDAY, OCT. 1
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS
THE ROSE GARDEN
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1990
11:10 AM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
CARD
UNTERMEYER
CICCONI
ROGERS
DEMAREST
PINKERTON
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
FIRESTONE
HAGIN
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please provide comments/edits on the attached directly
to Chriss Winston, x2930, Rm. 122, with a copy to my
office, by NOON, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
TO: CHRISS WINSTON
October 1, 990
The NSC concurs with the attached draft with changes as
indicated.
nice job!
Brent Rates Scowcroft
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
CC: James Cicconi
Ext. 2702
Davis/Blymire
Title: German
90 SEP 28 PM 58
Date: September 28, 1990
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GERMAN-AMERICANS, THE ROSE GARDEN
11:10 a.m., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3rd, 1990
'elabrations
min
( (Ambassador Ruhfus [[Rufus] Bruce Gelb, Elsbeth Seewald,
Adalbert Theune [[TOY-nah]], Helmut Krueger -- welcome to the
White House.) ) And let me especially thank the children of the
German School Children's Choir.
Even as we week have in Garden,
Germansare are celebrating
On this is a very special day, the people of America send
unity
their heartiest congratulations to all Germans, from Berlin to
Bonn, from Munich to Bremen, from the urban plazas of Leipzig to
the golden vineyards along the cliffs of the Rhine.
Throughout this newly united nation, Germans celebrate a
wonderful moment delayed for almost half a century. And as part
of that celebration, I've sent a video address to the people of
sentiment
Germany a message I would like to share with you.
For 45 years, at the heart of a divided continent lived a
divided people. A cruel wall of concrete cut neighbor from
neighbor, husband from wife, child from parent -- and a nation
from itself. On this fault line of the East-West conflict -- one
people split between two worlds.
As the German people suffered through this long ordeal,
Americans were more -- much more -- than sympathetic observers.
After all, we are united by bonds of culture that reach back to
early colonial times, when Germans first became German-Americans.
2
At the invitation of William Penn, Germans arrived in
America to start a new life. Life was hard -- their first homes
were caves hollowed out of the ground -- but their determination
was harder. They built a community -- Germantown, Pennsylvania -
- inspiring millions more to follow and continue to build.
German-Americans founded Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland.
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. New Braunsfels, Texas.
Frankfort, Kentucky -- Berlin, Wisconsin -- and Anaheim,
California. And they went on to help build some of the great
cities of America -- Philadelphia, Cincinnati, St. Louis and
Milwaukee.
The 60 million American sons and daughters of these German
pioneers, like all Americans, felt a deep tie to both Germanies -
- one a new democracy in the heart of Europe, the other
struggling to be free.
After all, our own country once lived under oppression. We
remember John Peter Zenger, a young German-American newspaper
editor who dared to challenge authority in 1734. And it was this
same German immigrant who helped America establish our most
cherished tradition -- freedom of speech.
So now, Ambassador Ruhfus ((Rufus) when East Germans were
punished for dissent, we shared your spirit of defiance. When
German people were shot for attempting to flee to freedom, we
shared your outrage. III And when West German leaders dared to
hope for a Germany united in freedom, we shared your dream. III
3
And só we are here today to affirm that sometimes, dreams do
come true. Germany is united. Germany is free.
This day was so clearly envisioned by Konrad Adenauer, who
said that a solution to a divided Germany "is only possible with
the help of our friends." A friendship with the United States,
and all the free peoples of the world.
This moment has come because Americans stood by the people
of Berlin -- from the daredevil pilots of the airlift, to a young
president who made his bold declaration before the Wall.
athendrop,
This moment has also come because of the determination of
or
West German leaders to make Germany whole and free -- not only
Rehmidt
Adenauer but also Ernst Reuter ((ROY ter)), Ludwig Erhardt and
Brandt
Helmut Kohl. Most of all, this day has come because in 1989, the
brave people of East Germany stood their ground.
Ambassador Rufhus ((Rufus)) the United States is proud to
have joined your countrymen in building the foundations of
freedom -- proud to have been a steady partner in your quest.
America is also proud to count itself among the friends and
allies of a free Germany -- now, and forever more.
This has been a year of change, for America, for a united
Germany, for the Atlantic alliance of which we are both a part.
I'm certain that our two nations will meet the challenges of the
future as we have in the past -- as partners in leadership.
This day, so meaningful for Germany -- also inspires the
world. Meters away from the walls of the Reichstag -- scene of
the first session of the newly reunited German Parliament --
4
stood the Berlin Wall. For years free men and women everywhere
dreamed of the day the Berlin Wall would cease to exist -- when a
world without the Wall would mean a Germany made whole once more.
When Germany, united and sovereign, would contribute in full
measure as a force for peace and stability in world affairs. 111
Today, it is the Wall that lies in ruins, and our eyes open
on a new world of hope.
The last remnants of the Wall remain -- there at the heart
of a free Berlin. A ragged monument in brick and barbed wire:
Proof that no Wall is ever strong enough to strangle the human
spirit -- that no Wall can ever crush a nation's soul.
That This is was my message to the German people, and that is the
heartfelt sentiment of the people of America. But before I sign
this document, proclaiming this very special German-American Day,
let me say one thing more.
Last Sunday, I attended the world summit for children at the
United Nations detailed(?) with ((number)) heads of state. We discussed many
prosaic issues -- from health care to education. But we were
profoundly touched by the knowledge that we must entrust the
future of our nations to another generation.
Looking at these German School children, I believe I can see
the future of the new Germany -- a future of liberty and
leadership, goodwill and greatness.
Once again, thank you, and may God bless you all.
#
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GERMAN-AMERICANS \ THE ROSE GARDEN
OCTOBER 3, 1990 \ 11:10 P. M.
AMBASSADOR RUHFUS [[RuFus]], BRUCE GELB, ELLSBETH
SEEWALD, ADALBERT THEUNE [[TOY-NAH]], HELMUT KRUGER AND
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS -- WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE. I
THANK THE GERMAN ARMY BAND FOR THEIR STIRRING RENDITION
OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM. AND, OF COURSE, THIS EVENT IS
ALL THE RICHER FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE CHILDREN OF THE
GERMAN SCHOOL.
ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY, THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA
SEND THEIR HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GERMANS.
- 2 -
EVEN AS WE MEET HERE IN THE ROSE GARDEN, GERMANS ARE
CELEBRATING THEIR NEW UNITY FROM BERLIN TO BONN, FROM
MUNICH TO BREMEN, FROM THE URBAN PLAZAS OF LEIPZIG TO
THE GOLDEN VINEYARDS ALONG THE HILLS OF THE RHINE.
THROUGHOUT THIS NEWLY UNITED NATION, GERMANS
CELEBRATE A WONDERFUL MOMENT DELAYED FOR ALMOST HALF A
CENTURY. AND AS PART OF THAT CELEBRATION, I'VE SENT A
VIDEO ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF GERMANY -- SENTIMENTS I
WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU.
- 3 -
FOR 45 YEARS, AT THE HEART OF A DIVIDED CONTINENT
LIVED A DIVIDED PEOPLE. A CRUEL WALL OF CONCRETE CUT
NEIGHBOR FROM NEIGHBOR, HUSBAND FROM WIFE, CHILD FROM
PARENT -- AND A NATION FROM ITSELF. ON THIS FAULT LINE
OF THE EAST-WEST CONFLICT -- ONE PEOPLE SPLIT BETWEEN
TWO WORLDS.
As THE GERMAN PEOPLE SUFFERED THROUGH THIS LONG
ORDEAL, AMERICANS WERE MORE -- MUCH MORE -- THAN
SYMPATHETIC OBSERVERS.
- 4 -
AFTER ALL, WE ARE UNITED BY BONDS OF CULTURE THAT REACH
BACK TO EARLY COLONIAL TIMES, WHEN GERMANS FIRST BECAME
GERMAN-AMERICANS.
AT THE INVITATION OF WILLIAM PENN, GERMANS ARRIVED
IN AMERICA TO START A NEW LIFE. LIFE WAS HARD -- THEIR
FIRST HOMES WERE CAVES HOLLOWED OUT OF THE GROUND --
BUT THEIR DETERMINATION WAS HARDER. THEY BUILT A
COMMUNITY - -- GERMANTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA -- INSPIRING
MILLIONS MORE TO FOLLOW AND CONTINUE TO BUILD.
- 5 -
GERMAN-AMERICANS FOUNDED HAGERSTOWN AND FREDERICK,
MARYLAND. MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. NEW
BRAUNFELS, TEXAS. FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY -- BERLIN,
WISCONSIN -- AND ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA. AND THEY WENT ON
TO HELP BUILD SOME OF THE GREAT CITIES OF AMERICA --
PHILADELPHIA, CINCINNATI, ST. LOUIS AND MILWAUKEE.
- 6 -
THE 60 MILLION AMERICAN SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THESE
GERMAN PIONEERS, LIKE ALL AMERICANS, FELT A DEEP TIE TO
BOTH GERMANIES -- ONE A NEW DEMOCRACY IN THE HEART OF
EUROPE, THE OTHER STRUGGLING TO BE FREE.
AFTER ALL, OUR OWN COUNTRY ONCE LIVED UNDER
OPPRESSION. WE REMEMBER JOHN PETER ZENGER, A YOUNG
GERMAN-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITOR WHO DARED TO CHALLENGE
AUTHORITY IN 1734.
To cw- -
Date 10-3 Time 8:45A
WHILE YOU WERE OUT
M
Jim Cicconi
of
Phone
Area Code
Number
Extension
TELEPHONED
PLEASE CALL
CALLED TO SEE YOU
WILL CALL AGAIN
WANTS TO SEE YOU
URGENT
JC-
Pretty sneaky
on German speech."
Not sure It will
survive.
AMPAD
EFFICIENCY®
23-023
CARBONLESS
C.T. (Rowland
- 7 -
AND IT WAS THIS SAME GERMAN IMMIGRANT WHO HELPED
AMERICA ESTABLISH OUR MOST CHERISHED TRADITION --
FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
So NOW, AMBASSADOR RUHFUS ((Rufus)), WHEN EAST
GERMANS WERE PUNISHED FOR DISSENT, WE SHARED YOUR
SPIRIT OF DEFIANCE. III WHEN GERMAN PEOPLE WERE SHOT
FOR ATTEMPTING TO FLEE To FREEDOM, WE SHARED YOUR
OUTRAGE. III AND WHEN WEST GERMAN LEADERS DARED TO HOPE
FOR A GERMANY UNITED IN FREEDOM, WE SHARED YOUR
DREAM. III
- 8 -
AND so WE ARE HERE TODAY TO AFFIRM THAT SOMETIMES,
DREAMS DO COME TRUE. GERMANY IS UNITED. GERMANY IS
FREE. THE COLD WAR IS AT LONG LAST OVER. Delete
THIS DAY WAS so CLEARLY ENVISIONED BY KONRAD
ADENAUER, WHO SAID THAT A SOLUTION TO A DIVIDED GERMANY
"IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH THE HELP OF OUR FRIENDS." OVER
THE DECADES, ADENAUER'S VISION OF A FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN
GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES, BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE
FREE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD HAS been REALIZED.
- 9 -
THIS MOMENT HAS COME BECAUSE AMERICANS STOOD BY THE
PEOPLE OF BERLIN -- FROM THE DAREDEVIL PILOTS OF THE
AIRLIFT, TO A YOUNG PRESIDENT WHO MADE HIS BOLD
DECLARATION BEFORE THE WALL.
THIS MOMENT HAS ALSO COME BECAUSE OF THE
DETERMINATION OF WEST GERMAN LEADERS TO MAKE GERMANY
WHOLE AND FREE -- NOT ONLY ADENAUER BUT ALSO ERNST
REUTER ((ROY-TER)), LUDWIG ERHARD, WILLY BRANDT, HELMUT
SCHMIDT, AND, OF COURSE HELMUT KOHL.
r
- 10 -
THIS DAY HAS COME BECAUSE IN 1989, THE PEOPLE OF
GERMANY STOOD THEIR GROUND FOR FREEDOM.
THE UNITED STATES IS PROUD TO HAVE JOINED YOUR
COUNTRYMEN IN BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM --
PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A STEADY PARTNER IN YOUR QUEST.
AMERICA IS ALSO PROUD TO COUNT ITSELF AMONG THE FRIENDS
AND ALLIES OF A FREE GERMANY -- NOW, AND FOREVER MORE.
THIS HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CHANGE, FOR AMERICA, FOR A
UNITED GERMANY, FOR THE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE OF WHICH WE
ARE BOTH A PART.
- 11 -
I'M CERTAIN THAT OUR TWO NATIONS WILL MEET THE
CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST -- AS
PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP.
THIS DAY, so MEANINGFUL FOR GERMANY -- ALSO
INSPIRES THE WORLD. 11 METERS AWAY FROM THE WALLS OF
THE REICHSTAG -- SCENE OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE
NEWLY REUNITED GERMAN PARLIAMENT -- STOOD THE BERLIN
WALL.
- 12 -
FOR YEARS FREE MEN AND WOMEN EVERYWHERE DREAMED OF THE
DAY THE BERLIN WALL WOULD CEASE TO EXIST -- WHEN A
WORLD WITHOUT THE WALL WOULD MEAN A GERMANY MADE WHOLE
ONCE MORE. WHEN GERMANY, UNITED AND SOVEREIGN, WOULD
CONTRIBUTE IN FULL MEASURE AS A FORCE FOR PEACE AND
STABILITY IN WORLD AFFAIRS.
TODAY, IT IS THE WALL THAT LIES IN RUINS, AND OUR
EYES OPEN ON A NEW WORLD OF HOPE.
- 13 -
THE LAST REMNANTS OF THE WALL REMAIN -- THERE AT
THE HEART OF A FREE BERLIN. A RAGGED MONUMENT IN BRICK
AND BARBED WIRE: PROOF THAT NO WALL IS EVER STRONG
ENOUGH TO STRANGLE THE HUMAN SPIRIT -- THAT NO WALL CAN
EVER CRUSH A NATION'S SOUL. III
THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO THE GERMAN PEOPLE, AND THAT
IS THE HEARTFELT SENTIMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA.
BUT BEFORE I SIGN THIS DOCUMENT, PROCLAIMING THIS VERY
SPECIAL GERMAN-AMERICAN DAY, LET ME SAY ONE THING MORE.
- 14 -
LAST SUNDAY, I ATTENDED THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR
CHILDREN AT THE UNITED NATIONS WITH MORE THAN SEVENTY
HEADS OF STATE. WE DISCUSSED MANY CRITICAL ISSUES --
FROM HEALTH CARE TO EDUCATION. BUT WE WERE PROFOUNDLY
TOUCHED BY THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE MUST ENTRUST THE
FUTURE OF OUR NATIONS TO ANOTHER GENERATION.
- 15 -
LOOKING AT THE BEAUTIFUL GERMAN CHILDREN WITH US
TODAY, I BELIEVE I CAN SEE THE FUTURE OF THE NEW
GERMANY -- A FUTURE OF LIBERTY AND LEADERSHIP, GOODWILL
AND GREATNESS.
ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
#
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