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[Arrival Remarks and Dinner Toast for President Sassou-Nguesso (Congo) 2/12/90] [OA 6894]
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26
19
6
4
McNally/Simon
February 7, 1990
Draft One (B:CONGO.AR)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: STATE DINNER: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO
THE STATE DINING ROOM
Michael965 Feldman
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 7:45 P.M.
Congo Desk
Mr. President, Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-oo EN-GWES-00]]
Members of the Congolese delegation -- let me again welcome you
to the White House. We are very pleased you are here.
Since the beginnings of our history, the United States has
been a crossroads for both Europeans and Africans. And just as
your homeland has been shaped by the legacies of both Africa and
Europe, so today many African traditions have played a part in
helping shape American traditions, enriching our culture, our
people, and the kind of ties that bind our two Atlantic nations.
UP schedule
10-D-86
When you and I last met in Washington, over three years ago,
state
our two nations were just emerging from a period of strained
Rept.
relations. But in the years since our countries have made real
diabt
progress. Progress thanks to good faith on both sides. Progress
thanks to your public commitment to move away from state-
controlled economics. And progress thanks to the leadership you
demonstrated as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity.
Thanks to our partnership, Southern Africa today is a more
peaceful and stable place. Namibia will soon be independent.
The new beginnings in South Africa may help bring an end to an
old evil -- Apartheid. And in Angola, as Cuban troops are
leaving, talks on national reconciliation have begun.
Mr. President, the rewards for successful partnership are,
of course, new and greater challenges. You are a respected voice
2
in the Angolan talks, and we urge you to continue your pursuit of
peace and self-determination for the people of Angola.
Southwestern Africa is entering a new era. And more steps
await on the road ahead. But the bonds that link our two peoples
are today increasing, and promising.
Storte Dept.
Parallelling our improved relations, American investment has
draft
grown -- and I'm delighted that you'll be visiting my hometown of
stredule
Houston to discuss new ventures. On your part, the Congo has
taken some welcome steps, encouraging private enterprise, placing
State
Dept.
some limits on the power of single party rule, and opening the
draft
legislature to non-party groups.
On the occasion of your independence, some 30 years ago,
8-15-60
President Dwight D. Eisenhower offered the congratulations of the
see
United States and our best wishes for close and friendly
file
relations. And he also offered thanks for a gift he had received
from the people of Congo a year earlier -- a baby elephant.
Mike Morgan 200
The elephant resided for over 17 years at our National Zoo
Nat'1. 6.73- 478 here
in Washington, seen by more than 50 million visitors. And
you know, the elephant is a symbol close to the hearts of both
Ike and myself. Elephants are peaceful -- but strong. Known for
their loyalty. And thought to have wisdom, the kind of long-term
wisdom that's meant to last down through the years.
Now those are great qualities, and a sound basis for
relations between two great peoples. Mr. President: We raise
our glasses to you, to your health, and to the growing health of
free markets and free ideas in your homeland.
#
#
#
THE STATE VISIT
DRAFT
TO
2/7/90
WASHINGTON, D.C.
OF
HIS EXCELLENCY
DENIS SASSOU-NGUESSO
PRESIDENT
OF
THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
AND
MRS. SASSOU-NGUESSO
FEBRUARY 11 TO 14, 1990
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 11
TBD
pm-
Greeted by Deputy Chief of
pm
Protocol Fitzgerald and
Welcoming Committee, Andrews Air
Force Base, Washington, D.C.
TBD
pm-
U.S. Presidential Helicopters to
pm
Washington Monument Grounds,
Reflecting Pool.
-9-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 11
(Continued)
TBD
pm-
Greeted by Acting Secretary of
pm
State Eagleburger and Chief of
Protocol, Ambassador Reed.
TBD
pm
Arrive Blair House.
Private evening.
Overnight: Blair House.
-10-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
MONDAY
5'6"
FEBRUARY 12
10:00 am-
Arrival Ceremony with The
10:30 am
President and Mrs. Bush, South
Lawn, The White House.
10:30 am-
Meeting with President Bush,
10:45 am
Oval Office, The White House. *
10:30 am-
Tea offered by
11:00 am
Mrs. Bush in honor of
Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso,
Green Room, The White
House.
10:45 am-
Expanded Meeting with President
11:30 am
Bush, Cabinet Room, The White
House. *
12:00 pm-
Meeting with Acting Secretary
12:30 pm
Eagleburger, Henry Clay Room,
Department of State.* *
*Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso does not
attend.
-11-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 12
(Continued)
12:15 pm
Luncheon offered by
1:45 pm
Mrs. Peter D. Hannaford
in honor of
Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso,
F Street Club.
12:30 pm-
Working Luncheon with Acting
1:30 pm
Secretary Eagleburger, James
Madison Room, Department of State. *
3:30 pm-
Tea with The Vice President,
4:00 pm
Blair House.
4:30 pm-
Interview with Johnson Publishing,
5:30 pm
Blair House.
*Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso does not
attend.
-12-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
MONDAY
FEBRUARY 12
(Continued)
7:15 pm-
Refreshments with The President
7:45 pm
and Mrs. Bush, Yellow Oval Room,
The White House.
7:45 pm-
Reception, State Dinner, and
10:30 pm
After-Dinner Entertainment with
The President and Mrs. Bush, East
Room and State Dining Room, The
White House.
Overnight: Blair House.
Peter New
-13-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 13
8:00 am
Meeting with Managing Director
9:00 am
Camdessus, International
Monetary Fund. *
10:00 am-
Tour and Coffee with President
11:10 am
Alexis, faculty members, and
student leaders, building
Howard University.*
10:00 am-
Mrs Sassou-Nguesso
11:30 am
tours Children's
Hospital.
11:15 am-
Interview with Channel 32,
11:45 am
Howard University. *
12:00 am-
Luncheon with black leaders,
1:45 pm
Africare Center.
2:00 pm-
Meeting with President Robinson,
2:30 pm
African Development Foundation. *
*Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso does not
attend.
-14-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 13
(Continued)
2:45 pm-
Meeting with scholars, American
4:30 pm
Enterprise Institute. *
4:00 pm
Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso
5:00 pm
offers tea in honor of
wives of the African
Diplomatic Corps,
place TBD.
6:00 pm-
Reception offered by President
8:00 pm
Sassou-Nguesso, Grand Ballroom,
J. W. Marriott Hotel.
Overnight: Blair House
*Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso does not
attend.
-15-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 14
8:00 am-
Breakfast Meeting with
9:30 am
senior media representatives,
Blair House. *
9:30 am-
Meeting with Attorney General
9:55 am
Thornburgh, Blair House. *
10:00 am-
Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso
11:30 am
tours the National
Museum of African Art.
10:10 am-
Interview with Worldnet
10:45 am
Television, Worldnet Studios.
*
11:15 am-
Meeting with World Bank President
12:00 pm
Conable, Blair House. *
12:15 pm-
Luncheon offered by Mr. Keating,
1:30 pm
in honor of President
Sassou-Nguesso, Georgetown Club. *
*Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso does not
attend.
-16-
SUMMARY SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY
FEBRUARY 14
(Continued)
2:00 pm-
Interview with Black
3:00 pm
Entertainment Television
reporters, Hay-Adams Hotel. *
3:25 pm-
Farewell Ceremony with Acting
3:35 pm
Secretary of State Eagleburger,
Ambassador Reed, and Farewell
Committee, Washington Monument
Grounds, Reflecting Pool.
3:35 pm-
U.S. Presidential Helicopters to
3:45 pm
Andrews Air Force Base.
3:50 pm
Depart en route Houston, Texas,
and resume private schedule.
*Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso does not
attend.
-17-
THEMES FOR DINNER TOAST
On the occasion of the State Visit of
Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso
Congo and Africa
Cargo State visit 2/12/90
We take pleasure in welcoming the Chief of State of
Congo [in partnership with whom we achieved the
Brazzaville Protocol and the Angola/Namibia Accords.
Southwestern Africa is a more peaceful and stable
place now thanks to that partnership. Cuban troops
are withdrawing from Angola, Namibia is about to
become independent [and talks on how to begin Angolan
national reconciliation negotiations have begun
President Sassou-Nguesso is a key actor in the those
talks which, under the mediation of Zairian President
Mobutu have bogged down. We should urge
Sassou-Nguesso him to continue to pursue this
objective.
J*
Bilateral Relations
Relations before 1985 were very strained. However
since Sassou's tenure as OAU Chairman, your meeting in
vp Bush
Washington in 1986, and his public commitment to move
away from statist, marxist-leninist economics,
relations have improved dramatically
Parallelling our improved relations, American
investment (mainly oil companies -- Arco, Amoco,
Conoco, Citizens Energy (Michael Kennedy)) has
increased.
Also, Congo has taken other steps toward privatizing
parastatals, encouraging private enterprise, some
limits on the power of the single political party and
opening the legislature to non-party groups.
Our aid programs are minimal because Congo is a
middle-income country with large oil reserves.
However, we do cooperate in training programs and hope
to sign a PL-480 agreement soon.
We are committed to retaining a small but useful aid
program in Congo and will double assistance from
$500,000 to $1 million in FY 91 -- presuming Congo
continues down the reform path.
Den-EE SASS-00 EN-gwes-00
look
Mm. Pres.
we formand
Pres. Sassan
to agreements
-2-
Significance of Visit
This visit- provides an opportunity for the
Administration to assure Africa that we have not
forgotten it. Just as we have built on a diplomatic
partnership with Congo to establish better overall
relations, we remain fully committed to partnership in
all fields with our friends in Africa.
We also want to help Africa as it undergoes the
difficult process of economic reform and moving away
from statist economics toward privatization and free
enterprise.
Just as in eastern Europe, it is time for Africa to
move toward more open democratic political systems
which rest upon the consent of the governed.
We share Africa's determination to liberate South
Africa from apartheid, and thus are pleased that South
Africa is at last taking steps toward negotiating the
end of apartheid and the creation of nonracial,
democratic society.
ARRIVAL STATEMENT
on the occasion of the State Visit of
Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso
Mr. President, it is my distinct pleasure today to welcome
you and Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso to the United States of America.
Since your last visit to the United States in 1986, southern
Africa has seen significant progress toward peace and
stability. Namibia is on the verge of independence. Cuban
troops are in the process of leaving Angola even as our hopes
for a negotiated settlement of that tragic war are increasing
And South Africa may at last be on the way to ending apartheid
and negotiating a democratic, nonracial society. Mr. President,
to a considerable degree these happy developments resulted from
agreements facilitated through the close cooperation of the
United States and the Congo in a partnership for peace. As
chairman of the Organization of African Unity in 1986, you used
your prestige and diplomatic skill to convince the parties
involved to come to Brazzaville to resolve their differences.
As our diplomats worked with the signatories of the
Angola/Namibia Accords, you worked ceaselessly to assure their
success. When the accords were signed, Africa and the rest of
the world bestowed on you their gratitude for your essential
contribution to the search for world peace. Today, it is my
privilege, on behalf of the American people, to thank you again
for your efforts and your ongoing commitment to regional
stability.
We also appreciate your support to the ongoing African
effort under the mediation of Zaire's President Mobutu Sese
Seko to achieve peace and stability in Angola. Those
negotiations have not always gone smoothly, and some continue
to believe that war is preferable to peace. Nevertheless, we
remain confident African statesmen such as yourself,
Mr. President, will be able to bring about national
reconciliation in Angola and greater peace and stability in
your region.
Mr. President, as we talk about the world's problems and
their peaceful resolution, I would like to use this occasion to
send two messages to the peoples of Africa. Some have
suggested that events in the rest of the world, including
eastern Europe, mean that the United States will no longer pay
attention to Africa. Mr. President, I can assure you and
everyone in Africa that this is not the case. I had the
pleasure of visiting Africa three times while I was Vice
President, and I hope to be able to do so again. Africa is the
ancestral home of many Americans. Africa is a major
contributor to the world supply of raw materials and minerals.
Africa is the repository of many of the world's environmental
riches.
[Africa is our friend, and friends don't forget one another.
Rather they help and work closely with one another in common
endeavors, and I hereby renew the commitment of the American
people and government to continue to do so in partnership with
Africa. J-- what dues this mean?
It's so patrenizing
Let me add Mr. President, that good friends also on
occasion give advice to one another. My advice to Africa is to
pay careful attention to what is happening in eastern Europe,
to see what the will of the people really means, to understand
the thirst for democracy and self-determination. We are
celebrating today the birthday of one of our great Presidents,
Abraham Lincoln. I believe his words on this subject, uttered
as a memorial to men who died in the defense of freedom and
democracy, are particularly pertinent. He said that it was up
to the living to carry on the work of those who had died so
"that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for
the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln did not
live to see his hopes fulfilled, but he has left us a legacy to
cherish and advance these hopes. He was speaking then to
Americans. But today, more than a hundred years later, recent
events have shown that democracy remains the wave of the future
around the world. And I would be the first to say that Africa
has taken steps to recognize and nurture this concept in recent
years.
We vigorously applaud what Africa has done while
encouraging more rapid movement in this directions.
Jst For, as
recent experience in eastern Europe and our own experience as a
nation has proven, free men and women are the most essential
ingredients of a successful, thriving, and truly developed
ARRIVAL STATEMENT
on the occasion of the State Visit of
Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso
Mr. President, it is my distinct pleasure today to welcome
you and Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso to the United States of America.
Since your last visit to the United States in 1986, southern
Africa has seen significant progress toward peace and
stability. Namibia is on the verge of independence. Cuban
troops are in the process of leaving Angola even as our hopes
for a negotiated settlement of that tragic war are increasing.
And South Africa may at last be on the way to ending apartheid
and negotiating a democratic, nonracial society. Mr. President,
to a considerable degree these happy developments resulted from
agreements the United States and the Congo facilitated in a
partnership for peace. As chairman of the Organization of
African Unity in 1986, you used your prestige and diplomatic
skill to convince the parties involved to come to Brazzaville
to resolve their differences. As our diplomats worked with the
signatories of the Angola/Namibia Accords, you worked
ceaselessly to assure their success. When the accords were
-2-
signed, Africa and the rest of the world bestowed on you their
gratitude for your essential contribution to the search for
world peace. Today, it is my privilege, on behalf of the
American people, to thank you again for your efforts and your
ongoing commitment to regional stabllity.
We also appreciate your support to the ongoing African
effort under the mediation of Zaire's President Mobutu Sese
Seko to achieve peace and national reconciliation in Angola.
Those negotiations have not always gone smoothly, and some
continue to believe that war is preferable to peace.
Nevertheless, we remain confident that African statesmen such
as yourself, Mr. President, will be able to bring about
national reconciliation in Angola and greater stability in your
region.
Mr. President, as we talk about the world's problems and
their peaceful resolution, I would like to use this occasion to
send two messages to the peoples of Africa. Some have
suggested that events in the rest of the world, including
eastern Europe, mean that the United States will no longer pay
attention to Africa. Mr. President, I can assure you and
everyone in Africa that this is not the case. I had the
pleasure of visiting Africa three times while I was Vice
President, and I hope to be able to do so again. Africa is the
-3-
ancestral home of many Americans. Africa is a major
contributor to the world supply of raw materials and minerals.
Africa is the repository of many of the world's environmental
riches. Africa is our friend, and friends don't forget one
another. Rather they help and work closely with one another in
common endeavors, and I hereby renew the commitment of the
American people and government to continue to do so in
partnership with Africa.
Let me add Mr. President, that good friends also on
occasion give advice to one another. My advice to Africa is to
pay careful attention to what is happening in eastern Europe,
to see what the will of the people really means, to understand
the thirst for democracy and self-determination. We are
celebrating today the birthday of one of our great Presidents,
Abraham Lincoln. I believe his words on this subject, uttered
as a memorial to men who died in the defense of freedom and
democracy, are particularly pertinent. He said that it was up
to the living to carry on the work of those who had died so
"that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for
the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln has left
us a legacy both to cherish and advance these hopes. He was
speaking then to Americans. But today, more than a hundred
-4-
years later, recent events have shown that democracy remains
the wave of the future around the world. And I would be the
first to say that Africa has taken steps to recognize and
nurture this concept in recent years. We vigorously applaud
what Africa has done while encouraging more rapid movement in
this direction. For, as recent experience in eastern Europe
and our own experience as a nation have proven, free men and
women are the most essential ingredients of a successful,
thriving, and truly developed nation.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
/
Pacaderm Dept, - Records
of Congo Elephant
Paris, 1959
baby eleghant
700 - 673-4400
4717
673-4789
673-486
Mike Morgan
Male Elephant
Oct 12, 59
17 years
51 million visitors 50m him
Dain 60
1976 - Breeding letter
in Florida
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Presented Oct. 12, 1959
Male Elephant
"Dzimbo"
There for 17 years, seen
by 5 / million visitors.
1976 - Died in Florida
Breeding Center
- Mike Morgan
National Zoo
673-4789
no oppressed people will
THE WHITE HOUSE
fight and endure WASHINGTON
as our
fathers did without the
than a mere change of
promise of something better
Masters
Lincoln
fragment of Constitution
1861
a Those who deny
freedom to otheRs
deserve it Not foR
themselves, and,
under a just God,
cannot Retain it.
~ Lineds 1859
shall not only have saved the Union; but we shall have so saved
it. as to make, and to keep it, forever worthy of the saving. We
shall have so saved it, that the succeeding millions of free happy
people, the world over, shall rise up, and call us blessed, to the
latest generations.58
1854-
When the white man governs himself that is self-government; but
when he governs himself, and also governs another man, that is
more than self-government-that is despotism.59
1854
This declared indifference, but as I must think, covert real zeal
for the spread of slavery, I can not but hate. I hate it because of
the monstrous injustice of slavery itself. I hate it because it de-
prives our republican example of its just influence in the world
-enables the enemies of free institutions, with plausibility, to
taunt us as hypocrites-causes the real friends of freedom to doubt
our sincerity, and especially because it forces so many really good
men amongst ourselves into an open war with the very funda-
mental principles of civil liberty-criticising the Declaration of
Independence, and insisting that there is no right principle of
action but self-interest.60
1854-
No man is good enough to govern another man, without that
other's consent. I say this is the leading principle-the sheet
anchor of American republicanism.61
1854-
Slavery is founded in the selfishness of man's nature-opposition
to it. is [in?] his love of justice. These principles are an eternal
antagonism: and when brought into collision so fiercely, as slavery
extension brings them, shocks, and throes, and convulsions must
ceaselessly follow. Repeal the Missouri compromise-repeal all
compromises-repeal the declaration of independence-repeal all
past history, you still can not repeal human nature. It still will be
the abundance of man's heart, that slavery extension is wrong;
Our political problem now is "Can we, as a nation, Lincoln continue
and out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth will continue
to speak.62
1855-
15
1856-
Thus let bygones be bygones. Let past differences, as nothing be
and with steady eye on the real issue, let us reinaugurate du
good old "central ideas" of the Republic. We can do it. TM
human heart is with us-God is with us. We shall again be
not to declare, that "all States as States, are equal," not yes the
"all citizens as citizens are equal," but to renew the broader
better declaration, including both these and much more, that "Will
mcn are created equal."108
1857-
I think the authors of that notable instrument [the Declaration
of Independence] intended to include all men
They means
set up a standard maxim for free society, which should be familier
to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, construently
labored for, and even though never perfectly attained, constam(ly
approximated, and thereby constantly spreading and deepening
its influence, and augmenting the happiness and value of life
all people of all colors everywhere.107
1858-
To give the victory to the right, not bloody bullets, but proceful
ballots only, are necessary. Thanks to our good old Constitution,
and organization under it, these alone are necessary. It only mode
that every right thinking man, shall go to the polls, and without
fear or prejudice, vote as he thinks.¹⁰⁸
1858-
Legislation and adjudication must follow, and conform SOL she
progress of society. 109
1858-
I believe each individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases
with himself and the fruit of his labor, so far as it in no wise Issue
feres with any other man's rights.¹¹⁰
1
1858-
Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in
our bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which
prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, every
where. 111
24
~
Lincoln
Lincoln
521
This is a world of compensation; and he
8
I have never had a feeling, politically, that
who would be no slave must consent to have
did not spring from the sentiments embodied
no slave. Those who deny freedom to others
in the Declaration of Independence.
I
deserve it not for themselves, and, under a
have often inquired of myself what great
just God, cannot long retain it.
principle or idea it was that kept this Confed-
Letter to H. L. Pierce and others
eracy SO long together. It was not the mere
[April 6, 1859]
matter of separation of the colonies from the
motherland, but that sentiment in the Decla-
2
Public opinion in this country is every-
ration of Independence which gave liberty
thing.
not alone to the people of this country, but
Speech at Columbus, Ohio
hope to all the world, for all future time. It
[September 16, 1859]
was that which gave promise that in due time
the weights would be lifted from the shoul-
3 It is said an Eastern monarch once charged
ders of all men, and that all should have an
his wise men to invent him a sentence to be
equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied
ever in view, and which should be true and
in the Declaration of Independence.
I
appropriate in all times and situations. They
presented him the words: "And this, too,
would rather be assassinated on this spot
than surrender it.
shall pass away." How much it expresses!
Speech at Independence Hall, Phila-
How chastening in the hour of pride! How
consoling in the depths of affliction!
delphia [February 22, 1861]
Address to the Wisconsin State
9
It is safe to assert that no government
Agricultural Society, Milwaukee
proper ever had a provision in its organic law
[September 30, 1859]
for its own termination.
First Inaugural Address [March
What is conservatism? Is it not adherence
4, 1861]
to the old and tried, against the new and un-
10
tried?
If by the mere force of numbers a majority
Address at Cooper Union, New
should deprive a minority of any clearly writ-
York [February 27, 1860]
ten constitutional right, it might, in a moral
point of view, justify revolution-certainly
5
Let us have faith that right makes might,
would if such a right were a vital one.
and in that faith let us to the end dare to do
Ib.
our duty as we understand it.
Ib.
11
This country, with its institutions, belongs
No one, not in my situation, can appreciate
to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they
my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this
shall grow weary of the existing government,
place, and the kindness of these people, I owe
they can exercise their constitutional right of
everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a
amending it, or their revolutionary right to
dismember or overthrow it.
Ib.
century, and have passed from a young to an
old man. Here my children have been born,
12
Why should there not be a patient confi-
and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing
dence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is
when or whether ever I may return, with a
there any better or equal hope in the world?
task before me greater than that which
Ib.
rested upon Washington. Without the assist-
13
ance of that Divine Being who ever attended
While the people retain their virtue and
him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I
vigilance, no administration, by any extreme
cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with
of wickedness or folly, can very seriously in-
me, and remain with you, and be everywhere
jure the government in the short space of
for good, let us confidently hope that all will
four years.
Ib.
yet be well.
14
We are not enemies, but friends. We must
Farewell Address, Springfield,
not be enemies. Though passion may have
Illinois [February II, 1861]
strained, it must not break, our bonds of
affection. The mystic chords of memory,
If we do not make common cause to save
stretching from every battlefield and patriot
the good old ship of the Union on this voyage,
grave to every living heart and hearthstone
nobody will have a chance to pilot her on
all over this broad land, will yet swell the
another voyage.
chorus of the Union when again touched, as
Address at Cleveland, Ohio
surely they will be, by the better angels of our
[February 15, 1861]
nature.
Ib.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Those who expect to reap the
blessings of freedom, must,
like Men, undergo the
fatigue of supportingit
~
Thomas paine
"The Crises"
May the light of freedom,
coming to all darkened
lands, flame brightly-
until at last the
darkness is NO More.
~
Eisenhower
"Second Inaugural
address, 21 1957" Jan.
The ground of liberty
Must be gained by inches.
~
Th. Jeffersen
120
A Treasury of Lincoln Quotations
German-Americans
Ever true to Liberty, the Union and the Constitution-true to
Liberty, not selfishly, but upon principle-not for special
classes of men, but for all men; true to the Union and Con-
stitution as the best means to advance that liberty.
LETTER TO ANTON C. HESING, HENRY WENDT AND
ALEXANDER FISHER
JUNE 30, 1858
The Germans are true and patriotic.
LETTER TO HENRY W. HALLECK
JANUARY 15, 1862
Gettysburg
On this last Fourth of July just passed, when we have a gigan-
tic rebellion, at the bottom of which is an effort to overthrow the
principle that all men were created equal, we have the surrender
of a most powerful position and army on that very day, and not
only so, but in a succession of battles in Pennsylvania-near to
us-through three days, so rapidly fought that they might be
called one great battle on the ist, 2d and 3d of the month of
July; and on the 4th the cohorts of those who opposed the
declaration that all men are created equal "turned tail" and run.
RESPONSE TO A SERENADE
JULY 7, 1863
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960
261
ission Via
States look forward to close and friendly relations with the Government
and people of the Central African Republic.
ist 12, 1960
Sincerely,
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
; first experiment
1 known as Echo.
260
Ч
Message to President Youlou on the
program of space
d forward vigor-
Occasion of the Independence of the Republic of
the benefit of all
Congo. August 15, 1960
ds may be used
Dear Mr. President:
terests. Informa-
On the occasion of the independence of the Republic of Congo, I
videly distributed
extend in my own name and on behalf of the United States most cordial
greetings and felicitations to you and the people of Congo.
able to the world
The United States has followed with great interest the progress of the
r experiments in
Congo towards independence in harmony and friendship with France.
It is with deep satisfaction that we welcome this historic event.
I was relayed by the
I recall with great pleasure and appreciation the thoughtful gift which
Telephone Laborato-
you made to me last year in the name of the Community. This tangible
del, N.J.
token of affection of the Community and of yourself for the United States
will long be remembered.
cko on the
On this historic day, the Government and people of the United States
ntral
look forward to close and friendly relations with the Government and
people of Congo.
Sincerely,
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
NOTE: The President referred to the gift
of his visit to Paris in 1959 (see 1959
African Republic,
of a baby elephant presented at the time
volume, this series, p. 652).
tates most cordial
: Central African
261
I
Remarks Upon Inspection of the Capsule
ne progress of the
Retrieved From the Satellite Discoverer XIII.
carrying out the
; independence is
August 15, 1960
; a source of great
I SHOULD LIKE to think of some way that I could properly commend
the people who are responsible for this remarkable achievement. I know
ble of the United
that mere medals and ribbons don't do this. But I do think that I can
631
Congo desk office
Michael Feldman
Gene schmed
points of pride, book
Call him for color
647- 496 todac
Bof - get- -
recommendation recommen dation
(B10 of their President ??)
1
text: - 1986 R.R. speeches
oct, > when Cougo President
came to D.C.
- V.P. Bush speeche
during 3 visits
to africa
not to Congo
late 40s
2
from desk officer
former cap. of Free French in WW II
some personal notes,
bio on president.
both Trandfather ? Pres. etc. of
Schooling ? Past position?
daughter married
of Gabon
oil
natural beauty
hospitable tropical forests
well educated, military man
Sussans
bright literary trudition high
capable ple
bitracy rate region
SHOSTAL
The Plateau section of Brazzaville is comfortably modern, with a low profile. The city is the Congo's capital.
CONGO, kong' go, a country in central Africa.
er, a tributary of the Kouilou. The grassy valley
Formerly Middle Congo, a territory of French
contains the country's best soils, permitting a
Equatorial Africa, it became independent in
variety of agricultural pursuits. To the northeast
1960. For a few years the new nation was com-
extend the Batéké Plateaus, a less favored grass-
monly referred to as "Congo (Brazzaville)" to
land. In the far north are vast forests and
distinguish it from its larger neighbor, the former
swamps.
Belgian Congo, conventionally called "Congo
The country's major rivers are the Ubangi
(Kinshasa)." The names in parentheses denoted
(Cubangui) and the Congo (called the Zaire in
their respective capitals. In 1971, however,
the country of that name). The Ubangi is a trib-
Congo (Kinshasa) changed its name to Zaire,
utary of the Congo, as are the Sangha and other
thereby ending the confusion.
large rivers of the north. Together the Ubangi
and the Congo form most of the border between
CONTENTS
the Congo and Zaire.
Section
Page
Section
Page
With its territory extending across the equa-
1. The Land
544
History and
tor, the Congo has a tropical climate marked by
Government
2. The Economy
545
4. French Presence
high temperatures and humidity. Torrential
and Rule
546
rainstorms are frequent, and precipitation aver-
5. The Independent
3. The People
545
ages 80 to 100 inches (2,000-2,500 mm) a year.
Congo
546
1. The Land
The Congo is shaped somewhat like a boot,
INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS
with the seaport of Pointe-Noire at the toe and
Area: 132,046 square miles (342,000 sq km).
Brazzaville near the heel. The country has five
Boundaries: North, Cameroon and Central African
distinct natural regions.
Republic; east, Zaire; south, Zaire and Angola;
west, Atlantic Ocean; northwest, Gabon.
Physical Features and Climate. Along the Con-
Elevations: Highest-Lékéti Mountains (3,412 feet,
go's western edge is a grassy, treeless coastal
or 1,040 meters); lowest-sea level.
plain extending 40 miles (65 km) inland from the
Population: (1985 census) 1,853,828.
Capital and Largest City: Brazzaville.
Atlantic Ocean. Behind the plain rises the
Major Languages: French (official), LiNgala, and
Name of Nationals: Congolese.
Mayombé Escarpment, a succession of sharp
ridges that run parallel to the coast and reach an
Major Monokutuba. Religious Groups: Christians and followers of
elevation of 2,600 feet (800 meters). This dense-
traditional African religions.
ly forested area, deeply cut by river gorges such
Monetary Unit: CFA franc.
as that of the Kouilou, is difficult to penetrate.
For the flag of the Congo, see under FLAG, both
illustration and text.
To the east stretches the valley of the Niari Riv-
544
CONGO: The Economy-The People
545
There are two dry seasons, from January to
Congo into the middle-income range of develop-
March and from June to September.
ing countries, it made the economy highly vul-
Natural Resources. The Congo was long
nerable to downswings in world demand and
thought to be poor in exploitable natural assets
prices for petroleum products.
other than its location on the Ubangi-Congo wa-
Natural gas is exploited in conjunction with
terway, the major outlet for the products of much
oil, and small amounts of lead, zinc, copper, and
of Equatorial Africa but obstructed by falls near
gold are produced. Large-scale mining, as of
its outlet. Possessing a seacoast as well as access
potash and iron ore, has been hampered by vari-
to this trade route, the country was favorably
ous problems, including shortages of investment
positioned to provide overland transshipment
capital and technical and marketing difficulties.
and port services vital to landlocked Chad and
Congolese farmers produce cassava, plan-
the Central African Republic (CAR).
tains, and sweet potatoes, mainly for their own
Generally infertile soils made commercial ag-
consumption. The Congo's cash crops include
riculture in the Congo unpromising except in the
sugarcane, tobacco, palm kernels, coffee, cocoa,
Niari Valley. Large areas of the country exten-
and peanuts.
sive hardwood forests were not easily accessible.
Forest products formerly contributed more
The excellent hydroelectric potential required
than 60% of the value of exports. The most
parallel development of mining and manufactur-
important export woods are okoumé, limba, and
ing. Although a wide variety of minerals were
mahogany. The cutting of trees for timber has
known, including valuable deposits of potash
caused serious depletion of the more accessible
and high-grade iron ore, most were too limited in
forests. Commercial fishing is conducted in At-
quantity. In the 1970's, however, substantial re-
lantic waters on a small scale.
serves of petroleum were found offshore, radical-
Extractive industries account for most of the
ly altering the nation's economic prospects.
manufacturing done in the Congo. Oil refining
2. The Economy
and sawmilling are major activities. Industrial
output also includes small quantities of sugar,
Petroleum production is the most important
flour, vegetable oils, beer and soft drinks, tobac-
aspect of the Congolese economy, as measured
CO products, textiles and footwear, canned fish,
in contribution to the gross domestic product
and cement. Hydroelectric plants generate most
(GDP) and exports. Agriculture is oriented
of the country's electricity.
(mainly subsistence production, but the country
Transportation and Trade. Rivers, notably the
cannot supply all of its food needs.
Congo and Ubangi, are the Congo's major lines
Production. In 1969 mining contributed less
of communication. Brazzaville, on the Congo
than 5% of the value of Congolese exports. Af-
River, is connected with Pointe-Noire, the prin-
terward, with the development of offshore oil
cipal seaport, by the Congo-Océan Railroad.
SHOSTAL
resources, this figure rose rapidly to 90%. Petro-
Traversing difficult terrain, the line was begun
city is the Congo's capital.
leum extraction and refining came to dominate
in 1921 and completed in 1934 with 92 bridges
the modern sector of the economy, accounting for
and 12 tunnels. A large proportion of the freight
about 40% of the GDP. Although oil pushed the
carried has been CAR and Gabonese bulk trade,
builou. The grassy valley
straining the line's capacity. The Congolese
best soils, permitting a
road system is little developed because of forest
bursuits. To the northeast
CENTRAL Bangui
growth, swamp, and rugged terrain.
eaus, a less favored grass-
AFRICAN
Besides oil and wood, the Congo exports
rth are vast forests and
REPUBLIC
some coffee and cocoa. It reexports diamonds
from Zaire. Major imports are machinery (in-
or rivers are the Ubangi
CAMEROON
cluding transportation equipment), food, iron
ongo (called the Zaire in
and steel, and consumer goods.
e). The Ubangi is a trib-
are the Sangha and other
3. The People
th. Together the Ubangi
Ubangi
About four fifths of the Congolese people live
ost of the border between
in the southern third of the country. Population
is sparse in the vast northern rain forests and
xtending across the equa-
swamp wastes. As a result of migration by vil-
opical climate marked by
GABON
lagers in search of salaried employment, at least
d humidity. Torrential
two fifths of the people are urban. Brazzaville is
t, and precipitation aver-
the largest city by far, with Pointe-Noire ranking
(2,000-2,500 mm) a year.
CONGO
second.
Ethnic, Linguistic, and Religious Groups. The Con-
go has more than 70 ethnic groups and subgroups
and nearly as many languages. The largest eth-
IN HIGHLIGHTS
nic divisions are the Kongo, Teke, Mboshi, and
les (342,000 sq km).
eroon and Central African
LEKETI
Vili. About half of the people are Christians.
e; south, Zaire and Angola;
MTS
Bateke
The Kongo, who occupy the area west of
: northwest, Gabon.
ZAIRE
Brazzaville, constitute more than half of the pop-
kéti Mountains (3,412 feet,
Congo
ulation. They take pride in the glory of their
vest-sea level.
Brazzaville
s) 1,853,828.
Niari
Kingdom of Kongo, which extended into Zaire
Brazzaville.
Malebo Pool
and Angola. The Teke, nearly a quarter of the
golese. ch (official), LiNgala, and
Pointe
Kinshasa
total population, inhabit the plateaus north of
Noire
Brazzaville. They are noted for their handi-
Christians and followers of
CABINDA
crafts. The Mboshi live in the north, where the
eligions.
(ANGOLA)
CONGO
0
200 Mi.
grasslands and forests meet. The Vili, many of
ongo, C. see under FLAG, both
whom are fishermen, dwell around Pointe-
ANGOLA
0
200 Km.
Noire.
Most languages spoken in the Congo belong
546
CONGO: History and Government
to the Bantu family. Besides the numerous eth-
nic languages are two that were developed to
tire country until 1925. Head-carrier porters
facilitate trade. LiNgala, the lingua franca spo-
were recruited as compulsory labor, an abuse
ken north of Brazzaville, shows the influence of
finally terminated in 1946. However, the
several ethnic tongues. Monokutuba, used west
to France.
who repeatedly demonstrated a warm attachment
French rulers educated a small African elite,
of the capital, has a strong Kongo base. The offi-
cial language of the country is French, which is
During World War II the French governor-
taught in all the schools.
The population is about evenly divided be-
general of French Equatorial Africa, Félix
tween Christians and followers of traditional Af-
Eboué, rallied the Congo's people to the banner
rican religious beliefs, although these categories
of the Free French movement. This loyalty won
recognition from France, and a conference was
are not mutually exclusive. Roman Catholics
held in Brazzaville in 1944 to define a new colo-
make up a third of the people. Other Christians
nial policy in the face of rising African national-
adhere to mainstream Protestant denominations
ism. The result of the conference was a recom-
or to the Kimbanguist church, an indigenous Af-
rican denomination. A tiny percentage of the
self-government. mendation that French colonies be given more
people are Muslims.
In 1946 the Congo became an overseas terri-
Education. The French administration empha-
tory of France with representation in the French
Aug. 15, 19
sized quality education for both Africans and
parliament and an elected territorial assembly.
dent from
Europeans, and this policy resulted in the forma-
The Congo voted to become an autonomous re-
officials WI
tion of a small African elite. After independence
public within the French Community in 1958.
the Congolese government broadened the base
It became fully independent on Aug. 15, 1960.
of its educational system in order to reach many
more children.
5. The Independent Congo
Education is given high priority by both the
The Congo's first president was Abbé Fulbert
government and the people, and the young are
Youlou, a Catholic priest who had switched to
eager to learn. As a result, the Congo has one of
politics. He was the founder of the country's
the highest school-attendance and literacy rates
principal political party, the Union Démocrati-
in Africa. Higher education has been available
que pour la Défense des Intérêts Africains
with Chi
since independence.
(UDDIA), and had been mayor of Brazzaville.
the ethn:
HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT
The Pro-Western Regime. Youlou's government
who was
retained close ties with France. His strong pro-
voked tl
After the Portuguese navigator Diogo Cam
West policies as well as his support of Moïse
forced to
(Cão) discovered the mouth of the Congo River
Tshombe's attempt to lead Katanga province into
dium. E
in 1483, Portugal established friendly relations
secession from Congo (Kinshasa) aroused hostili-
with the Kongo kingdom, which had been
ty in his country. The constitution of 1961 had
special (
regain C(
founded at least a century earlier. Although this
given the president extensive powers, and You-
The
state controlled territory north of the river, its
lou attempted to create a one-party state. But
tense th
center of gravity lay southward in Angola. An-
the government was unable to relieve wide-
Débat to
other African kingdom, Loango, ruled the Koui-
spread poverty and unemployment, and Youlou
but the a
lou and Niari valleys in the present-day Congo,
shared in the conspicuous extravagances of mem-
Ngouabi
and on the plateaus to the east the Teke kingdom
bers of his government.
Débat fi
held sway. An overseas slave trade soon devel-
Youlou was forced to resign on Aug. 15, 1963,
became
oped in the area, with Teke selling captives to
after three days of strikes and demonstrations by
The P
Loango for resale to Portuguese and afterward
workers and students. A provisional govern-
formed I
other European visitors on the coast.
ment of technocrats was established, headed by
vail (PC'
4. French Presence and Rule
Alphonse Massamba-Débat. The National As-
stitution
sembly was dissolved, and all political parties
sive role
French traders interested in slaves and ivory
were outlawed.
The Assertion of Radicalism. In a referendum
chairmai
made frequent stops along the coast during the
17th and 18th centuries. After the abolition of
held on Dec. 8, 1963, the voters approved a new
was to g
constitution protecting the powers of the Nation-
al peopl
the slave trade, the Congo served as a base for
French ships seeking to prevent the illegal trans-
al Assembly and dividing executive authority
People's
port of captives. Although European ships
between the president and a premier. On
In li
ism," the
touched along the Congo coast, no penetration of
December 19, Massamba-Débat was elected to a
the interior took place until the 19th century.
five-year term as president by the electoral col-
substant
Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, exploring for
lege. In July 1964 the Mouvement National
omy. On
Révolutionnaire (MNR), headed by Massamba-
Congo-C
France, founded the town of Brazzaville in 1880.
ville an
He signed treaties with African kings, placing
Débat, was made the country's sole political party.
the area under French protection. The Berlin
Massamba-Débat took a hostile attitude to-
the join
Conference of 1884-1885 established the bound-
ward the Western powers. Brazzaville recog-
Equator
aries between the French and Belgian Congos.
nized Communist China in 1964 and was ac-
unsucce
cused by Kinshasa of aiding rebels against its
1977. A
The colony of French Congo was created in
1891. It became known as the Middle Congo in
government. In 1965 the United States with-
trol and
persons,
1903, and in 1910 it was linked with Gabon,
because of alleged mistreatment representatives
drew its diplomatic and consular
for com]
Chad, and Ubangi-Shari (now the Central Afri-
The
can Republic) in a federal organization known as
Brazzaville regime. China sent advisers
French Equatorial Africa. Brazzaville was made
technicians and provided financial assistance.
Distrusting pro-French elements in the regular of
than Opango Ng
the capital of the federation.
France granted large concessions to compa-
army, Massamba-Débat formed a palace guard
he Howeve norm
nies to exploit the colony's scant removable
Cubans in 1965.
wealth, such as rubber, ivory, and gold. The
In June 1966 the army staged a coup while Re-
and an (
accident
people were largely ignored or their rights bla-
Massamba-Débat was out of the country. ties
sentment against the government's close
duction,
tantly violated. There were no roads in the en-
Februar
porters
abuse
er, The
chment 1 elite,
vernor
Félix
Ity banner won
ice was
:W colo-
ational-
recom-
in more
as terri-
French
Aug. 15, 1960: the Congo becomes indepen-
dent from France. Congolese and French
sembly.
officials watch the parade in Brazzaville.
nous re-
in 1958.
1960.
Fulbert
tched to
country's
mocrati-
Africains
with China and Cuba as well as sympathy with
zaville.
president and defense minister, Col. Denis Sas-
the ethnic supporters of Capt. Marien Ngouabi,
sou-Nguesso.
ernment
who was to be transferred to the interior, pro-
In July elections were held for the People's
ong pro-
voked the revolt. Government officials were
of Moise
National Assembly and regional, district, and lo-
ince into
forced to take refuge in a Brazzaville sports sta-
cal councils; a new socialist constitution was ap-
d hostili-
dium. But loyal elements in the army and the
proved by popular referendum. An amnesty for
1961 had
special Cuban presidential guard were able to
political prisoners and exiles was followed by
and You-
regain control.
increasing respect for human rights. The econo-
ate. But
The political situation grew increasingly
my soon recovered as oil production rose and the
ve wide-
tense throughout 1966 and 1967. Massamba-
Congo obtained a loan from the International
d Youlou
Débat took the post of premier in January 1968,
Monetary Fund in conjunction with a program of
; of mem-
but the army removed his government in August.
economic stabilization. Oil revenues permitted
Ngouabi, now in control, forced Massamba-
greater investment in development projects.
15, 1963,
Débat from the presidency in September and
However, the dangers of overdependence on one
ations by
became president himself in January 1969.
product became evident when oil prices
I govern-
The People's Republic. In December the newly
slumped in the early 1980's slowing the pace of
eaded by
formed Marxist-Leninist Parti Congolais du Tra-
economic growth.
tional As-
vail (PCT) replaced the MNR. It drew up a con-
While the Sassou-Nguesso government re-
al parties
stitution giving its Central Committee the deci-
mained outwardly dedicated to the Congolese
sive role in national affairs. Ngouabi, as party
brand of Marxist-Leninist socialism, it developed
ferendum
chairman, headed the Council of State, which
closer ties with the West and more pragmatic
ed a new
was to govern through local, district, and region-
economic policies. The president had to walk a
e Nation-
al people's councils. The country became the
precarious line between PCT champions of or-
authority
People's Republic of the Congo.
thodoxy and those favoring liberalization.
nier. On
In line with its policy of "scientific social-
Meanwhile, ethnic rivalries persisted between
ected to a
ism," the new government increased the already
the north and south under the PCT's northern-
ctoral col-
substantial participation of the state in the econ-
dominated government and within the north it-
National
omy. One of its first steps was to nationalize the
self.
Massamba-
Congo-Océan Railroad and the ports of Brazza-
ville and Pointe-Noire, which had been under
The Congolese government has pursued cor-
tical party.
dial relations with Communist countries and also
ttitude to-
the joint control of the states of former French
with France, its chief source of aid. It has
lle recog-
Equatorial Africa. Ngouabi, after weathering an
sought correct relations with the United States.
d was ac-
unsuccessful coup in 1972, was assassinated in
against its
1977. A party military committee assumed con-
Within Africa it has supported the radical regime
ates with-
trol and soon announced the execution of several
in neighboring Angola while maintaining good
relations with the Western-oriented governments
sentatives em by the
persons, including ex-Premier Massamba-Débat,
for complicity in the assassination.
of Zaire, Gabon, and Cameroon. It has also tak-
en diplomatic initiatives to bring about the set-
visers and
The military named Col. Joachim Yhombi-
assistance. he regular
Opango as the new president. More moderate
tlement of African disputes, as between Angola
than he favored a mixed economy and
and Zaire and in Chad.
he normalized growing factionalism in the PCT
SANFORD GRIFFITH*
ce guard of
relations with the United States.
New York University
:oup while
and downturn caused in part by an
duction, Yhombi-Opango was forced to resign in
accident that led to the cessation of potash pro-
Further Reading: Allen, Chris, and Raduin, Michael,
intry. Re-
Benin and the Congo: Politics, Economics, and Society
close ties
(Lynne Rienner 1987); Thompson, Virginia, and Adloff,
February 1979. He was replaced by the vice
Richard, Historical Dictionary of the People's Republic of
the Congo, 2d ed. (Scarecrow 1984).
547-559
GLOMERATE
626
le itself. Congestive heart failure develops in
dron, shifting sandbars, and sharp bends in the river,
fishing is not well developed. Industry is limited
o 60% of patients with such disorders, and it
forms one of the largest natural harbors in Africa.
mainly to the processing of agricultural and forest
e either acute or chronic. If the heart has time
The river is tidal to Boma, c.60 mi (100 km) up-
products, and is concentrated in Brazzaville and
mpensate the heart muscle may become hyper-
stream. The Congo River enters the Atlantic Ocean
Pointe-Noire (both port cities) and in the Niari val-
ic (enlarged). Eventually the great demand for
between Banana Point, Zaïre, and Sharks Point, An-
ley. Mining is increasingly important, with potash
en by the heart muscle cells cannot be met, and
gola, and dredging is required to keep a navigable
and oil the principal exports; petroleum resources
death results. Either the left or right ventricle
channel open. The river is continued offshore by a
are being rapidly depleted, however. The Bakongo,
: may fail first, although combined failure is
c.500 mi (800 km) long submarine canyon that is
the major ethnic group in the Congo, are mostly
common and almost always eventually occurs.
c.4,000 ft (1,220 m) deep. With railroads to bypass
farmers or traders; they are Bantu-speaking, as are
ventricular failure is marked by shortness of
major falls (Matadi-Kinshasa; Kisangani-Ubundu;
the other principal tribes, the Bateke, the Mbochi,
th (dyspnea), often accompanied by cough;
Kindu-Kongolo), the Congo River and its tributaries
and the Sanga. Pygmies live in the north, and Vili
ionary congestion and edema are evident. Fail-
form a system of navigable waterways c.9,000 mi
people dwell along the coast. A majority of the Con-
of the right ventricle produces systemic edema,
(14,480 km) long, along which move much of cen-
golese people practice traditional animist religions;
cting hepatic and visceral engorgement. Treat-
tral Africa's copper, palm oil kernels, cotton, sugar,
the rest are primarily Christian. French is the coun-
t of cardiac failure usually includes long-term
and coffee. The chief ocean port is Matadi, with its
try's official language. Pygmies, migrating from the
ictions on diet and activity. Digitalis is often
associated oil port, Ango Ango; the chief river ports
Zaïre region, were probably the first inhabitants of
cribed to increase the speed and force of car-
are Kinshasa and Kisangani. River steamers operate
what is now the Congo. They were followed by the
contractions. Diuretics are used to remove ex-
throughout the year between Kinshasa and Kisanga-
Bakongo, the Bateke, and the Sanga, who arrived in
sodium and water from the body.
ni. The Congo River is Africa's largest potential
the 15th cent. After the coastal areas were explored
çlomerate, corporation whose asset growth, of-
source of hydroelectric power; the most valuable
by the Portuguese navigator Diego Cão in 1482,
very rapid, comes largely through the acquisi-
site is along Livingstone Falls, where the first phase
commerce developed between the Europeans and
of, or merger with, other firms whose products
of the Inga Power Project was begun in 1972. The
the coastal African states, which raided the interior
largely unrelated to each other or to that of the
mouth of the Congo River was visited (1482) by
for slaves to trade. Portuguese traders predominated
ent company. Merger to gain monopoly ("hori-
Diogo Cão, the Portuguese navigator. It became
throughout the 17th cent., although French trade
tal integration") was notable at the turn of the
known as the Zaïre River (a corruption of the local
centers were established (mainly at Loanga), and
tury; somewhat later, acquisition of suppliers or
name Mzadi meaning "great water") and was later
English and Dutch merchants sought commercial
ers ("vertical integration") became fairly com-
referred to as the Congo River (for the Kongo king-
opportunities. Europeans penetrated inland in the
n. Conglomerates did not emerge until the 1960s,
dom located near its mouth); it was renamed Zaïre
late 19th cent., with Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza
en they quickly became popular among inves-
River by the government of Zaïre in 1971. The Con-
leading major expeditions in 1875 and 1883. In 1880
5. Their stock prices often rose spectacularly;
go's lower course was traced upstream as far as Isan-
he negotiated an agreement with the Bateke to es-
netimes, however, they fell just as spectacularly.
gila by a British force under Capt. J. K. Tuckey in
tablish a French protectorate over the north bank of
nomic advantages attributed to the conglomer-
1816, and its upper headwaters by the missionary
the Congo River. Between 1889 and 1910, the Congo
include protection against overspecialization,
David Livingstone, who followed the Lualaba River
(called the French Congo and later the Middle Con-
ilability of management expertise, and reduced
to Nyangwe in 1871. The journalist Henry Stanley
go) was administered primarily by French compa-
it due to greater productive capacity.
traveled from Nyangwe to Isangila and on to Boma
nies that held concessions to exploit the area's rub-
glomerate, in geology, sedimentary ROCK com-
during his great transcontinental journey (1874-77),
ber and ivory resources. Scandals over the
sed largely of pebbles or other rounded particles
thus proving the headwaters to be tributaries of the
decimation of the African population through
ose diameter is larger than 2 mm (.08 in.). Essen-
Congo River and not sources of the Nile as hypoth-
forced labor and porterage broke out in 1905 and
ly a cemented gravel, conglomerates are formed
esized by Livingstone. See W. H. Bentley, Pioneering
1906. France restricted the role of the concession-
ng beaches, as glacial drift, and in river deposits.
on the Congo (2 vol. 1900, repr. 1970), Sir Harry
aires in 1907, and in 1910 the Congo became a col-
nglomerates formed of angular shaped pebbles
Hamilton Johnston, The River Congo, From its
ony in French Equatorial Africa. Renewed forced la-
called breccias.
Mouth to Bólóbó (3d ed. 1884, repr. 1970).
bor and other abuses sparked an African revolt in
ngo (kõng'gō) or Zaïre (zäër'), great river of
Congo, Belgian: see ZAÏRE.
1928. The Free French forces made the Congo a bas-
uatorial Africa, c.2,720 mi (4,380 km) long, formed
Congo, kingdom of the: see KONGO, KINGDOM OF
tion of their struggle against the Germans and the
the waters of the Lualaba River and its tributary,
THE.
Vichy regime during World War II. In 1946, the re-
e Luvua River, and flowing generally N and W
gion was granted a territorial assembly and repre-
Congo, People's Republic of the, republic (1973
rough Zaïre to the Atlantic Ocean. The second
sentation in the French parliament. In the French
est. pop. 1,130,000), 132,046 sq mi (342,000 sq km),
ngest river of Africa and one of the longest in the
constitutional referendum of 1958, the Congo opted
W central Africa. BRAZZAVILLE is the capital. The Con-
orld, the Congo River drains c.1,425,000 sq mi
for autonomy within the French Community. Full
go is bordered on the W by Gabon; on the N by
,690,750 sq km) including all of Zaïre and parts of
independence was achieved on Aug. 15, 1960, with
Cameroon and the Central African Republic; on the
e Congo Republic, Cameroon, Central African Re-
Fulbert Youlou as the first president. Forced to re-
E and SE by Zaïre; and on the SW by Cabinda, a
ublic, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola. The
sign after a revolt in 1963, he was succeeded by Al-
Portuguese exclave, and by the Atlantic Ocean. The
ialaba River, considered to be the upper Congo
phonse Massamba-Débat. In 1964 the new president
ver, rises in SE Zaïre, flows north over rapids and
founded a Marxist-Leninist party and proclaimed a
Ils to Bukama, and thence across a vast plain and
noncapitalist path of economic development. A
rough a series of marshy lakes (Kabwe, Kabele,
Five-Year Plan was initiated, and the state sector of
pemba) to receive the Luvua River at Ankoro. The
the economy in agriculture and industry was ex-
uvua River has its most remote source in the Cham-
panded. Tensions between the government and the
eshi River, which rises in N Zambia and flows
army grew, and in 1968, Marien Ngouabi, an army
outhwest into swamps around Lake Bangweulu; it
commander, seized power. He followed his prede-
merges from the swamps as the Luapula River, con-
cessor's socialist policies, but created his own Marx-
nues N along the Zaïre-Zambia border into Lake
ist-Leninist type of party, the Congolese Workers
1weru, exits from there as the Luvua River, and
party. An attempted coup in Feb., 1972, provided
ontinues NW to the Lualaba River. A third major
Ngouabi with a reason to purge opponents. In June,
eadstream is the Lukuga River, which drains from
1973, a new constitution was approved by referen-
ake Tanganyika and joins the Lualaba River near
dum; it provided for popularly elected national, re-
Kabalo. From Kabalo, the Lualaba River flows N to
gional, and local assemblies. Despite radical rhetoric
and close links with Communist countries, the Con-
Kisangani in a varied course marked by a deep and
CONGO,
go has retained close ties with France; it remains in
arrow gorge (the Gates of Hell) below Kongolo, a
the French franc zone and is an associate member
navigable stretch from Kasongo to Kibombo, a sec-
ion of rapids and falls from Kibombo to Kindu, a
of the European Common Market. The Congo is a
hallow but navigable section from Kindu to Ubun-
member of a customs union with Gabon, the Cen-
du, and a section of seven cataracts-known as
tral African Republic, Chad, and Cameroon, all of
Stanley Falls-between Ubundu and Kisangani that
which share a central bank and a common currency.
marks the end of the Lualaba and the beginning of
See André Gide, Travels in the Congo (tr. 1927); Sa-
mir Amin and Catherine Coquery-Vidrovitch, His-
the Congo River proper. Below Kisangani, the Con-
go flows west and southwest, in a great curve un-
toire économique du Congo, 1880-1968 (1969); G.C.
broken by falls or rapids for about 1,090 mi (1,750
McDonald, Area Handbook for People's Republic of
km) to Kinshasa. For most of its middle section the
the Congo (1971).
Congo is from 4 to 10 mi (6.4-16.1 km) wide, with
terrain is covered mainly by dense tropical rain for-
Congo, Republic of the: see ZAIRE.
many islands and sandbars. Because its many large
est, with stretches of wooded savanna. Tributaries of
Congo eel: see SALAMANDER.
tributaries (including the Lomami, Kasai, Lulonga,
the Congo and Ubangi rivers, which separate the
Congo Republic: see CONGO, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF
Ubangi, Aruwimi, Itimbiri and Mongala rivers) drain
Congo from Zaïre, flow through the country The
THE.
areas with alternating rainy seasons on either side of
climate is hot and rainfall is heavy. The Congo
Congregationalism, type of Protestant church or-
the equator, the Congo has a fairly constant flow
serves as the transport and commercial hub of cen-
ganization in which each congregation, or local
throughout the year. Between Bolobo and Kwa-
tral Africa, with economically important road, river,
church, has free control of its own affairs. The un-
mouth the Congo narrows in width to between 1 mi
and rail systems connecting inland areas with the
derlying principle is that each local congregation
and 1½ mi (1.6-2.4 km) but, c.350 mi (560 km) from
Atlantic The country's internal road network is in-
has as its head Jesus Christ alone and that the rela-
its mouth, widens to form lakelike Stanley Pool (Ma-
adequate, however, and has hampered economic
tions of the various congregations are those of fel-
lebo Pool), on which Kinshasa and Brazzaville are
development. Agriculture and forestry are the chief
low members in one common family of God. Con-
located. From the western end of Stanley Pool, the
economic activities in the Congo. The major subsis-
gregationalism eliminated bishops and presbyteries.
Congo descends 876 ft (267 m) in a series of 32 rap-
tence crops are cassava and yams. Sugarcane and
The movement to which the name came to be ap-
ids, known as Livingstone Falls, to the port of Mata-
tobacco, raised primarily on plantations, are the
plied began in the 16th and 17th cent. in England, in
di. Below Matadi (83 mi/134 km inland) the Congo
leading export crops, followed by coffee, cocoa,
a revolt against the formalized worship, unregener-
is navigable by ocean-going vessels and, despite
palm products, and groundnuts. Timber is also a
ate membership, and state control of the Established
such hazards as the whirlpools of the Devil's Caul-
major export. Diseases restrict cattle raising, and
Church. Those holding such views found them-
Cross-references are indicated by SMALL CAPITALS.
PRESS RELEASE
THE VICE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
FOR RELEASE: 8:00 p.m. local time
CONTACT: Shirley Green
Monday, March 4, 1985
Alixe Glen
202/456-6772
EXCERPTS FROM REMARKS BY
VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
ON ARRIVAL IN KHARTOUM, SUDAN
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
I come to Africa as a pilgrim, on a journey of mercy and
friendship.
I will visit three countries on this visit -- Sudan, Niger
and Mali. Each is suffering a catastrophic drought. Each in its
own way is responding with courage to a great trial. Each has
received the assistance and admiration of the United States and
the American people.
It is important to me to start this journey in Sudan. The
people of Sudan -- even in the midst of their own great suffering --
have given the world a lesson in compassion. They have opened their
borders to victims of famine and war.
Well, it is said that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
The Sudanese people are indeed friends to those who have come to
them in desperation. And I am here to show that the United States
is a friend of the great-hearted people of Sudan.
And, I should add, Sudan is an important friend of the
United States. We have many common interests. Sudan is a key
country in a volatile region. Its health, its development, its
stability are important to the region and thus to us. I look
forward to my visit here, to learning first-hand of Sudan's
efforts and its problems, and to fruitful discussions with
President Nimeiri -- an old friend -- and his colleagues.
We are aware that Sudan faces problems on several fronts.
As a friend to the government and the people of Africa's largest
nation, we hope to help where we can. It is appropriate that this
visit to Africa, at its time of emergency, begin here, in a nation
born barely 30 years ago, but in which Africa's rich diversity of
cultures and languages, its long and proud history, is so well
represented.
Sudan is also an appropriate jumping-off point because, like
the vast majority of African nations, it is proud of its independence
- more -
-2-
and its non-alignment and is determined to build a better future
for its people.
The United States is committed to helping. Sudan is the
largest recipient of economic assistance from the U.S. in sub-
Saharan Africa and, moreover, is receiving a large amount of food
and disaster assistance.
In the past four years, there has been a 50% increase in
economic assistance to Africa. This reflects the importance the
United States attaches to all of Africa. In addition, food aid
reached a record level last year and will be over $1 billion this
year.
Throughout my visit, I will want to learn more about the
long-range question -- how to keep a disaster like this from
happening again.
Two areas in particular give reason for hope. The first is
the advance of agricultural research -- for example, the development
of high-yield, drought-resistant sorghum hybrids.
The second -- and also of great importance -- is that all
across Africa a consensus is growing that the key to long-term
prosperity is in free and open markets, particularly free and
open agricultural markets.
So I'm here on a kind of pilgrimage -- to see what more can
be done to help those who suffer now, to see what can be done to
ensure that no calamity like this happens again, and, on behalf of
President Reagan and the American people, to show America's admira-
tion and respect for the compassion and courage of the people of
Sudan.
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
THE VICE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
FOR RELEASE: 8:45 a.m. local time
CONTACT: Shirley Green
Thursday, March 7, 1985
Alixe Glen
202/456-6772
PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT BY
VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
KHARTOUM, SUDAN
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1985
The last three days have been very moving for me. I've
been to the Wad Sheriffe camp for Ethiopian refugees and to El-
Obeid camp for displaced Sudanese.
How can I express what I've seen -- the suffering, the
dignity and the courage among those who have lost everything to
the drought. And the courage and compassion, as well, of those
who tend to the sick and the dying and who save lives.
People all over the world have one thing in common. When
they hear of a friend in need, they open up their hearts. With
people all over the free world, we Americans think of the Sudanese
people as friends. And our hearts are open.
Before the year is done, the U.S. will have provided
unprecedented amounts of relief aid to Sudan, which is the
largest recipient of U.S. development aid in sub-Saharan Africa.
I was especially encouraged to learn of the American role in
development of new grain hybrids -- for example, the drought-
resistant strain of sorghum. I've been told that if just one-
quarter of Sudan's farmers were to plant with that hybrid, Sudan
could fully feed itself, even in dry years like this one. So
surely, with developments like that, there's reason to have hope
for the future.
But let me state again my firm belief that developments like
the grain hybrid are only the first step. In the long run, the key
to prosperity in Sudan is -- just as it is throughout the world --
in free and open markets and trust in the dreams and energy and
productive capacity of the Sudanese people.
As I said on my arrival, Sudan is an important friend and
partner in a volatile region of strategic significance. During
my three days here, I have concentrated on drought, famine and
refugee problems and the response of Sudan's government and
people and the international community. I have also had most
useful discussions with Sudan's leaders on other issues.
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-2-
We, like they, attach high importance to seeing Sudan get
back on its feet economically. These are tough times in many
African countries, including Sudan. Leaders all over this
continent are grappling with difficult decisions. I am hopeful
that Sudan can soon turn the corner toward the path of economic
adjustment and growth.
We also care deeply about the stability of Sudan, Africa's
largest country. I was impressed with President Nimeiri's speech
last week calling for renewed dialogue between north and south.
I was also impressed in my discussions with Second Vice President
Lagu and other southern leaders yesterday by the importance of the
issues of national reconciliation.
We in America are, as a nation, reluctant to intervene in
the internal affairs of another country. But we are also a nation
that suffered a great conflict of our own between our north and
south. We were not able to realize our full potential until that
conflict was truly resolved.
So, as an American who was born in our north but who first
went to work in the oil fields of our south, I urge you to take
up the openings for dialogue that are on the table, to reconcile
your differences, to develop your oil as we did ours, and to
allow all the people of this country full participation in
building the greatness of Sudan.
Finally, I want to thank President Nimeiri, First Vice
President El Tayeb and their wives and the people of Sudan for
their extraordinary hospitality during my visit and to once
more express the enormous admiration that the American people
have for the compassion and courage of the people of Sudan.
Faced with an overwhelming crisis of their own, the
Sudanese people have nevertheless sheltered and given sustenance
to hundreds of thousands of refugees from many countries. For
this, America salutes Sudan.
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
THE VICE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Shirley Green
Saturday, March 9, 1985
Alixe Glen
202/456-6772
TOAST OFFERED BY
VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
AT DINNER HOSTED BY
PRESIDENT MOUSSA TRAORE
BAMAKO, MALI
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
Mr. President, distinguished guests.
Congo
I come from a very young nation. Americans trace their
history back only a few hundred years. Here in Mali, there
were great empires before the United States even existed. I
know Malians are proud of their history, and with good reason.
It is truly correct to say that "your wealth is your civilization."
The empire of Ghana reached its peak while Europe was still in the
midst of the dark ages.
The Mali empire under the reign of Soundiata Keita was
even more powerful. The Songhai of Gao were one of the most
powerful military forces ever known in West Africa. During the
reign of the Askias, their empire spread from the Atlantic to
Lake Tchad.
Today Mali is creating a new history. Significant events
in recent years include the creation of the second Republic, the
formation of the Democratic Union of Malian People; and local
elections allowing average citizens' voices to be heard.
The United States respects and honors Mali's history --
old and new.
I come to Mali as part of a pilgrimage of friendship
and concern that has taken me across the entire Sahel, from
Sudan to Niger and now here. In this time of enormous trial
for much of Africa, the United States and the American people
have one message for the people of Mali -- we are with you.
We have heard the voices of the starving, of those who
a cruel drought has driven from their lands. We have heard
the voices of the farmers and the herdsman. We will help.
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-2-
Beyond the immediate crisis, the United States has heard
another voice from Mali as well. We have heard you say that
you are going to take an historic turn in agricultural policy --
an historic turn that we trust, once the drought subsides and
the rains return, will help ensure that famine of this magnitude
never again comes to Mali.
It is a simple but courageous turn that you have made,
and it is summed up in a single word -- trust. Trust the farmer;
trust the herdsman; trust their aspirations and their resource-
fulness; trust their private initiative; trust them with free
and open markets.
The United States fully understands the difficulties
implicit in a turn towards open agricultural markets, and SO
here, too, the United States has the same message for the
people of Mali -- we are with you.'
Members of my party have signed today agreements that will
assist Mali in making this transition. We applaud the courage
of the Malian government in starting on this difficult road.
Mr. President, I am told that Bambara is a language of
proverbs. One in particular caught my attention: "Dooni
dooni kononin b'a nyaga da" ("the small bird builds its nest
twig by twig"). I understand that this saying often describes
Malian development efforts. I completely endorse the philosophy
that economic success only comes with sustained effort. I propose
that we expand the scope of the proverb to include the relations
between our two great nations.
And so, Mr. President, I propose a toast to the energy
and resourcefulness of the people of Mali and to lasting
friendship between Mali and the United States.
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
THE VICE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Shirley Green
Saturday, March 9, 1985
Alixe Glen
202/456-6772
PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT BY
VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
NIAMEY, NIGER
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
An American who knew much about pain and denial, Helen
Keller, once said, "Although the world is full of suffering, it
is also full of the overcoming of it."
In the last two days, I have seen a country that is
suffering a terrible famine, and that is showing the world how
to overcome it. Niger understood before many other countries
how important it is to trust the farmer and the herdsman --
trust their aspirations; trust their resourcefulness; trust them
in the open and free market. And that trust produced the reserves
that cushioned the initial impact of the drought.
I was involved in a very successful program of deregulation
in my own country. I'm proud to say it had something to do with
the revival of the American economy these past four years. I'm
pleased to see that deregulation -- in this case, of agriculture --
is becoming international. I am confident it will have the same
beneficial effects here as it did in America.
The U.S. Government is proud to be able to help the people
of Niger with the drought, and we have committed 100,000 tons of
food for that effort. This will be a total of $46.1 million of
food and other disaster assistance. This figure includes a
total of approximately $11 million promised during this visit
to your country.
I want to emphasize that private aid from the U.S. is
very important. With me on this trip is C. Payne Lucas, an
old friend I much admire. Payne worked here in Niger in the
Peace Corps in the 1960s. After he left the Peace Corps, he
formed Africare, one of the finest American private sector
development organizations.
I have heard more than once from African leaders on this
trip that to give a man a fish will feed him for a day, but to
teach him how to fish will make him self-sufficient for life.
Well, just one example of Africare's many projects here in
Niger is an IBM-financed program that trains fishermen in
Madarounfa in modern fishing techniques and provides them
with credit.
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As I said the other night, Niger and America have a
long-standing friendship. President Reagan and I respect
President Kountche. We recognize Niger's problems, and we
are determined to do what we can to help Niger in its time
of need.
I want to thank President Kountche for his warmth and
candor and hospitality. My stay here one might term a pilgrimage
of friendship and concern.
As I said at the outset, Niger has suffered much but is
moving to overcome its suffering. President Kountche made clear
in our discussions how important it is to Niger that food committed
by donor nations be delivered on schedule. I will take his
message and my admiration of the Nigerien people with me to
Geneva.
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
THE VICE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
FOR RELEASE: 7:30 a.m. (local)
CONTACT: Shirley Green
Sunday, March 10, 1985
Alixe Reed
For Sunday AMs (U.S. Press)
202/456-6772
PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
BY VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
BAMAKO, MALI
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1985
Today marks the end of a journey, a kind of pilgrimage of
friendship and concern through Africa.
My trip has taken me to three drought-stricken countries,
Sudan, Niger and Mali. These countries face an enormous short-
term problem -- how to feed millions of starving people. Each
faces a deeper long-term problem -- how to keep a catastrophe
like this from happening again, that is, how to increase overall
agricultural production.
Sudan, Niger and Mali are not alone. The drought spans all
across sub-Saharan Africa and affects more than a score of countries.
The longer term crisis is that the per capita agricultural
production in Africa has been dropping for 20 years. According
to the World Bank, even without the drought, African per capita
production would have fallen to its current, disastrous level
by 1988.
Time and again on my trip I've heard that there are three
keys to reversing this startling trend.
The first is to move toward policies that trust the farmer;
that give him access to free and open markets. The United States
will help countries bring about these and other kinds of policy
changes.
I am happy to announce today that the U.S. Government will
provide approximately $18 million over three years in additional
resources for Mali. This is part of our African Economic Policy
Reform Program. This is a multi-year effort which has the specific
purposes of encouraging and supporting economic policy changes
so needed for growth. Our commitment today is subject to dis-
cussions now underway with the U.S. Congress and, of course, to
discussions with the government of Mali on how this money can
support policy changes that the Malian government lacks the
resources to undertake.
-2-
A second key is training, giving the African farmer access
to more sophisticated and efficient techniques. Yesterday I
visited some of the most splendid men and women I have met --
our 80 Peace Corps volunteers here in Mali. They and volunteers
like them across Africa are involved in this important work.
A final key is research -- for example, the development of
more high-yield, drought-resistant grain hybrids.
I am taking this message -- Africa's message -- with me to
Geneva where I will address a UN conference dealing with famine
in Africa.
Barbara and I thank President Traore, Madame Traore, and
the people of Mali for their marvelous hospitality. We hope
we will have the opportunity to come back another time and stay
longer in this warm and hospitable country.
# # #
Holidays
Burma
Union Day
Commemorates formation of
Union of Burma, 1947.
U.S. (Georgia)
Georgia Day or Oglethorpe Day
Legal holiday commemorating
the landing of James Edward
Oglethorpe and his colonists at
February 12
Savannah, 1733.
U.S.
Lincoln's Birthday
Commemorates the birth of U.S.
President Abraham Lincoln.
Observed as a legal holiday in
some states. First celebrated in
1866 as a memorial service to
the assassinated president. (See
additional information in
Introduction to February)
Birthdates
1567
Thomas Campion, British poet, compos-
1850
William Morris Davis, U.S. geographer, ge-
er, and physician; noted for his musical
ologist; a principal founder of the science
lyrics; wrote Cherry Ripe. [d. March 1, 1620]
of geomorphology. [d. February 5, 1934]
1663
Cotton Mather, American colonial clergy-
1870
Marie Lloyd (Matalida Alice Wood), Brit-
man; active in the promotion of the found-
ish musical entertainer; known for her im-
ing of Yale College; author of over 400 sepa-
personations of low-comedy characters. [d.
rate works on theology and science; some
October 7, 1922]
of his writings provoked the witchcraft tri-
1880
John L(lewellyn) Lewis, U.S. labor leader;
als at Salem, Massachusetts. [d. February
President of the United Mine Workers,
13, 1728]
1920-60; first president of the Congress of
1768
Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, 1792-
Industrial Organization, 1935-41. [d. June
11, 1969]
1806; forced to abdicate; his daughter, Ma-
ria Luisa, married Napoleon of France,
1884
Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth, U.S. so-
1810. [d. March 2, 1835]
cialite; daughter of U.S. President Theodore
1785
Pierre-Louis Dulong, French chemist
Roosevelt. [d. February 20, 1980]
physicist; contributor to early atomic the-
1893
Omar Nelson Bradley, U.S. army general;
ory. [d. July 18, 1838]
Commander of 12th Army Group, the larg-
1791
Peter Cooper, U.S. inventor, manufactur-
est unit to serve under a single American
field commander; first chairman of the
er, philanthropist; designed and construct-
ed the first U.S. steam locomotive, the Tom
Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1949-53. [d. April 18,
1981]
Thumb, 1830. [d. April 4, 1883]
1898
1809
David K(ilpatrick) E(stes) Bruce, U.S. dip-
Abraham Lincoln, U.S. lawyer, politician;
lomat; Ambassador to France, 1949-52; to
16th President of the U.S., 1860-65; led the
West Germany, 1957-59; to Great Britain,
Union through the Civil War; assassinated.
1961-69. [d. December 4, 1977]
[d. April 15, 1865]
1918
Julian Seymour Schwinger, U.S. physi-
Charles Robert Darwin, British natural-
cist; Nobel Prize in physics for research in
ist; famed for his studies in evolution and
quantum electrodynamics (with R. P.
natural selection. [d. April 19, 1882]
Feynman and S. I. Tomonaga), 1965.
1828
George Meredith, British novelist, poet.
1923
Franco Zeffirelli, Italian stage, opera di-
[d. May 18, 1909]
rector and designer.
92
Religious Calendar
The Beatified
Blessed Thomas Hemerford and his companions,
The Saints
priests and martyrs. [d. 1584]
St. Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch. [d. 381]
St. Ethelwald, Bishop of Lindisfarne. [d. C. 740]
St. Anthony Kausleas, Patriarch of Constantinople.
[d. 901]
St. Ludan. [d. C. 1202]
The Seven Founders of the Servite Order. Also
called Servants of Mary. [d. 13th cent.]
St. Julian the Hospitaller; patron of innkeepers,
travelers, boatmen, violinists, jugglers, clowns, shep-
herds, pilgrims, and ferrymen. [death date
unknown]
St. Marina, monk and virgin (her sex was not
detected until her death). [death date unknown]
Historical Events
881
Charles III is crowned Holy Roman Em-
1915
Protocol of Opium Convention of 1912 is
peror.
signed at The Hague by China, the U.S.,
1111
Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, imprisons
and the Netherlands.
Pope Paschal II.
1922
Indian Nationalist campaign of mass civil
disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi is
1531
English clergy are ordered henceforth to
suspended because of murders at Chauri
regard the ruler of England as head of the
Chaura.
Church.
1924
Tutankhamen's sarcophagus is opened,
1554
Lady Jane Grey, considered a rival for the
disclosing three sumptuously ornamented
English throne, is beheaded under orders
coffins. (See also February 16, 1923.)
of Queen Mary I.
George Gershwin is piano soloist in the
1733
James Oglethorpe founds Savannah,
premiere of his Rhapsody in Blue in New
Georgia.
York.
1947
1818
Chile declares independence from Spain
First launching of a guided missile from a
after seven years of war.
submarine takes place off Ft. Mugo, Cali-
fornia.
1832
Ecuador annexes the Galapagos Islands.
1961
Tribesmen kill Patrice Lumumba, Prime
1877
First public demonstration of Alexande
Minister of the Republic of the Congo,
Graham Bell's articulating telephone is
and two companions.
made.
1970
Israel bombs a U.A.R. steel plant, killing or
1895
Japanese destroy the Chinese army and
wounding Egyptian civilian workers.
navy and end the Sino-Japanese War in
1973
First group of U.S. prisoners of war are
the Battle of Weihaiwei.
freed by North Vietnam and flown from
1909
National Association for the Advance-
Hanoi to Clark Air Force Base in the Philip-
ment of Colored People is formed in the
pines (Vietnam War).
U.S.
1978
The Sandinista National Liberation
1912
Front, a Nicaraguan guerilla organization,
Emperor Pu-Yi of China abdicates, ending
declares war on the Somoza government.
the rule of the Manchu Dynasty; China
becomes a republic.
93
1879
Honoré Daumier, French artist, died
1832
Ecuador annexed the Galapagos Islands
1881
Phoenix, Arizona, incorporated as a city
1834
Bangor, Maine, incorporated as a city
1887
The Epoch, a literary magazine, founded in
1849
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Co.
New York
incorporated
1893
Naronic vanished having left Liverpool for
1869
Start of a four-day storm that sank fishing
fleets off Newfoundland
New York
1895
Georgetown became part of Washington, D.C.
1873
Gold dollar became the U.S. currency standard
1901
Milan Obrenovic IV, deposed king of Serbia,
1875
Meteorite rain fell near Homestead, Iowa
died
1880
John L. Lewis, eyebrowed labor leader, born
1907
Colorado River flow to Salton Sink again closed
1884
Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of
1908
Sir Vivian Fuchs, Antarctic explorer, born
Teddy, born
1909
Max Baer, boxer, born
1885
German East Africa Company chartered
1916
Bandelier National Monument established
1904
Ted Mack, "Original Amateur Hour" host, born
1920
First business session of the League of
1906
Island of Formosa rocked by an ærthquake
Nations met (London)
1907
Larchmont sank off Long Island, New York
1922
Naval limits treaty signed by U.S., England,
1908
National Association for the Advancement of
France, Italy, and Japan
Colored People formed
1927
Opening of Tutankhamen's mummy began
1912
Republic of China formed
1929
Vatican City, Rome, became a sovereign state
1915
Cornerstone of Lincoln Memorial laid (Washing-
1945
Yalta Conference ended
ton, D.C.)
1948
Meteorite landed near Norton, Kansas
1919
DePalma set a land-speed record of 149.875
1965
Titan-3A rocket launched for testing
mph, in a Packard
1948, 1959, 1970, 2032, 2043, 2054, 2065 Ash Wednesday
1929
Lily Langtry, actress, died
1902, 1964, 1975, 1986, 1997, 2059, 2070, 2081 Shrove
1932
Princess Astrid of Norway born
Tuesday
1953
Earthquake rocked eastern Iran
1961
Venus probe launched
Sputnik 8, Russian satellite, launched
February 12th
1971
James C. Penney, merchant, died
1902, 1964, 1975, 1986, 1997, 2059, 2070, 2081 Ash
Feast of St. Julian the Hospitaller (patron of
Wednesday
violinists, jugglers, clowns,
1907, 1918, 1929, 1991, 2002, 2013, 2086, 2092, 2097
shepherds, pilgrims, hotel-keepers,
Shrove Tuesday
ferrymen, travelers needing
lodging)
Feast of St. Marina, female monk
February 13th
Feast of the Seven Founders
1111 AD
Henry V, uncrowned Holy Roman Emperor, kidnapped
Ides of February
the Pope
1014 AD
King Sweyn I of Denmark died
1242
Henry VII, King of Germany, died
1476
French laid siege to Granson, Switzerland
1424
King James I of Scotland married Jane Beaufort
1566
St. Augustine, Florida, founded
1541
Santiago, Chile, founded
1570
Ivan the Terrible's massacre of Novgorod,
1542
Catherine Howard, 5th wife of England's King
Russia, ended
Henry VIII, beheaded
1590
St. Katherine de'Ricci died (Feast Day)
1736
Maria Theresa of Austria married Francis of
1619
Peace of Deulina signed by Russia, Sweden,
Lorraine
and Poland
1742
Charles VII crowned Holy Roman Emperor
1633
Galileo arrived in Rome, as ordered by the
1771
King Adolphus Frederick of Sweden died
Inquisition
1775
Louisa Johnson Adams, wife of John Quincy, 6th
1635
First public school in America opened in Boston
President of the U.S., born
1660
King Charles Gustavus of Sweden died
1789
Ethan Allen, American patriot, died
1668
Spain recognized Portugal as an independent
Times and Patowmack Packet, first Washington,
country
D.C. newspaper, founded
1683
Giovanni Piazzetta, Italian artist, born
1809
Charles Darwin, naturalist, born
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President, born
12
FEBRUARY
n Legs
Births
Deaths
Robinson Crusoe's Rescue
England were
Abraham Lincoln (16th U.S.
Catherine Howard (5th wife of Henry
Alexander Selkirk was a Scottish
in society
president) 1809; Charles Darwin
VIII, beheaded) 1542; Lady Jane Grey
sailor who requested to be put
rastic change
British naturalist) 1809; John L. Lewis
(hanged) 1554; Ethan Allen
ashore on the uninhabited island of
tremendous
I 5. labour leader) 1880.
(American patriot) 1799; Lily Langtry
Juan Fernandez where he remained
ers
(mistress of King Edward VIII) 1929.
alone for five years. The original
a, and on
The Creek Tribe's
model for Daniel Defoe's "Robinson
oned King
Objections
George Gersbwin's
Crusoe" was rescued on this day in
em with relief
treaty with the Creek Indians was
ducts. The
"Rhapsody in Blue"
1709.
signed by their chief on this day in
aciously, in
Today in 1924 Paul Whiteman
1825. It provided that the Creek cede
Rufus McIntyre's
C was quick to
conducted a program of symphonic
ill their territory in Georgia and
Imprisonment
of the petition,
jazz in New York. The featured
Alabama in return for a tract of land
performer was George Gershwin
On February 12, 1839, Rufus
into print a
setween the Arkansas and Canadian
who, for the first time, played his
McIntyre, the land agent for Maine set
the town's
Rivers. The Indians rejected the
out to break up lumber camps being
His Majesty
"Rhapsody in Blue" for the public.
realty. killed MacIntosh, their chief
established by Canadians, was
lease be seen
who Signed it, and sent delegates to
den legs.
Sir John Falstaffs Dead
arrested at a camp near the Little
Washington to protest it.
Herrings
Madawaska River by Canadians from
New Brunswick, and sent to jail in
On this day in 1429 the renowned
Thomas Flyer's Chequered
Fredericton.
British rogue, Sir John Falstaff
Flag
successfully repelled the advances of
the New York to Paris Automobile
the French cavalry at Orleans. His
Queen for a Few Days
al
Race was flagged off on February 12,
major line of defence was formed by
Lady Jane Grey was the Queen of
1908. Six entrants, three from France,
an encirclement of 400 wagons of
England for nine days. Her reign
tion of Japan
ill each from Germany, Italy, and
Yarmouth herrings that he was
ended abruptly when she was hanged
B.C. is
America travelled a route through
delivering to the British troops.
on this day in 1554. Not surprisingly
y of
Maska Siberia, and Russia; 12,116
she has a ghost-a white
ntry.
miles later, the American Thomas
shape-which is believed to appear
Ever drove across the finish line in
February 12th in the Tower of
Paris in first place.
London. It was last sighted in 1957.
ous
1 France
= visions of the
she suffered
e St
ed a high tree
in to see the
ver Mont
from where
John F. Kennedy, 1961
June 8 [236]
1 task. There is no
who are joined with you. This is the sort of
Johnson, Edward H. Foley, one of the founders of
lity or commitment
thing that I mean when I say what we can
the Big Brothers of the National Capital Area,
F. Joseph Donohue, member of the Board of Di-
and if accept, fulfill
do for America.
rectors of the Big Brothers of the National Capital
= must do all the
Area, Luther W. Youngdahl, Judge of the District
e unspectacular and
NOTE: The President spoke at the Mayflower Hotel
Court for the District of Columbia, Mrs. Hale Boggs,
in Washington. His opening words referred to
chairman of the women's division for the dinner,
rewarding-to help
Drew Pearson, President of the Big Brothers of the
and Tom C. Clark, Associate Justice of the Su-
do what you are
National Capital Area, Vice President Lyndon B.
preme Court.
d States other than
I in your work will
235 Remarks of Welcome to President Youlou of the Republic of
the effort that you
Congo at the Washington National Airport. June 8, 1961
re importantly, that
ear by year, to assist
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary, Lieutenant
we recognize in your life and in your efforts
S or girls-no one
Sita:
and in your commitments, a strong passion
: that represents a
I wish to express my great pleasure at this
for freedom for your own people and for
to the maintenance
country being honored by your visit. You
people everywhere.
it's done by enough
have played a most important and significant
And therefore, Mr. President, you come to
ods of time it will
role in the most important event in the life
us today from a distant continent, but you
ontribution.
of any country. And that is its emergence
come as a statesman whom we admire as a
e United States, the
into a free, sovereign and independent status.
friend of freedom and as one who believes
esident, cannot pos-
It is therefore a particular source of satis-
in increasing the cordial relations between
mmand, or should
faction to welcome you to the United States,
your distinguished country and this country.
the benefit of the
which also many years ago passed through a
Mr. President, we're proud to have you
ries are able to do
similar experience, which has a comprehen-
here.
must be done in a
sion of the things for which you stand and
NOTE: The President's opening words referred to
d they must be
the things for which your country stands.
President Fulbert Youlou of the Republic of Congo,
dividual impulse.
It is therefore a particular source of pleas-
Secretary of State Dean Rusk, and Lt. Albert Sita of
the Congolese Army, Aide-de-Camp to President
work that you are
ure to me, Mr. President, to inform you that
Youlou.
nost important in a
n the life of our
236 Joint Statement Following Discussions With President Youlou.
able by the passage
June 8, 1961
life to make a sig-
life of one of our
PRESIDENT KENNEDY and President
the two Presidents entered into a discussion
ight, without your
Youlou met today and discussed problems of
of the economic problems of the Congo and
e which could pre-
joint interest to their governments. The
long-range economic development of that
filling his respon-
ties that bind the Republic of Congo to the
country. A great part of the economic dis-
n as a participant
United States were stressed including their
cussion between President Kennedy and
Id hope you would
common links with the European continent
President Youlou centered on the future
net your own obli-
and western civilization.
hydro-electric development of the Congo
ut also as a partici-
President Youlou stressed that his visit to
which will provide the basis of a planned
society.
the United States was not for the purpose of
industrial expansion.
tonight and those
securing immediate financial assistance but
In discussing the affairs of the Congo and
45I
[236] June 8
Public Papers of the Presidents
of the world, they found that they had a
his impressions on the way of preserving
common approach to the problems of the
and developing the traditional heritage of
free world.
the western civilization in Africa.
President Youlou gave President Kennedy
237 Special Message to the Congress Transmitting Reorganization
Plan 6 of 1961. June 12, 1961
To the Congress of the United States:
Federal Home Loan Bank Board in the
I transmit herewith Reorganization Plan
Chairman of the Board. By relieving the
No. 6 of 1961, prepared in accordance with
Board of day-to-day managerial functions,
the provisions of the Reorganization Act of
the reorganization plan will significantly
1949, as amended, and providing for reor-
further the ability of the Board to deal more
ganizations in the Federal Home Loan Bank
effectively with regulatory and policy matters
Board.
before it.
Reorganization Plan No. 6 of 1961 relates
Action to strengthen the management of
to my message of April 13, 1961, to the Con-
the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and to
gress regarding regulatory agencies and, in
relieve the Board of day-to-day operating
particular, to that portion of the message
responsibility is particularly needed because
advocating the fixing of responsibility for
of the phenomenal growth of the Board's
the overall administration of multi-headed
activities in recent years. By way of example,
agencies in their chairmen. The reorganiza-
the number of institutions that are members
tion plan also is in keeping with actions
of the Federal home loan bank system and
begun by President Truman, largely through
subject to the Board's supervision has in-
reorganization plans, to strengthen the in-
creased from 3898 in 1950 to 4552 at present.
ternal management of multi-headed agencies
In the same period, the assets of those insti-
by making their chairmen, rather than the
tutions have increased almost fivefold from
boards or commissions as a whole, respon-
$15.4 billion to $71.0 billion. In fiscal year
sible for day-to-day administration.
1950, the Board examined 2450 institutions;
The first Commission on Organization of
in fiscal 1961, about 4224 examinations will
the Executive Branch of the Government
be conducted. The personnel of the Board
concluded that purely executive duties can
have more than doubled in number in the
be performed far better by a single adminis-
last decade to handle the increased workload.
trative official and stated: "Administration
Pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 3 of
by a plural executive is universally regarded
1947, the Chairman of the Home Loan Bank
as inefficient." Also, as a matter of sound
Board was made the chief executive officer of
organization, the Congress and the Presi-
the Board, and there was transferred to him
dent should be able to hold a single official
the authority to appoint and direct the per-
rather than a group accountable for the effec-
sonnel necessary to perform the functions of
tive management of an agency. The re-
the Board, the Chairman and the agencies
organization plan will meet both of those
under the Board. The Chairman's authority
needs by placing responsibility and authority
with respect to personnel was returned to the
for the administration of the activities of the
whole Federal Home Loan Bank Board by
452
Dec. 13 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
free-trade agreement. There are many who
This development fulfills President Rea-
with pleasure on
said that we could not stem the tide of
gan's policy determination made early in
had received duri
protectionism, that the only way to respond
this administration to seek the removal of
in 1984, when he
to unfair trading practices was to close off
all foreign troops from Angola, the imple-
hand the great str
our own market. Well, we didn't want to
mentation of United Nations Resolution 435
implement reform
succumb to this defeatist attitude. So, we
for the independence of Namibia, and sup-
people. In conclu
launched the Uruguay round against all
port for the UNITA [National Union for the
pressed confidenc
odds 2 years ago. And the mid-term review,
Total Independence of Angola] freedom
ship firmly grour
we reached agreement on a framework to
fighters in Angola. It was the combination
China joint comr
move the negotiation forward in all but the
of the United States steadfast support for
and 1982, China
two most difficult areas: agricultural and in-
these objectives and skillful mediation over
would be able to V
tellectual property.
a period of 8 years that made this break-
ahead to forge eve
We remain committed to an international
through for peace possible. The American
a safer and more F
trading system based on the principles of
mediating team, the participating Govern-
freedom and fairness. And we'll continue to
ments, and President Sassou-Nguesso of the
press for the end of agricultural subsidies
Congo are to be congratulated for their role
and the protection of intellectual property.
in this extraordinary achievement. We hope
Proclamation 59
We're confident these aims can be
that this major diplomatic milestone in
United States-Ca
achieved. And when they are, I believe the
southern Africa will be followed by re-
people of the world will know a prosperity
Agreement
newed efforts to settle the internal conflict
of which we have only the slightest glim-
in Angola through a process of national rec-
December 14, 19
mering.
onciliation and peaceful negotiation among
So, as I take my leave of you, I ask you to
Angolans.
By the President 0
continue the battle-the battle for the line-
of America
item veto and the balanced budget amend-
A Proclamation
ment and free trade throughout the world.
I was one of the 43 Governors in this coun-
1. On January 2
try that had the line-item veto. I used it 943
Statement by the Assistant to the
United States-Car
times in the 8 years and was never overrid-
President for Press Relations on the
ment (the Agreem
den once. When you line-item those things
President's Meeting With Ambassador
certain letters exc.
that may be passable when they're all
Han Xu of China
ernments of Cana
buried with other things and then send
December 14, 1988
were approved by
them back for them to vote on them, stand-
101(a) of the Un
ing out there all by themselves, they don't
Tomorrow, December 15, marks the
Trade Agreement
vote the same way. [Laughter]
tenth anniversary of the announcement of
1988 (the Imple
Well, thank you all, and God bless you all.
the establishment of diplomatic relations
100-449, 102 Stat.
between the United States and the People's
2. Section 201(:
Note: The President spoke at 2:08 p.m. in
Republic of China.
Act authorizes th
Today President Reagan met with PRC
such modification:
Room 450 of the Old Executive Office
Building. In his remarks, the President re-
Ambassador Han Xu at the White House to
ing duties, such
ferred to Clayton K. Yeutter, United States
convey his personal good wishes to the Chi-
duty-free or excise
Trade Representative.
nese people on this occasion. The President
ditional duties, as
noted the historically warm feelings of
are necessary or
Americans for the Chinese people and the
Article 401 of the
major contributions that Americans of Chi-
schedule of duty ]
nese descent have made, and continue to
goods originating
Statement by the Assistant to the
make, to the development of our country
set forth in Annex
President for Press Relations on the
Southwestern Africa Peace Settlement
and the enrichment of our heritage. During
3. Section 202 C
the meeting, the President recalled that his
provides for certa
December 13, 1988
three predecessors, of differing parties and
determined that it
viewpoints, had all worked with China's
the Harmonized
The signing of the protocol of Brazzaville
leaders to bring our nations and peoples
United States (HT
this morning by the Governments of South
closer together. He expressed satisfaction at
forth in section 2
Africa, Cuba, and Angola opens the way to
having been able to continue and expand
Rules", as that te
peace and stability in southwestern Africa.
on their efforts. The President looked back
202(d)). Further, ]
1622
February 6, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR ED McNALLY
FROM:
BOB SIMON
SUBJECT:
CONGO
Pronunciation: den-EE SASS-oo EN-GWES-oo
Address as President Sassou or Mr. President
Sassou visited Washington on 10/7/86 as President of the
Organization of African Unity but did not meet with
President Reagan. V.P. Bush met with Sassou in his Capitol
Hill office.
Bush has never been to the Congo. He has been to Africa
three times as V.P.: 1982 to Central and Southern Africa,
1983 to Northern Africa, and 1985 to East Africa.
Sassou is in his late 40s and has 3 children. His daughter
just married the head of Gabon. He is a career military
man, educated in France.
Talk about the lush, natural beauty of Congo's tropical
forests. Sassou is from the region that includes the
forests.
Congo is proud of its "literary tradition." Their people
are relatively well educated and literate. "Bright, capable
people."
oil is the mainstay of the economy (Bush's experience in the
oil business.) Several Americans companies in recent years
have been searching for new oil deposits in Congo.
In 1944, Congo served as an important center of activity for
the Free French under De Galle.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
DATE:
FEB. 8, 1990
PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING PAGES TO:
BOB SIMON, SPEECHWRITING
NAME:
ORGANIZATION:
FROM:
CATHY FENTON, SOCIAL OFFICE
PHONE:
X7064
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES
3
INCLUDING COVER LETTER.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
ATTACHED IS THE BIO ON OUR ENTERTAINER FOR THE CONGO STATE
DINNER ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12. (PETER NERO) THANK YOU
FOR PREPARING THANK YOU REMARKS FOR THE PRESIDENT TO MAKE
AFTER MR. NERO'S PERFORMANCE. PLEASE COPY US WITH YOUR
DRAFT.
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL PAGES, PLEASE CALL BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
TO (202) 456-7788.
RETURN TELECOPY NUMBER: (202) 456-2407
1. 2045562183
SOCIAL OFFICE-
: 9:51PM : 06-8 22 :
RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE
Gurtman and Murtha Associates
162 West 56 Street New York, N.Y. 10018 (212) 245.4771
JAMES MURTHA
BERNARD GURTMAN
PETER NERO
Program Blography
Peter Nero has built an impressive reputation as a composer, symphony conductor
and arranger, in addition to his career as a virtuoso pianist. His solid musicianship,
Innovative programming and warm informal stage presence have won him a loyal and
enthusiastic audience.
Besides performances with his Trio, Nero devotes part of his year to the Philly
Pops, a national institution which he has headed since 1979. He has performed with
the Pops In a number of PBS specials.
Born in Brooklyn, Nero started his formal music training at age 7. By the time
he was 14, he had won numerous plano competitions and a scholarship to the Julliard
School of Music, and had made guest appearances with symphony orchestras.
After his graduation, Nero quickly established himself among the top jazz planists
in the country, and then began to experiment, combining jazz with the classics.
Nero has been a national "name" for many years as a result of his consistently
best-selling albums. His association with RCA Records produced 23 albums in eight
years, eight Grammy nominations, and two Grammy Awards. His subsequent move to
Columbia Records resulted in two additional Grammy nominations, as well as a
million-selling gold "single" and album, "Summer of '42". Cashbox Magazine named
him the world's Number One instrumentalist. He recently produced two new albums,
both strikingly different: a Concord Jazz album exploring the music of Duke Ellington,
and a Direct-to-Dise recording featuring his arrangements for plano and big orchestra.
On TV, Nero starred in the NBC award-winning "S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous, 'S
Gershwin", & special tribute to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, and he is a
regular guest on major talk and variety shows. He has been halled as the premier
plano interpreter of Gershwin. In fact, his colleague Mel Torme commented, "Peter
Nero's piano interpretations of Gershwin are unique and glorious. He is a one-of-a-kind
artist."
In motion pictures, Nero has appeared In "Sunday in New York," for which he
composed the score and title song, which received Golden Globe and Hollywood Reporter
nominations.
Nero's compositions include "His World", "Blue Fantasy", both pieces for plano,
rhythm section, and full orchestra which have been performed by many major orchestras
Z
SOCIAL OFFICE+
2- 8-90 5:52PM
RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE
combining rock with traditional music and narration.
Peter and his wife Peggy live in Philadelphia. He has two children by a previous
marriage: Jedd, è real estate entrepreneur who lives in New York; and a daughter,
Beverly, who is pursuing an acting career in Hollywood. Nero is an avid chess player
and a longtime Dodger baseball fan. He has a full recording studio In his home, and
his interest and expertise in the world of computers put him on a par with many
professionals. In fact, he carries his own Tandy computer equipment with him on the
road, which allows him to retract easily the "music information" and other facts so
necessary to facilitate his globe-hopping career as an internationally acclaimed artist.
****
E 204566218:84
SOCIAL OFFICE-
: : 06-8 -2 :
RCV BY:THE WHITE HOUSE
BS-
i
Mr. Schmel
647-4977
Urgent
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 12, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO OF THE CONGO
UPON ARRIVAL
The Diplomatic Entrance
10:12 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Mr. President, it is a great
pleasure to welcome you and Mrs. Sassou-Nguesso to the United States
and to the White House. The last time you visited, three years ago,
you and I met at the United States Capitol Building. And today, we
meet at the White House.
In the three years since your last visit, Southern Africa
has seen significant progress towards peace and stability. Namibia
is on the verge of independence. And in Angola, Cuban troops have
begun the process of leaving. And while our support for the UNITA
freedom fighters continues undiminished, we continue to hope for a
negotiated settlement to that tragic war.
Nelson Mandela's release from prison yesterday, which
we've waited for and worked toward for so long, is another important
sign that South Africa may soon begin negotiating a democratic,
nonracial society, and at last be on the way to ending apartheid once
and for all.
Mr. President, to a considerable degree, many of these
happy developments resulted from your involvement. As Chairman of
the OAU in 1986, you used your prestige and diplomatic skill to
convince those involved to come to Brazzaville to resolve their
differences through the Angola-Namibia accords. And just as our
diplomats worked ceaselessly to assure the accords were signed, you
worked ceaselessly to assure the accords would succeed.
Africa, America and the rest of the world congratulated
you for your role in this extraordinary achievement; a major
diplomatic milestone in Southern Africa. And today it is my
privilege, on behalf of the American people, to thank you again for
your efforts and ongoing commitment to regional stability.
We also appreciate your support for the continuing
African effort under the mediation of Zaire's President Mobutu Sese
Seko, to achieve peace and stability in Angola. Those negotiations
have not always gone smoothly, and some continue to believe that war
is preferable to peace. Nevertheless, we remain confident that
African statesmen, such as yourself, Mr. President, will be able to
bring about national reconciliation in Angola and greater peace and
stability in your entire region.
Mr. President, as we talk about the world's problems and
their peaceful resolution, I would like to use this occasion to send
two messages to the people of Africa. Some have suggested that
events in the rest of the world, including Central Europe, mean that
the United States will no longer pay attention to Africa. I can
assure you and everyone in Africa that this is not the case.
I had the pleasure of visiting Africa three times while I
was Vice President and hope to be able to do so again. And Africa is
the ancestral home of many Americans. And Africa is a major
MORE
- 2 -
contributor to the world's supply of raw materials and minerals, and
a repository of many of the world's environmental riches, such as the
lush, natural beauty of the Congo's tropical forests.
Africa's our friend. And friends don't forget one
another. Rather, they provide help and work closely in common
endeavors. And I hereby renew the commitment of the American people
and government to continue to do so in partnership with Africa.
Today, America celebrates the birthday of one of our
greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. Shortly before he took office,
Lincoln stopped in Philadelphia to speak at Independence Hall, and he
spoke of war and revolution and of America's birth certificate, the
Declaration of Independence, signed in that hall less than 100 years
earlier. "The Declaration," he said, "gave liberty not alone to the
people of this country, but hope to all the world for all future
time." And today, another century has passed, and today, liberty and
hope are alive in the world as never before.
We welcome the steps Africa has taken to recognize and
nurture this trend in recent years. And we encourage more rapid
movement in this direction -- for, as recent events have proven from
Central Europe to Central America, free people and free markets are
the way of the future and essential ingredients of a successful,
thriving and truly developed nation. These are among the ideas I
plan to share in our dialogue over at the White House today.
And I believe that the leaders of Africa are reaching out
to the United States, reaching out for a new partnership based on
mutual responsibility and mutual respect. And so the message of
freedom and cooperation in my meetings with you, Mr. President, is
also a message to the leaders of Africa.
Thank you, sir, for coming to the White House. We look
forward to our visit and to mutually beneficial talks. Thank you
very much. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO: Mr. President, as I step on
American soil for my first state visit, I wish first of all to salute
a great nation which has inspired so many ideals and dreams for
mankind now for over 200 years. I wish to pay a well-earned tribute
to your great people who achieved its own freedom in order to spread
values which continue to remain today the ideological foundation of
contemporary societies.
You, Mr. President, are one of the great figures who have
inherited this rich legacy which has enabled your country to build a
civilization which looks towards progress, which means it looks to
the future, and does so in liberty and democracy.
The many highly positive initiatives which your ongoing
consultation with your Soviet counterpart, President Mikhail
Gorbachev, continue to result in, fall within the very happy prospect
of a future that is less uncertain and more serene. We, the people
of Africa, are convinced that such a fruitful dialogue can only
benefit all of mankind for peace and security as well as for economic
development.
Because my visit coincides with the celebration of
African American Month, it gives me, a son of Africa, a chance to
extend a respectful and grateful salute to the memory of President
Abraham Lincoln and of Dr. Martin Luther King. Their lives, their
struggle, represent for us, Africans, a never-ending source of
admiration, pride and hope.
And I should like to include a great symbol of dignity
for African men, Nelson Mandela, whose very recent release ushers in
great prospects for the negotiations on the future of South African
society. From this day on, the Congo can look forward with optimism
to the future of its own relations with South Africa.
May this happy coincidence usher in a period of evermore
MORE
- 3 -
encouraging prospects for the strengthening of friendship and
cooperation between our two worlds -- between America and the Congo.
And as I thank you, Mr. President, for the very wonderful welcome you
have extended to me and the message of friendship you have just
addressed to me, may I tell you how very happy I am to be today in
this great, beautiful capital where there is so much history and
where there is so much hope.
Long live the United States. Long live the Congo. I
thank you. (Applause.)
END
10:27 A.M. EST
McNally/Simon
February 7, 1990
Draft One (B:CONGO.AR)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ARRIVAL STATEMENT -- CONGO PRESIDENT
DENIS SASSOU-NGUESSO
THE WHITE HOUSE SOUTH LAWN
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1990, 10:00 A.M.
Feldmant Michael
Mr. President, it is a pleasure to welcome you and Mrs.
State
647- 4965 Sassou-Nguesso [[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]] to the United States, and
to the White House.
three
VP schedule
The last time you visited, four years ago, you and I met at
X
10-7-86
the United States Capitol building. Today we meet at the White
House. And I suppose if this trend continues, four years from
now we should plan on getting together at the Supreme Court.
three
In the four years since your last visit, southern Africa has
seen significant progress towards peace and stability.
State Dept.
Namibia is on the verge of independence. In Angola, Cuban
draft
troops have begun the process of leaving. And while our support
for the UNITA freedom fighters continues undiminished, our hopes
for a negotiated settlement of that tragic war have grown. And
South Africa may soon begin negotiating a democratic, non-racial
society -- and at last be on the way to ending apartheid once and
for all.
Mr. President, to a considerable degree these happy
developments resulted from agreements facilitated through the
close cooperation of the United States and the Congo in a
partnership for peace.
As Chairman of the Organization of African Unity in 1986,
you used your prestige and diplomatic skill to convince those
2
involved to come to Brazzaville to resolve their differences
through the Angola/Namibia Accords. And just as our diplomats
state
worked ceaselessly to assure the Accords were signed, you worked
Dept.
didft
ceaselessly to assure the Accords would succeed.
Africa, America and the rest of the world congratulated you
for your role in this "extraordinary achievement, a
major
diplomatic milestone in southern Africa." Today, it is my
privilege, on behalf of the American people, to thank you again
for your efforts and ongoing commitment to regional stability.
We also appreciate your support for the continuing African
effort, under the mediation of Zaire's President Mobutu Sese
Seko, to achieve peace and stability in Angola. Those
negotiations have not always gone smoothly, and some continue to
believe that war is preferable to peace. Nevertheless, we remain
confident that African statesmen such as yourself, Mr. President,
will be able to bring about national reconciliation in Angola and
greater peace and stability in your region.
state
Mr. President, as we talk about the world's problems and
pot
their peaceful resolution, I would like to use this occasion to
droft
send two messages to the peoples of Africa.
Some have suggested that events in the rest of the world,
including Central Europe, mean that the United States will no
longer pay attention to Africa. I can assure you and everyone in
Africa that this is not the case.
I had the pleasure of visiting Africa three times while I
was Vice President, and hope to be able to do so again. Africa
3
is the ancestral home of many Americans. Africa is a major
contributor to the world supply of raw materials and minerals,
and the repository of many of the world's environmental riches,
such as the lush, natural beauty of Congo's tropical forests.
Africa is our friend, and friends don't forget one another.
Rather they provide help, and work closely in common endeavors.
And I hereby renew the commitment of the American people and
government to continue to do so in partnership with Africa.
Let me add, Mr. President, that good friends can also on
occasion give advice to one another. My advice to Africa is to
pay attention to what is happening in Central Europe. To see
what the will of the people really means. To understand the
thirst for democracy and self-determination.
Today America celebrates the birthday of one of our greatest
Febi862,
Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. Shortly before he took office,
Burtlett's
Lincoln stopped in Philadelphia to speak at Independence Hall.
a
He spoke of war and revolution, and of America's birth
certificate -- the Declaration of Independence -- signed in that
Hall less than 100 years earlier.
"The
Declaration " he said, "gave liberty not alone to
the people of this country, but hope to all the world, for all
future time. "
Today another century has passed. And today liberty and
hope are alive in the world as never before.
We welcome the steps Africa has taken to recognize and
nurture this trend in recent years. And we encourage more rapid
4
movement in this direction. For -- as recent events have proven,
from Central Europe to Central America -- free people and free
markets are the way of the future, and essential ingredients of a
successful, thriving, and truly developed nation.
These are among the ideas I plan to share in our dialogue at
the White House today. I believe that the leaders of Africa are
reaching out to the United States, reaching out for a new
partnership based on mutual responsibility and mutual respect.
And the message of my meetings with President Sassou-Nguesso
see
[SASS-00 EN-GWES-00]] is also a message to the leaders of
Africa, a message that I am reaching back to them.
Thank you for coming to the White House. We look forward to
our visit and to mutually beneficial talks. Thank you.
#
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