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Brazil / Background 12/01/90 [OA 8320] [4]
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Brazil / Background 12/01/90 [OA 8320] [4]
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Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 2004-0734-F; 2009-1186-F
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13741
Folder ID Number:
13741-002
Folder Title:
Brazil/Background 12/01/90 [OA 8320] [4]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
21
2
1
Services of Mead Data Central
PAGE
4
162ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1990 Reuters
June 27, 1990, Wednesday, BC cycle
SECTION: Financial Report. Money Report. Domestic Money.
LENGTH: 433 words
HEADLINE: LATIN AMERICANS GREET BUSH TRADE, DEBT INTIATIVES
BYLINE: By Richard Jarvie
DATELINE: BUENOS AIRES, JUNE 27, REUTER
BODY:
Latin Americans generally welcomed U.S. President George Bush's announcement
that he intended a new economic partnership with their region, although some
attacked as too small the planned write-off of part of the 12 billion dlrs debt
owed the U.S. government.
Within hours of Bush's speech Brazilian President Fernando Collor de Melo
telephoned the White House to praise the initiative. A statement released by
Collor's office said he "was happy with this positive response to efforts Latin
American countries are making to achieve economic freedom.'
In an address to Latin American and Caribbean diplomats, Bush said he glanned
to reduce official debt owed by countries adopting strong economic and
investment reform programs.
"These countries need economic breathing room to enact bold reforms," he
said, adding the United States wanted to encourage fresh investment in the
region and promote trade throughout the Americas.
In Argentina, Secretary for Latin American Affairs Raul Carignano described
Bush's statement as "clear and in accordance with the reality being lived by
Latin America."
Colombian officials, however, said they thought the U.S. President had
overstressed the importance of regional trade and been too light on debt relief
and direct aid.
A bank official in Bogota said, "The emghasis on free trade and not aid is a
little overdone. With the exception of very poor countries there is not very
much direct aid."
Given that Latin American foreign debt totalled more than 400 billion dlrs
the amount of U.S. official debt scheduled for reduction was very small, he
added.
In Peru, leading private economist Alejandro Toledo went further in his
criticism.
"Symbolically speaking President Bush's proposal is important and I welcome
it, but in real terms it is peanuts," Toledo said.
LEXIS NEXIS ® LEXIS® NEXIS ®
Services of Mead Data Central
PAGE
5
(c) 1990 Reuters, June 27, 1990
The plan to expand commerce throughout the hemisphere met with negative
reaction in Mexico, where one trade specialist saw it as threatening efforts to
create a trading block between his country and the United States.
"I think this could complicate the Mexico-U.S. free trade agreement,"
commented Alfredo Gutierrez, an attorney specializing in trade between the two
countries.
Gutierrez said that while Mexico's economy was broadly compatible with that
of its northern neighbor, the economies of Brazil and Argentina were often in
competition with the United States, especially in soybeans and other croos.
Breaking down trade barriers with them could provoke an outcry in the United
States and interfere with Mexico's free trade negotiations, he added.
LEXIS® NEXIS® ® LEXIS® NEXIS® ®
Brasilia:
cities of the would
3RDEditin 8
- Brazilians call it the "city of the sky. "
- The estimated population (1987) is 1.2 million.
- Brasilia hosts the Fiero dos Estados, a huge charity fair
in late June. A famous film festival is held in September.
BRazi /
- It was built by "candangos," by almost nothing but their
colossus
243
hands and determination.
the
- A old peasant woman once said; "It looked like I always
continue
expected Heaven to look at night. It was difficult to tell
237
where the building lights ended and the stars began. They
seemed to be put there to show off the other."
- The sky in Brasilia is bluer than the sky in Rio and turns
purple.
Carolyn
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
OCTOBER 27,1990
MEMORANDUM
TO:
DAVID DEMAREST
CHRISS WINSTON
MARK LANGE
ED MCNALLY
DAN MCGROARTY
CURT SMITH
MARY KATE GRANT
MARK DAVIS
BETH HINCHLIFFE
PEGGY DOOLEY
BOB SIMON
CAROL BLYMIRE
TED GARMEY
JENNIFER GROSSMAN
FROM:
CAROLYN CAWLEY
SUBJECT: PRE-ADVANCE TO SOUTH AMERICA AND MEXICO
ATTACHED:
o
Summary of speeches for the trip
Proposed itinerary
Preadvance notes
NOTE:
Mrs. Bush will accompany POTUS on the trip. She will
have her own activities, but she is expected to attend
all the speeches to Congress and the State Dinners.
Secretary and Mrs. Baker will also travel with POTUS.
I. SUMMARY OF SPEECHES FOR THE PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA
Brasilia, Brazil
-- Address joint session of Congress;
-- American Embassy community Greeting;
-- Remarks at luncheon for Brazilian business
community hosted by POTUS;
-- State Dinner toast.
Montevideo, Uruguay
-- Address joint session of Congress;
-- American Embassy community Greeting.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
-- Address joint session of Congress;
-- State Dinner - brief remarks;
-- American Embassy community Greeting.
Santiago, Chile
-- Address joint session of Congress;
-- State Dinner toast;
-- Remarks at breakfast hosted by the Chilean/
American Chamber of Commerce;
-- American Embassy community Greeting.
Caracas, Venezuela
-- State Dinner toast;
-- Remarks at luncheon hosted by the Venezuelan/
American Chamber of Commerce;
-- American Embassy community greeting.
NOTE:
Arrival and departure statements are TBD. If statements are
required, they will probably be in Brasilia (first stop) and
Caracas (last stop).
PROPOSED ITINERARY FOR THE TRIP OF THE PRESIDENT
TO SOUTH AMERICA
DECEMBER 2 - 8, 1990
Sunday, December 2
9:00 p.m.
Depart Andrews AFB en route Brasilia, Brazil
Monday, December 3
8:15 a.m.
Arrive Brasilia Int'l Airport
8:40 a.m.
Arrive Planalto Palace
-- Arrival Ceremony
21-gun salute
Anthems
Review of troops
-- One on One meeting with President Collor
-- Expanded Bilateral Meeting
-- Joint Press Availability
11:15 a.m.
Arrive Brazilian Congress Building
-- Address joint session of Brazilian Congress
TelePrompted
Simultaneous interpretation
12:35 p.m.
Arrive U.S. Embassy
-- American Embassy community Greeting
1:25 p.m.
Arrive Ambassador's Residence
-- Luncheon for Brazilian business community
hosted by POTUS. Brief remarks.
8:30 p.m.
Arrive Foreign Ministry
-- State Dinner. Toast.
RON Brasilia
1
Tuesday, December 4
8:30 a.m.
Arrive Brasilia Int'l Airport
--- Departure Ceremony
12:30 p.m.
Arrive Carrasco Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay
-- Arrival Ceremony
21-gun salute
Anthems
Review of troops
1:20 p.m.
Arrive Edificio Libertad
(President's office building)
-- One on One meeting with President Lacalle
-- Expanded Bilateral Meeting
-- Joint Press Availability
3:30 p.m.
Arrive Legislative Palace
-- Address joint session of Uruguayan Congress
TelePrompted
Simultaneous translation
4:40 p.m.
Arrive U.S. Embassy
-- American Embassy community Greeting
6:15 p.m.
Arrive Punte del Este
-Private Dinner hosted by President and
Mrs. Lacalle
RON Punta del Este
3
Wednesday, December 5
8:15 a.m.
Private Breakfast with President and
Mrs. Lacalle
10:00 a.m.
Arrive Carrasco Int'l Airport, Montevideo
-Departure Ceremony
11:35 a.m.
Arrive Ezeiza Int'l Airport
Buenos Aires, Argentina
12:00 p.m.
Arrive Aeroparque ((chopper over))
-- Arrival Ceremony
21-gun salute
Anthems
Review of troops
Presentation of Key to City
12:35 p.m.
Arrive Plaza de San Martin
-- Wreathlaying Ceremony
12:50 p.m.
Arrive Casa de Gobierno (House of Government)
-- One on One meeting with President Menem
-- Greeting of Diplomatic Corps
-- Working luncheon with President Menem
-- Joint press availability
3:30 p.m.
Depart for Palacio de Congreso
(Palace of Congress)
POTUS' limo will be escorted by Grenadiers
(Argentine mounted soldiers) at a parade pace.
3:50 p.m.
Arrive Palacio de Congreso
-- Address joint session of Argentine Congress
** TelePrompted ** ((John Keller told me that
there may some difficulty in TelePrompter
space. The only place for it is a small
recessed area in front of and below the
podium -- but this where they want to put
the press travel pool. Apparently this
decision will be left to Demarest and
Fitzwater.)
Simultaneous interpretation
4
7:55
Arrive Sociedad Rural
-- Rodeo and cultural demonstration
-- Informal greeting of Supreme Court justices
-- State Dinner
Brief remarks
RON Buenos Aires
Thursday, December 6, 1990
8:50 a.m.
Ambassador's Residence
-- American Embassy Community greeting
9:25 a.m.
Arrive Aeroparque
-- Departure Ceremony
11:30 a.m.
Arrive Arturo Merino Benitez Airport
Santiago, Chile
-- Arrival Ceremony
Full Honors
12:15 p.m.
Arrive President Aylwin's private residence
-- Working luncheon with President Aylwin
-- Joint press availability
3:25 p.m.
Arrive Chilean Congress Building
Valparaiso, Chile
-- Arrival Ceremony
Honor Guard (from the Naval Academy; will line
the street outside the building)
Anthems
Review of troops
-- Address to joint session of Chilean Congress
TelePrompted
Simultaneous interpretation
5,
8:40 p.m.
Arrive La Moneda Palace
Santiago, Chile
-- Ceremonious Arrival
Honor Guard
Review of troops
Fanfare
-- Private meeting with President Aylwin
-- State Dinner. Toast.
RON Santiago, Chile
Friday, December 7
7:55 a.m.
Arrive Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Hotel
-- Breakfast hosted by the Chilean/American
Chamber of Commerce
Brief remarks (@ 8:10 a.m.)
TelePrompted
9:25 a.m.
Arrive Ambassador's Residence
-- American Embassy community Greeting
10:30 a.m.
Arrive Airport
-- Departure Ceremony
4:10 p.m.
Arrive Simon Bolivar Int'l Airport
Caracas, Venezuela
-- Arrival Ceremony
21-gun salute
Anthems
7:40 p.m.
Arrive La Casona
-- Private meeting with President Perez
-- State Dinner. Toast.
RON Caracas, Venezuela
6
Saturday, December 8
9:15 a.m.
Arrive Pantheon
(Tomb of Bolivar and other national heroes)
-- Wreathlaying Ceremony
9:55 a.m.
Arrive Miraflores Palaces
-- One on One meeting with President Perez
-- Expanded Bilateral Meeting
-- Joint press availability
12:30 p.m.
Arrive Hilton Hotel
-- Luncheon hosted by the Venezuelan/
American Chamber of Commerce (VENAMCHAM)
Remarks
TelePrompted
2:20 p.m.
Arrive Ambassador's Residence
-- American Embassy community Greeting
3:35 p.m.
Arrive Simon Bolivar Int'l Airport
-- Departure Ceremony
4:00 p.m.
Depart en route Andrews
7:05 p.m.
Arrive Andrews AFB
7
PREADVANCE NOTES -- BRAZIL
Address Joint Session of Congress
-- Monday, December 3 @ 11:35 a.m.
-- TelePrompted
-- Simultaneous Interpretation
-- 1200 attendees: Senators, Deputies, Cabinet ministers,
Supreme Court justices, Governors of the Districts,
military commanders, members of the diplomatic corps,
religious leaders, university presidents, etc.
-- The session will open while POTUS is in the holding
room (National anthem of Brazil, 1 speech by a Senator,
1 speech by a Deputy). POTUS will enter and there will
be 6 minutes of hymns followed by three speeches:
Senator -- 15 minutes
Deputy -- 15 minutes
POTUS
-- 15 - 18 minutes allotted
Session will close by the President of the Congress.
-- See photos of the building exterior the domes are very
symbolic. The inverted dome atop the Deputies Chamber
means that everything starts in the House and the cup
is open to the ideas of the people. Laws begin there.
The dome atop the Senators Chambers means that
the Senate is the final cap, laws become final -- the
"lid".
-- Check Kubiscek quote chiseled in marble at entrance.
(in Portuguese)
-- The bicameral National Congress consists of 78 Senators
(three for each state and the Federal District) elected
to 8 year terms. 495 Deputies elected at large in each
state to 4 year terms. The elections are based on
proportional representation weighted to favor less
populous states. The next elections are scheduled for
November, however the newly elected members will not
take their seats until January, after POTUS' visit.
Suffrage is compulsory for ages 18 - 70.
8
State Dinner -- Toast
-- Monday, December 3 @ 8:30 p.m.
-- The Foreign Ministry Building, Brasilia Room. See
photos.
-- 260 guests
-- The Brazilian Chief of Protocol asked that we keep
the President's remarks under 8 minutes. (I told
him not to worry!)
-- The main entrance to the building will be flanked
with honor guards. Then POTUS will ascend the "floating
staircase" (see photos) and be ceremoniously greeted
by the President and Mrs. Collor. Cocktails in the
anteroom (see photos) -- the "Dortinari Room" (named for
a famous modern artist. State dinner in the Brasilia
Room; one wall is covered with a mammoth textile/
macrame piece of art. The artist, Roberto Burle (BOOR
lay) Marx, is well known for his designs, particularly
in gardening and landscapes. He did the gardens at the
Palace and at the US Embassy. -- I'll try to find out
more about him.
Embassy Greetings
-- Monday, December at 12:35 p.m.
-- US Embassy - Brasilia, small auditorium
-- 450 attendees: embassy personnel, Brazilian
staffers, families, Americans from the area
-- Brasilia is really an artificial capital, carved
out of the land 30 years ago when the government
decided the nation's capital should be centrally
located. (It had been on the southeastern coast,
in Rio.) The city has quite an "outpost" feel
about it, and I'm told this is a pervasive feeling,
especially for the embassy people. Brasilia is
far from everything and to "go anywhere, you have
to go through Rio"! There could be a joke there,
like the infamous Atlanta anecdote: You have to
go through Hartsfield (Atlanta's big airport) to
get to heaven!
-- The US as first country to establish an Embassy
in Brasilia. The site, donated by the government
of Brazil was officially selected by Secretary of
State John Foster Dulles when he visited in 1958 with
President Kubiscek. The site was first occupied
in 1960 by a portable house trailer. President
Eisenhower laid the symbolic cornerstone of the
Chancery during his visit.
9
The inside patio was designed by the famous
Brazilian landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx --
also the artist of the hanging textile work at the
State Dinner site.
Luncheon for Brazilian Business Community Hosted by POTUS:
-- Monday, December 3 @ 1:25 p.m.
-- Ambassador Melton's residence -- back patio by
pool or the indoor dining room
-- Brief remarks
-- Approximately 100 attendees
-- I have copies of 3 proposed guest lists, TBD by the
Embassy. They are pretty much the same. Guests
will include various Ministers of the Brazilian
government -- Infrastructure, Economy, Foreign
Affairs, Justice, Environment; some Congressional
leadership; and leaders in the business community
such as the US-Brazil Business Council, Citibank,
General Motors, American Express, McDonalds,
Union Carbide. Also well as representatives from
such international organizations as the World
Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank.
-- Contact: Kevin Brennan
Embassy Commercial Counselor
Planalto Palace -- Arrival Ceremony, Meetings -- No Remarks
Candangos is the nickname of the hardy pioneers who built
the city; sort of like our Pilgrims. In front of Planalto
Palace (site of arrival, one on one meeting and bilaterals;
located on 3 Powers Plaza along with the Congress building)
is a "Candangos" statue. The statue of two figures is
officially called "the Two Warriors" but is more commonly
referred to by the nickname. It's the work of famed
sculptor Bruno Giorgi.
-- Across the street from the Palace is the "Pantheon
of the Fatherland" also known as the Pantheon to
Liberty and Democracy, with an eternal flame. See photos.
of inverted triangles.
Tancredo Neves was elected in 1985 but died
before taking office and the Pantheon was erected in
his honor. His entire life embodied the struggle
for democracy. Neves is a hero figure today, known
as the man who restored democracy in Brazil after
twenty years of military rule.
-- The area is known as "3 Powers Square"
Planalto
Palace, the Supreme Court, the Congress Building
plus the Pantheon.
10
Other Notes on Brazil:
-- Brazil gave birth to the Lambada, the forbidden dance.
-- Stay away from calling Collor "Indiana Jones". POTUS
already called him this once -- it was cute for
awhile, but it's a sensitive subject now. President
Collor has eased back on his weekend daredeviling, in
large part because his mother launched a national
campaign to get him to stop. The weekend that we
were there however, he drove Ferrari at 140 mph down
the highway. In sum, Collor still does all the stuff
but in low profile. It's OK to jest him about it,
but don't refer to him as Indiana Jones.
HISTORY:
Brazil has been independent since September ,1822. It is a
Federative Republic with broad powers granted to the federal
government. Collor is the first popularly elected President
in almost 30 years. (coincidentally, Brasilia is about 30
years old as well.) Collor succeeded Jose Sarney, the first
civilian President after 21 years of military rule.
Brasilia:
Situated roughly in the center of Brazil, high on the
inland plateau termed the "planalto", Brasilia was
officially inaugurated on April 21, 1960. However as
an idea it dates back three centuries to the dreams of
the new world empire by the Italian monk, Dom Bosco
(after whom many places in Brasilia are named).
Brasilia is also the product of the early
Portuguese settlers for a safe inland capital away
from the poor climate and military invasions so
prevalent on the coast. The Portuguese Court in Lisbon
ordered that studies be conducted concerning the
capital location, but nothing was done until 1955.
Former President Juscelino Kubiscek promised in a
now famous campaign speech that, if elected, he would
build the new capital within his 5 year term.
He was elected and kept his promise. Actual construction
was begun in 1957 around the clock and the city was
completed in 1960.
The men responsible for the rising of Brasilia are
the architect Oscar Niemeyer and engineer Lucio Costa.
Niemeyer designed all of the principal buildings and still
holds veto power over new construction. Costa planned the
layout of the city itself, the "Plano Piloto", choosing to
make it look from the air like an airplane, a symbol
of progress. The city is laid out like a plane, with a
main body, wings, etc.
At the intersection of the main axes is the bus
station, called the "rodoviaria", truly the center of the
city in its early years, as workers and their families
arrived from all parts of Brazil seeking opportunity in the
fledgling capital.
In the cockpit of the plane is the Praca dos Tres
Poderes (3 powers plaza).
-Sights
O
President Medici Sports Center A sports stadium which
holds 42,000 spectators, plus a gym for 25,000. Maybe
there's a joke in here.
Rogerio Pithon Farias Park Reputed to be the largest
city park of any capital in Latin America. Covers
4 million meters square.
The Cathedral The shape of the Cathedral represents
Christ's crown of thorns. The pillars symbolize the
states of Brazil supporting the crown, which is set
into the ceiling disk. The main entrance leads under
ground through a shadowy tunnel, meant to prepare
churchgoers by meditation and self-examination for
emergence into the sunny circular church.
-- The Brazilian flag has the words "Ordem y Progreso" on
it -- "order and progress" in accordance with the
positivist philosophy of its fathers.
-- Brazil got a new constitution in 1988.
-- On the economy and other issues:
O
Avoid comparisons between Brazil and Mexico.
o
The US hopes for Brazil and Argentina to become
signatories of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, a
nuclear limitation agreement. POTUS has
telephoned Collor several times on this issue.
See Collor's recent UN speech.
Debt:
A few weeks ago, Brazil had a major
proposal to restructure their debt payments.
In overview, they'll issue 3 kinds of bonds
in exchange for their debt commitment. They'll
sell these back to the governments and banks
they owe at various auctions. They'll be paying
the principal ahead of the interest.
12
CONTACTS:
-- John Keane, Political Counselor (**)
-- Cultural Section:
Luzia and Marcillo
-- Gordon Jones, Economic Counselor
-- Bob Jordan, PAO
13
PREADVANCE NOTES -- URUGUAY
Contacts:
Kate Jarvis -- Embassy Information Officer
John Jurecky -- Charge d'Affaires; Control Officer
for Joint Session event
Notes of interest:
-- Eisenhower visited Uruguay on his big South America trip.
-- Johnson also visited in 1967.
-- On the outskirts of Punta del Este is a large park
popular for camping named "FDR Park".
-- The Foreign Service Institute in Rosslyn has a
good library where you can find books on Uruguayan
history and culture in English.
-- Uruguay is known for her friendly people and the
pervasive air of tranquility.
-- The Uruguay Round of GATT began here in 1987 at
Punta del Este. The current GATT round will be
underway beginning December 3 in Geneva.
-- JOSE ARTIGAS
National hero of Uruguay -- their George Washington.
His statues are located all over the city of Montevideo;
the main one is his tomb at Independence Plaza downtown.
His statue also stands outside the Edificio
Libertad, the site of meetings and bilats on this trip.
See photos of both.
-- The Pope visited Uruguay in 1987 or 1988. A giant
crucifix was erected in his honor and he held a Mass for
thousands there. I was told that Uruguay is a Catholic
country in name only.
-- Uruguayans are big fans of basketball and soccer
(futebol) They have fielded many World Cup players
and have several citizens playing in the professional
European leagues.
-- Jose Rodo was a major literary figure. The park
near the Embassy bears his name. Most of the streets
in Montevideo are named for famous figures in their
history. George Washington an important figure -- and
his statue stands near the Embassy on a main
thoroughfare.
14
Embassy Greetings
Tuesday, December 4 @ 4:40 p.m.
The main entrance hall of the Embassy
Approximately 300 attendees -- Embassy personnel,
Uruguayan staff, families, possibly Americans
from the area.
They have been waiting for several months for
their Ambassador-designate to be confirmed (since
April?). It's hoped that he'll be on post by the time
of POTUS' visit. If he's not, this has definite
joke potential. If he is, you could still use it.
The Embassy was designed by I.M. Pei (the famed
architect who also did the East Wing of the Nat'l
Gallery and the glass pyramid at the Louvre). It's
one of the few embassies in the world done by a
renowned architect -- but the embassy personnel
have many complaints about it and claim that it
was designed before "user friendly" became a popular
term. (Humor potential?)
Humor?: their mail is often ripped off before it
gets to the country. Chances are few that they
ever receive any mail orders.
POTUS will arrive in Montevideo during the last
week that anybody stays in the city -- everyone
escapes to Punta del Este.
Address to Joint Session of Uruguayan Congress
Tuesday, December 4 @ 3:30 p.m.
Legislative Palace -- Chamber of Deputies
Approximately 300 attendees; 132 Senators
and Deputies.
Embassy Control Officer: John Jurecky
Charge d'Affaires
o
TelePrompted
Above the podium is a huge mural (see brochure and
photos). Unfortunately, I couldn't locate anyone
who could tell me what it represents -- it's probably
worth looking into.
Also above the podium is an inscription chiseled in
marble. It's in Spanish, but I was told it says:
"My authority emanates from you and that authority
seizes through with your sovereign presence."
15
The Legislative Palace is absolutely beautiful. The
interior is all Uruguayan marble of different colors.
See photos and brochure.
Punta del Este
o
No remarks in PDE. POTUS will there for a private
dinner with President and Mrs. Lacalle at a small
seaside restaurant. The next day, a private
breakfast with them at a small inn in town. Mostly
an R&R stop. The Bushes will stay at a huge
home on the water (it should be in Architectural
Digest!!) -- it's owned by a wealthy Argentine
who has lent it to the Uruguayan on several
occasions, most recently for the visit of French
President Mitterand.
Punta del Este is a seaside resort town that has
practically no full time residents. It became
well known in 1967 after its film festival and has
since hosted many international meetings and
conferencesas well as art and entertainment. The entire
town is made of (magnificent) summer homes of
the Uruguayan and Argentine elite. When we were
there, the place was all but deserted. At the time
of POTUS' visit, the throngs of vacationers will
be just arriving for their summer vacations which
last through February.
Darwin came to Punta del Este in 1833 to study
the species of Goriti Island, off the coast
of Punta del Este. He live in Uruguay for
three months. He told his friend Signor Marconi,
an Italian engineer, that the area had a "good
magnetic field" and Marconi later developed the
telegraph in Punta del Este.
16
PREADVANCE NOTES -- ARGENTINA
Good Contact:
Stephen Thompson -- US Embassy
A very friendly man who is a good source of info for
both the Embassy Greeting as well as business/trade
info for the Joint Session speech. I gave him the
heads up that you'd call him.
Michael Canning -- US Embassy, Cultural Officer
Benny Giron -- Very helpful and eager to please.
He should be sending you some brochures that we
didn't have time to get on the preadvance. Also at
the Embassy.
NOTE: Upon arrival at the Aeroparque (municipal airport),
POTUS will be presented with a key to the city. No
remarks are planned, but check on this again.
Sites of interest in the city:
-- "July 9 Boulevard" is claimed to be world's largest;
the main thoroughfare of "B.A." (Why is July
9
an important date for Buenos Aires?)
-- At one circle of "July 9" stands a monument that is
exactly like the Washington monument here in D.C. --
only slightly smaller. It's dedicated to Don
Pedro Mendoza. (check him out)
-- B.A. is the second city in the formation of the
country of Argentina.
-- Recoleta Cemetery is their equivalent of Arlington,
though the people buried there are not solely
servicemembers. Many famous Argentines, writers,
artists, political figures, etc, have been laid to
rest there.
Wreath laying ceremony at the Plaza of San Martin
POTUS will lay a wreath at the monument of San
Martin, the George Washington of Argentina. No
remarks are required, though you will want to use
San Martin in your other speeches. He is a very
important figure to the Argentines.
San Martin is actually buried in the Main
Cathedral of Buenos Aires, which is down the street
about 1/2 a block from the Casa Gobierno (joint session
speech site). Both the Casa Gobierno and the
Cathedral line the Plaza of May 25th (why is this
date important?) The Plaza is a big site for rallies
and other public gatherings.
17
Suggested Reading:
"The History of Argentina" by David Rock.
This book covers the history of the country, from
its earliest beginnings through the Falklands
War. It's supposed to be an extremely easy
read and a good source for you. Should be
available at the OAS library or the Library
of Congress.
Note from LCDR Justice from the Mil Office:
An Argentine Navy sailing vessel and training ship is the
sister ship of the Coast Guard training vessel Barque Eagle.
Both were war reparations from Germany.
QUOTES FOR SPEECHES
"Sarmiento" is supposedly the most quotable Argentine. He
was a civilian President at the time of Lincoln and
is known as the "Abraham Lincoln of Argentina".
**Mike Butler at the Embassy is known by his colleagues
as "Mr. Quote". Call him.
Address to the Joint Session of the Argentine Congress
Wednesday, December 5 @ 3:50 p.m.
In the Chamber of Deputies
The address is scheduled to the Prompted, however
check with Dave on this. The only available space
for the Prompter is also where they want to put
the press pool. Keller told me that Dave and Marlin
will have to work this out.
Approximately 500 attendees -- 300 Senators and
Deputies; 70 member of diplomatic corps; the
Cabinet; Supreme Court justices; etc.
Two speakers -- the President of the Senate who
will open the session and introduce the President,
and POTUS. POTUS introduced by Argentine Vice
President Duhalde.
See photos of chamber interior as well as pamphlets. Though
they are in Spanish, you can probably figure them out.
18.
The National Seal It is dominant all over the government
buildings. In the Chambers in particular, it appears on
the front of the podium, above the podium, and in the
stained glass ceiling. See the brochure for a picture.
The stripes in it are the blue sky and the white sky
of the flag.
The hands are the union of the Argentine people
The staff holding the cup symbolizes Freedom; adapted
from symbols of the French Revolution.
The sun symbolizes the birth of a new country.
The laurels mean Glory.
State Dinner
Wednesday, December 5 @ 9:00 p.m.
Informal, as they will just have viewed a rodeo
and cultural demonstration. (Riding, roping,
throwing bolos, precision horse drill team
of the federal police, traditional costumes)
500 attendees
American Embassy Community Greeting
Thursday, December 6 @ 8:50 a.m.
The U.S. Ambassador's Residence Ballroom
500 attendees -- embassy personnel, Argentine staff,
families
The Residence is the largest in the world -- it's even
larger than the WH residence. Vice President Quayle
stayed there on his Latin American trips; the Bushes will
RON there as well. Check on Bush as VP stays.
Other Presidents who stayed there:
-- A plaque at the Main Entrance commemorates the
February 26, 1960 visit of Eisenhower (a private
visit after his Presidency)
-- A plaque at the top of the stairs commemorates the
November 30 - December 2, 1936 visit of FDR.
PREADVANCE NOTES -- CHILE
Embassy Greeting
Friday, December 7 @ 9:25 a.m.
Ambassador's Residence, back patio
300 - 400 attendees; Embassy personnel, Chilean
staff, families.
Contacts:
Dan Johnson Embassy Admin Officer
Dave Lugers Site Control Officer
We spent only a few minutes at the Residence and
none of the Embassy personnel had much to offer
by way of humor and color. I told both Dan and
Dave to be thinking of such things in case you
call them. Ambassador Gillispie is quite the
dashing figure and I was told that there is
humor there. Call his wife for more on that.
AMCHAM Breakfast
Friday, December 7 @ 7:55 a.m.
Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom -- a ballroom
is a ballroom is a ballroom. Totally nondescript.
Could have been Toledo.
Both Presidents will attend. JB III TBD.
Mrs. Bush TBD.
1000 attendees
TelePrompted
POTUS introduced by AMCHAM President Ed Tillman,
CEO of Exxon in Chile
2 speeches precede POTUS (one is Tillman). 55 minutes
total time there. POTUS doesn't eat.
7 people at head table (8 if Mrs. B. attends) :
President Aylwin [AIL win], 4 AMCHAM directors,
Ambassador Gillispie, JB III.
Elementary school choir will sing the anthems.
Contacts:
Embassy: ** Rick Villalobos, Econ Section **
Nancy Mason, Political Section
AMCHAM:
M. Isabel Jaramillo
Paulina Dellafiori
Phone: 486 830
20
NOTES:
Chileans think they'll be the first Latin American
country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the US
through the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative.
Mexico is slated to be first, but the Chileans
are optimistic.
:
Stay Away From: 1. The Kennedy Amendment prohibiting
Chile from purchasing any military apparatus from the
US. Senator Kennedy sponsored the bill after the
Letalier bombing in D.C. -- the US asked Chile to
locate and charge the perpetrators and to date they
have not done SO. Major source of tension in US-C
relations.
2. The Generalized System of Preferences. The
privilege was taken away from Chile in 1987 due to
labor abuses. They say they have corrected this and
want the GSP back, but the US refuses.
3. Chilean grapes.
-- Nancy Mason and Rick Villalobos will send you examples
of recent cooperative ventures and examples of
cooperation in business; a story on early US-C business;
humor. Probably should give them a call to remind them.
-- GOOD NEWS: Chile is now back in OPIC. OPIC is again
insuring US firms in Chile.
Also, Chile has been returned a clean bill of
health after hoof and mouth disease problems in their
cattle. They can now export to the US. Whoopee
State Dinner
La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Naranjas
(Plaza of Oranges -- courtyard filled with orange
trees)
Thursday, December 6 @ 9:15 p.m.
Toast
Will just have participated in a ceremonious arrival
at the palace with honor guards, review of troops,
and fanfare. The Palace Guards are units of the
National Police (Carabineros). The square outside
the Palace will be lined with US and Chilean flags.
Attendees TBD
21
The Palace was designed by the Italian Tosca in 1786. It's
been restored but is still essentially the same except for
one room that has been removed. The palace was bombed
during many coups. Pinochet was holed up there and
committed suicide
in the Palace -- that room has since been removed.
The national slogan of Chile appears ALL OVER the place;
from the wrought iron work of the Palace courtyards to the
marble over the podium at the joint session speech. It
reads,
translated: "If not by reason, then by force". Yikes.
Gustavo Delgado is a young Foreign Service Officer at the
Embassy who tried to get me some brochures on the history
etc
of the Palace. He was unsuccessful but left a message at
our hotel that he'd try again and send it up. You may want
to give him a call.
See photos of the Palace and the courtyard.
Address to Joint Session of Congress
Valparaiso -- Congreso Nacional, Salon de Honor
Approximately 900 attendees -- 47 Senators, 120
Deputies, plus various members of the diplomatic
corps, Cabinet Ministers, etc.
This will be a special session of the Congress. The
President of the Senate will open the session with 5
minutes of rituals and will introduce POTUS with the
ringing of the bell. (President of the Senate is
Gabriel Valdes, the highest ranking legislator.)
On dais: Rafael Eyzaguirre, Secretary of the Senate
Carlos Loyola, Secretary of the Chamber of Dep's
Jose Antonio Viera Gauo, President of Chamber of
Deputies
Gabriel Valdes, President of the Senate
The Congress building is brand spanking new -- in fact,
they were still laying carpet when we visited. It is
a huge, gigantor monument of marble columns that seems
extremely out of place in poverty-stricken Valparaiso.
Even across the street, the building is surrounded by
ordinary shops and slums coming down from the hills.
See photos. It had an eerie feeling about it, as most
government buildings of this sort are surrounded by
others like it. See photos.
POTUS will get out of the limo about 1/2 a block from
the building and walk a route lined with honor
guardsmen from the Naval Academy. He'll review the troops
and be greeted on the steps by the Senators and Deputies.
Again, their national slogan reads : "If not by reason,
then by force.' It is emblazoned in marble above
the podium. In this instance it appears under a seal
of sorts with a condor and a huemol (deer like animal).
The condor represents the aggressive side, while the
huemol represents the tranquil and peaceful side.
POTUS will chopper over to Valparaiso from Santiago. It
might be worth it to mention the truly beautiful Chilean
countryside. It's really quite remarkable -- greenery like
you've never seen; rolling meadows filled with wildflowers;
farmland; beautiful mountain ranges. Save for a few bill-
boards here and there, it's virtually unmarred. The Andes
Mountain Range is visible in the far distance, with snow
capped peaks.
Other notes on Chile:
-- King Juan Carlos of Spain just completed a state
visit to Santiago the day we arrived. The papers
applauded the success of the visit -- on the issues
of trade, etc. Apparently the two countries have
just recently reestablished good relations -- last time
Juan Carlos visited, he was snubbed by Pinochet who
left the city to visit his troops in the hills and never
met with the King.
-- North of Santiago begins a desert which continues to the
border. Some spots are said to have never seen rain --
ever. No life can exist there. Some areas get 1/16th
inch of moisture per year, mostly from mist coming off
the ocean.
-- La Iglesia de San Francisco de Assisi is the best
known church in Santiago. We drove by it, but
unfortunately I wasn't able to catch a photo for you.
It's the oldest church in the country and also houses
a museum of the monks. Nancy Mason said she would
send a brochure on its significance; again, you may
want to call her to remind her if you're interested.
-- The national hero of Chile, believe it or not, is named
Bernardo O'Higgins. (His father was Irish!) He is
considered to be the equivalent of Bolivar, Artigas,
San Martin, etc. -- the George Washington of Chile.
In fact, he fought with San Martin (of Argentina).
Definitely check into this man.
23
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
01. Agenda
Preadvance Notes - Venezuela [POTUS Latin America
n.d.
P-6, (b)(6)
Tour]; personal information redacted. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Brazil / Background 12/1/90 [4]
Date Closed:
10/22/2004
OA/ID Number:
08320
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President and
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
PREADVANCE NOTES -- VENEZUELA
Contacts:
Bill Millen
Political Counselor at the US Embassy. This man
is an expert on the country and can answer just
about any question you may have.
Helen Clare Hudson (Phone ext. 425)
Economic Counselor at the US Embassy. Call her
for info on cooperative efforts in trade and
business.
Paula Thiede (Phone ext. 330)
Also at the Embassy. A very nice woman who
maintains files of newspaper clippings.
Color and Things to Check on:
-- Bill Millen thought that POTUS may have visited Venezuela
in the 1960's when he was an oilman in Texas. He supposedly
visited the city of Maracaibo, in western Venezuela near
Colombia.
-- Jeb Bush once lived in Venezuela. Were any of his kids
born there?
-- POTUS visited V. in 1981 (?) for Bettencourt's funeral.
-- Bettancourt [BET anne coor] is a good man to quote
POTUS and President Perez met when both were President-
elect's. State visit of Perez in spring '89. POTUS calls
Perez often -- they have a good relationship.
P-6, (b)(6)
-Embassy Greeting
Ambassador's residence -- on large patio
overlooking the city
Saturday, December 8 @ 2:20 p.m.
Approximately 300 attendees -- embassy personnel,
Venezuelan employees, families; possibly
some Americans from the area.
Contact Bill Millen for inside humor. I was told
that jokes about the erratic water supply and
telephone service would be appreciated. Also,
they have been waiting for several months (since
May?) for their Ambassador-designate to be
confirmed. It's become a running joke of
sorts -it's hoped that he'll be on post by the
time of POTUS' visit. If not, this has definite
joke potential. If he is there, you could still
use it.
-- Caracas is surrounded by huge, green, lush mountains.
They really are quite beautiful and it's difficult to
escape a grand view of them. Avila National Park is a
big deal to the people of Caracas; it's a landmark. It's
a huge park high up in the hills and mountains with
trails, waterfalls, and eating spots -- also a preserve
of sorts, with birds and butterflies which are protected
"El Avila" Nat'l Park separates Caracas from the
Caribbean Sea. (Note: Venezuela has a heavy Caribbean
influence, from the people to the reggae music. It's
often said the V. is more a part of the Caribbean
region than Latin America.)
The Ambassador's residence (RON Site and site of Embassy
Greeting) is just below the park
Business Luncheon
Caracas Hilton Ballroom -- a ballroom is a
ballroom is a ballroom. Totally nondescript.
Saturday, December 8 @ 12:35 p.m.
1,000 attendees
14 on the dais
Brief Remarks; TelePrompted
25
-- Teresa Careno was a major opera diva from Venezuela. She
toured the world and was very popular internationally.
Across the street from the Hilton (Luncheon site) is a huge
theater and arts complex in her honor. It is one of the
best known buildings in Caracas.
-- State Dinner
O
Friday, December 7 @ 7:40 p.m.
O
Site: La Casona, President Perez' private home.
It's still undecided whether it will be outdoors on
the large patio (tented) or the indoor dining room.
Pantheon -- Tomb of Bolivar and other liberators
No remarks, but this would be great to use in business
luncheon or embassy greetings, as POTUS will have just
participated in a wreathlaying ceremony there. Note that a
statue of Bolivar stands in D.C. down the street from State.
Other liberators at the Pantheon include: Garantia,
Jose Gregorio Monegas, Francisco Miranda. It is a beautiful
monument with splendid murals and frescoes; high vaulted
ceilings and stained glass windows. The paintings represent
scenes of the liberation of Venezuela.
26
CARACAS:
-- Capital of Venezuela
-- Birthplace of "Libertador Simon Bolivar"
-- Founded on July 25, 1567 by the Conqueror Diego
de Losada. He named it Santiago de Leon de
Caracas. The Lion (de leon) is quasi-official
symbol of the city.
-- The city of Caracas was mapped 9 years after
founding. It was exactly 24 square blocks with the
25th as it's center plaza. Today this area is the
colonial section of the city.
VENEZUELA:
-- Discovered by Columbus (just like the US) in 1498 on
his third voyage to the New World. First explored by
Alonso de Ojeda in 1499 -- according to legend, he
named it "Venezuela" or "Little Venice".
-- Achieved independence in 1821. Begun by Francisco
de Miranda and completed by Simon Bolivar.
SITES YOU MAY WANT TO MENTION:
-- Iglesia de San Francisco: (Church of S.F.) Church and
convent built in 1575. Simon Bolivar prayed here often.
It was in this church that he was given the title "liber-
tador" (liberator) and made Captain General of the V.
armies. His state funeral took place here in 1813. It's
open to public tours.
-- El Capitolio Nacional: (The Nat'l Capital). Next to the
legislative palace. Topped by a gleaming dome. Built in
1877. Now used only for the inauguration of the
President.
Inside are 52 paintings depicting historical V. events.
The most magnificent is on the ceiling of the dome; it
shows Bolivar winning the V. Battle of Independence at
Carabobo. The Declaration of Independence is housed
here.
-- Consejo de Municipal: Old seminary built in 1641. In
the center are fountains with the symbol of the city, the
lion. The Declaration of Independence was signed here in
July 5, 1811.
-- Casa Natal: Bolivar's birthplace.
-- La Catedral: (the Cathedral) Mirrors the tumultous
history of Caracas. It was destroyed by earthquakes
in 1641, 1766, and 1812 and rebuilt each time. In the
Cathedral are the crypts of the Bolivar family.
Famous Artists:
Marisol
Jacobo Borges
Jesus Soto
Mateo Manaure
Alejandro Otero
Carlos Cruz Dias
All are internationally known.
28
EMBASSY GREETING \ BRASILIA, BRAZIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1990 \ 12:40 P.M.
0
AMBASSADOR RICK MELTON, HIS WIFE PEGGY, MEMBERS OF
THE EMBASSY STAFF, OUR FOREIGN SERVICE NATIONALS,
FAMILIES
AND MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY. IT IS A
PLEASURE TO MEET ALL OF YOU, AND To BEGIN SUCH AN
AUSPICIOUS JOURNEY HERE IN THE GREAT NATION OF
BRAZIL. BARBARA IS SORRY SHE COULDN'T BE HERE
TODAY, BUT SHE SENDS HER REGARDS AND OUR DAUGHTER
DORO IS HERE WITH ME.
- 2 -
o
VICE PRESIDENT QUAYLE GAVE ME A GREAT REPORT ON
YOUR BRASILIA COMMUNITY. HE SAYS THAT HE ABLY
DEFENDED THE HOOSIER REPUTATION OF BASKETBALL
PROWESS WHILE AT THE AMERICAN SCHOOL. HE ALSO
WARNED ME NOT To VENTURE ONTO THE TENNIS COURT
HERE, FOR I WOULD SUFFER A HUMILIATING DEFEAT AT
THE HANDS OF SOME OF THE ACES ON THE EMBASSY STAFF.
((I SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT PETE SAMPRAS WITH ME ON THE
TRIP.))
- 3 -
0
I WANT TO LET EACH OF YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE ADMIRE
THE JOB YOU DO, AS YOU REPRESENT OUR COUNTRY -- AND
I'M NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT JUST THOSE OF YOU WHO
WORK IN THE EMBASSY. I MEAN EVERY ONE OF YOU,
BECAUSE ALL OF YOU ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BEST
THAT IS AMERICA.
- 4 -
o
YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE BRAZILIAN COMMUNITY --
SUPPORTING SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS THROUGH THE
AMERICAN WOMEN'S CLUB OR YOUR CHURCH, SHOWING
APPRECIATION FOR BRAZILIAN CULTURE, AND HELPING
BRAZILIANS LEARN ABOUT AMERICAN CULTURE -- HAS
IMMENSE VALUE.
- 5 -
o
BARBARA AND I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SIMILARLY
REPRESENTING THE UNITED STATES A FEW YEARS, ((A FEW
GRANDCHILDREN)) AND A COUPLE OF JOBS AGO, WHEN I
WAS AMBASSADOR TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
As A RESULT OF THAT EXPERIENCE WE HAVE, I THINK, AN
ENHANCED APPRECIATION FOR THE AMOUNT OF WORK THAT
GOES INTO A PRESIDENTIAL VISIT. WE THANK YOU FOR
IT.
- 6 -
0
HEADLINES ARE MADE WHEN DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGHS
OCCUR, WHEN IMPORTANT AGREEMENTS ARE SIGNED, AND
WHEN DRAMATIC EVENTS AFFECT RELATIONS BETWEEN
STATES. THE DAY-TO-DAY WORK OF THE DIPLOMAT AND OF
PRIVATE AMERICANS OVERSEAS, HOWEVER, DOESN'T
NORMALLY MAKE HEADLINES. To ALL THE EMPLOYEES OF
THE EMBASSY, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT so MUCH OF
WHAT IS ACCOMPLISHED IN U.S.-BRAZILIAN RELATIONS IS
DIRECTLY RELATED TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND DEDICATION.
- 7 -
0 I WANT TO PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE
BRAZILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE EMBASSY. You ARE
OUR INSTITUTIONAL MEMORIES, SOCIAL GUIDES AND
CLOSE FRIENDS. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE
BRIDGES THAT YOU BUILD BETWEEN THE U.S. AND
BRAZIL.
o
ALL OF YOU, BRAZILIANS AND AMERICANS EQUALLY, HAVE
MY FULL SUPPORT IN THE IMPORTANT WORK AHEAD AS WE
MOVE TO STRENGTHEN OUR ALREADY GOOD RELATIONS.
IT
- 8 -
AND I KNOW THAT WITH AMBASSADOR MELTON AT THE HELM,
THE TASK IS IN GOOD HANDS. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU
FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT.
GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
###
Grant/Cawley
November 18, 1990
12 noon
A:BRAZIL.EMB
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EMBASSY GREETING
BRASILIA, BRAZIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1990
Ambassador Rick Melton, his wife Peggy, members of the
Embassy staff, our foreign service nationals, and members of
the American community. It is a pleasure to meet all of
you, and to begin such an auspicious journey here in the
great nation of Brazil.
Vice President Quayle gave me a great report on your
Brasilia community. He says that he ably defended the
Hoosier reputation of basketball prowess while at the
American school. He also warned me not to venture onto the
tennis court here, for I would suffer humiliating defeat at
the hands of some of the aces on the Embassy staff. ((I
should have brought Pete Sampras with me on the trip.))
Barbara and I both want to let you know of our great
admiration for you, as you represent our country -- and I'm
not just talking about those of you who work in the Embassy.
I mean every one of you, because all of you are
representative of the best that is America.
Your involvement with the Brazilian community -- supporting
social welfare projects through the American Women's Club or
your church, showing appreciation for Brazilian culture, and
helping Brazilians learn about American culture -- has
immense value.
2
Barbara and I had the privilege of similarly representing
the United States a few years, ((a few grandchildren) ) and a
couple of jobs ago, when I was Ambassador to the People's
Republic of China. As a result of that experience we have,
I think, an enhanced appreciation for the amount of work
that goes into a Presidential visit. We thank you for it.
Headlines are made when diplomatic breakthroughs occur, when
important agreements are signed, and when dramatic events
affect relations between states. The day-to-day work of the
diplomat and of private Americans overseas, however, doesn't
normally make headlines. To all the employees of the
Embassy, I want you to know that so much of what is
accomplished in U.S.-Brazilian relations is directly related
to your knowledge and dedication. I thank you for that
tremendous contribution to our common interests.
I envy you the peacefulness and beauty of Brasilia, although
I know that every new capital takes time to develop its own
special character. For our European friends, Washington was
long viewed as a hardship post. I suspect that diplomats
from Rio or Buenos Aires also had their misgivings. But
isolation today is not what it used to be -- I understand
you get CNN and some of you can even watch your favorite
U.S. sports teams (( -- just as long as you watch those
Texas Rangers, I'm happy.) ) In fact, the spaciousness and
clear skies of Brasilia remind me a great deal of the TExas
to which I took my family after World War II.
3
O
All of you, Brazilians and Americans equally, have my full
support in the important work ahead as we move to strengthen
our already good relations. And I know that with Ambassador
Melton at the helm, the task is in good hands. Once again
thank you for your dedication and commitment.
God bless the United States of America.
# # #
Grant/Cawley
November 18, 1990
12 noon
A:BRAZIL.EMB
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: EMBASSY GREETING
BRASILIA, BRAZIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1990
Ambassador (name), his wife (name) and friends. It is a
pleasure to meet all of you, and to begin such an auspicious
journey here in the great nation of Brazil.
And I think it only fitting that we begin our five-nation
tour here in Brasilia, for the United States was the first
country to establish an embassy in Brasilia. As all of you
know, the land was donated by the government of Brazil and
the cornerstone of the Chancery was laid by President
Eisenhower during his visit thirty years ago.
On that same visit, President Eisenhower gazed out upon the
new city of Brasilia, then under construction, and spoke of
the towers rising on the horizon as "an epic worthy of this
nation's vast possibilities and aspirations."
Each one of you is contributing to the vast possibilities of
this country, and the aspirations of a new relationship
among the nations of the Western Hemisphere -- born of the
triumph of democracy and growing into a future of economic
freedom.
Think of the events you've witnessed -- and helped shape --
in the last few years. Although the Soviet Union and
Eastern Europe may have garnered the most headlines, North
Americans are beginning to see that a political and economic
2
revolution is taking place in South America. I have come
because I wanted to see the revolution for myself -- and to
work
thank you for your support in keeping it alive.
From my years in China, I know there is no more dedicated
group of men and women than those who staff our American
Embassies. I also know what an ordeal a Presidential visit
can be, and so I thank you for all your help in preparing
for this visit.
The staff of this Embassy serves as the link between this
hemisphere's two largest republics -- the U.S. and Brazil.
Your workload is a heavy one, and it's public servants like
you who make me proud of Americans serving abroad. In
closing, let me say once again thank you for your dedication
and commitment. God bless the United States of America.
# # #