Let me just repeat my personal thanks to President Mitterrand for coming to Washington.

I'm an optimist, and I happen to believe we're going to see some signs of improvement.

The Emerald Isle has given much to the world, but she has blessed America abundantly with her most precious gift: her children.

No, I said I'm sticking with the fundamentals of our plan.

Just as St. Patrick lit the fire of faith in Ireland centuries ago, so, more recently, has the Statue of Liberty's torch of freedom ignited the spirit of liberty in his countrymen.

I will attend that summit in Bonn with the greatest of interest and commitment.

The principles and goals that we share suggest that we will be able to work together on this problem in the months ahead.

I can assure you of the United States' willingness to cooperate closely with the United Kingdom Government in maintaining and modernizing that capability.

I attach great importance to your assurance that the United Kingdom TRIDENT II force will be assigned to NATO.

Such nuclear and conventional force improvements are of the highest priority for NATO's security.

I regard this arrangement as a significant contribution to the maintenance of stability and peace.

The United States readiness to provide these systems is a demonstration of the great importance which the United States Government attaches to the maintenance by the United Kingdom of an independent nuclear deterrent capability.