10/04/1978
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"We do not own the Panama Canal Zone. We have never had sovereignty over it."
"The strategic value of the canal lies in its use."
"The most important reason—the only reason—to ratify the treaties is that they are in the highest national interest of the United States."
"Hope is the most powerful force in the world. It can inspire us to achieve great things."