We've learned the mistake of military intervention in the internal affairs of another country when our own American security was not directly involved.

Today, regardless of other disagreements among ourselves, we are united in the belief that we must have a strong defense.

The security of our Nation must be the first concern of every President who has ever lived in this house.

We shall do all in our power to see that such outrages are not repeated.

The best investment in defense is in weapons that will never have to be used and in soldiers who will never have to die.

American military strength provides the framework within which our mature friendships with Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand all contribute to stability in the Pacific basin.

Sustained American strength is the only possible basis for the wider, truly reciprocal detente which we seek with the Soviet Union.

We want to emphasize that the United States is totally committed to the carrying out of its responsibilities for the protection of foreign diplomats in the United States.

The most wasteful and self-defeating thing that we could do would be to start this necessary program, then alter it or cut it back after a year or two.

The issue we face is not whether we should be strong; the issue is how we will be strong.

I will nominate Albert P. Smith, of Russellville, Ky., to be Federal Cochairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Recent events in Iran have been a vivid reminder of the need for a strong and united America.