John Kennedy actually said...

"The achievements of the Puerto Rican people in this short period have been remarkable."

"Puerto Rico has furnished an example to the world of the benefits that can be achieved by close collaboration between a larger and a smaller community within the framework of freedom and mutual agreem..."

"I am in full sympathy with this aspiration."

"I am confident that I speak for the people of the United States as well as their government in expressing my pride and pleasure at Puerto Rico's achievements."