John Fitzgerald Kennedy

If we are to lead, as we must, we must have the means for the exercise of leadership.

What we hope is that our example of effort over the period of 15 years since the Marshall plan will inspire others to join with us, particularly those who are now prosperous, in an effort to permit newly independent states to develop and…

There is no one here who would suggest that the need for your services are less critical today than they were then.

In no respect would the proposed amendment diminish the controls which the Congress presently exercises over the size and character of the programs administered by the Small Business Administration, pursuant to the Small Business Act and…

I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to join in this observance.

It is my hope that the Congress will consider this proposal promptly and that the bill will be enacted into law.

Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, do hereby designate the week beginning July 1, 1962, as National Safe Boating Week.

This bill would place the fund on a more permanent basis and eliminate unnecessary duplication, by removing the statutory limitation on authorizations to appropriate to the fund and the separate limitations on the amounts of appropriated…

I urge all persons, organizations, and Governmental agencies interested in recreational boating and safety afloat to publicize and observe National Safe Boating Week.

By making the Small Business Administration a permanent agency of the Government in 1958, the Congress wisely recognized the important role that this agency has played in assisting the small business sector of our economy, which comprises…

Sound budgetary procedures argue against this type of duplication and repetitive review over an agency which the Congress has declared to be a permanent one and over programs which serve such an important purpose in assisting our small…

Our real objective is to make our own tests unnecessary, to prevent others from testing, to prevent the nuclear arms race from mushrooming out of control, to take the first steps toward general and complete disarmament.

The fact of the matter is that we cannot make similar strides without testing in the atmosphere as well as underground.

For of all the awesome responsibilities entrusted to this office, none is more somber to contemplate than the special statutory authority to employ nuclear arms in the defense of our people and freedom.

I have today authorized the Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Defense to conduct a series of nuclear tests--beginning when our preparations are completed, in the latter part of April, and to be concluded as quickly as possible…

He thereby took into his mortal hands the power of self-extinction.

Only through such strength can we be certain of deterring a nuclear strike, or an overwhelming ground attack, upon our forces and our allies.

The leaders of the Soviet Union are also watching this decision.

That is why this Nation has long urged an effective worldwide end to nuclear tests.

In the absence of any major shift in Soviet policies, no American President--responsible for the freedom and the safety of so many people--could in good faith make any other decision.

A free society is a critical society, and therefore I know you are constantly concerned about our position here and around the world.

We want others to bear their proportionate share of the burden but we do not suggest that we in the United States should fail or flinch or become fatigued.

I want to tell you how welcome you are to the White House, which belongs to all of us, and which I hope you will visit while you are here in Washington.

So as I said a year ago in assuming the Presidency, no generation has ever borne a greater responsibility than this generation, and as a member of it I welcome that responsibility.

I welcome you to Washington.