Harlan Mathews: “late last year President Clinton nominated Mr. Larry Lawrence to serve as Ambassador to Switzerland. Tonight, the Senate…”

“late last year President Clinton nominated Mr. Larry Lawrence to serve as Ambassador to Switzerland. Tonight, the Senate overcame the discreditable impulses that stalled the confirmation process. As a result, the United States will have the services of a superbly qualified ambassadorial appointment. Larry Lawrence is a man of modest origins whose hard work built a fortune and whose good works earned him wide admiration. He is a living example of boot-strap accomplishment. Character an competence have distinguished him all his life. During World War II he was a merchant marine volunteer who received the Medal of Honor from our Russian allies for his heroic rescue of drowning fellow crewmen after their ship was torpedoed off Murmansk. He has founded and managed more than 50 businesses in a proud career. His enterprises have encompassed banking, commercial development, travel, and tourism. These industries are central to the Swiss economy. They are industries in which the Swiss have eminent expertise. Mr. Lawrence's background is perfect preparation for the prime task of the United States Ambassador to Switzerland: nurturing commercial, trade, investment, and business relationships with Switzerland and Swiss companies.”