Lyndon Johnson

This is a time of deep appraisal for all Americans.

In view of our recent national tragedy, no better time exists for the searching of our hearts and minds.

THE United States Government is ready and willing to discuss all problems affecting the relationship between the United States and Panama.

I call upon all public officials to display the Nation's flag on public buildings on that day as requested by the Congress.

Observance of the law is essential to public order and to the strengthening of the individual rights of our citizens.

Respect for law is the condition upon which our whole social order depends.

To these great tasks, Mr. President, our peoples bring not only courage, industry, and initiative, but we also bring a love of freedom and independence and a tremendous reservoir of good will.

The honor really lies in the fact that in America we do have young men who are willing to dedicate themselves to excellence and who are ready to set a goal and to work unswervingly toward that goal.

Mr. President, I am confident that our nations have the resources and the energies to move these goals, to solve these problems, to face these tasks that confront us both.

The Presidents also emphasized the importance of the more fully developed countries extending economic and technical assistance to the developing states of the world.

We think this program makes sense.

But I accept your decision, appreciative of the motivations which led to it.

We think this program is just.

They stressed that Italy and the United States would work together with other nations in consolidating peace and freedom throughout the world.

The conversations that the Secretary of State and I have had with your Foreign Minister Saragat have been quite useful.

The two Presidents expressed the view that the forthcoming trade negotiations should be pursued energetically with a view to stimulating freer international trade on a more liberal basis.

So, I should like to propose a toast, Mr. President, to the continuing friendship, to the understanding, to the cooperation of the peoples and the governments of the Republic of Italy and the United States of America.

We think this program is going to be the law of the land.

I know your decision to leave was a hard one.

This has been a most heartwarming visit and a great personal pleasure for Mrs. Johnson and myself.

In the past 3 years, I came to respect you greatly--as you served John F. Kennedy.

Reluctantly and regretfully, I accept your resignation as Special Counsel.

Mr. President, these have been two delightful days.

I know that as the Nation has been made stronger by your service, so will the memory of John F. Kennedy be made richer by your book.

The Davis Cup winners have brought honor to the United States of America.