I learned just a few days ago while I was already here in Asia that our Congress had acted on this proposal and passed a new law, the first step--the International Education Act.
Lyndon Johnson
The Public Record
Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Texas and began his political career as a U.S. Representative in 1937, later becoming a U.S. Senator in 1949. Johnson ascended to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and his administration is noted for significant domestic policies, including the Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. His legislative achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.
When I was here in 1961, I fell under the charm and the beauty of your land.
Considering your own history, I think it is understandable why the people of Thailand should be puzzled by those who suggest that you are being 'used' or 'dominated' by Americans or, for that matter, anyone else.
And it is no wonder, because after all, the one thing that this trip symbolizes and establishes is that we are Pacific neighbors.
While I am not a prophet, I would like to venture this prediction tonight:
What we achieve together can give reality to our common dream: a worldwide human fraternity, based on mutual understanding and respect--and living in peace.
I believe that the Conference of seven nations succeeded at Manila; but that is a judgment that will best be made by history.
It was for me a very welcome day of rest after the Manila Conference, and after our visit to South Vietnam.
One day, I believe, they will join the Pacific neighborhood--in peace, and without the suspicions and hostilities that make cooperation difficult today.
Peace must mean more than the absence of conflict: it must mean the presence of justice and wider opportunities for human fulfillment.
You are helping build a better life for all men based on education and on progress in science and the arts.
The very name of your great nation means, in my own language, 'land of the free.'
More importantly, I came away with respect and admiration for the people of Thailand who gave us such a warm welcome when we were here.
We already feel, in the night that we have spent here, that we are at home.
I believe that in the lifetime of men now living, the human race will emerge into the sunlit uplands of peace and freedom.
The truth is that Thailand and the United States are going down the same road together.
Let me assure you in this regard that Thailand can count on the United States to meet its obligations under the SEATO treaty.
Your Majesty's ancestors made a long pilgrimage to a new land, rather than accept subjugation.
I realized that the same waves that wash Bang Saen--and Bangkok--also touch Malaysia, South Vietnam, the Philippines, and as the waves move out they wash against South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.





