about-[laughter]-Marie Burke. We can't dwell on it, but she was a valued member of the Foreign Service, and I was told that serving since 1971 in a number of posts. And all I can do is express my condolences to her friends and, obviously, her family, and my sympathy. And I would like to think that someday the culprit can be found and all of that. But the main thing is, I know you all miss her, and I want you to know that I respect that concept of service that she epitomized. This Embassy has got a new Ambassador, and I have known Henry Catto and his wife, Jessica, for a long time. And he will be an outstanding Ambassador to the United Kingdom. It is one of the very most important posts we have. And the fact that I asked him to come here and that he accepted I hope sends a signal to our British friends that in him they have somebody who is very, very close to this President and who has my full confidence. And I hope that's something that brings joy to you because I think an Ambassador often is seen as the President's personal representative in these countries. That's the way the law has it, and that's the way it is. And Henry has my full confidence, and as you come to know him, get used to his eccentricities. [Laughter] I don't know who to blame for the cow on the front yard at Winfield House, but nevertheless-Jessica? [Laughter] No, Jessica and Henry are going to do a first class job here, and I just wanted you to know from me that I have full confidence in them. We came here just a few days ago, it seems. We went to Italy, and there we not only had a marvelous bilateral visit, but I had the opportunity to go to Nettuno and there honor our war dead, those who fell at Anzio beachhead. And the spirit of the Italian people, not just at Anzio but in Rome itself, for the American flag as it went by was really wonderful. And I think our relations are good there. And in Belgium, of course, the emphasis was multilateral, although again, we have good relations with Belgium. The emphasis was on trying to bring NATO together and project ourselves out into an optimistic future with strength. And as I say, I think that was accomplished. We have a big job to follow up on all that now. And again, the political section here, I know, will be asked to present accurately and fully, as will our military here, our position. To our friends in the United Kingdom, we've got to stay on the same wavelength with them, and we will. We've been strong, Margaret Thatcher being extraordinarily gracious in her comments about this U.S. initiative and this NATO collective decision. So, that went well. Yesterday in GermanyI wish all of you could have been with us, not just for the trip that Barbara and I had down the Rhine on a beautiful sunny day getting to excuse me, Billy-kiss the wine princess and things like that. [Laughter] But again, you'd have been proud, because all along the way, and these castles and tourist hotels, where the American flags were out for about 2 hours-going down the Rhine River on this marvelous cruise boat not only with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic and the Foreign Minister but many of the leaders of Germany. And so, I can report to you—and I think I can sort through cosmetics and reality-that it's real. The job that many of you have done when posted on the Continent itself is paying off, because the bilateral relationship with Germany is strong. And then today our meetings with Margaret Thatcher went very well, indeed. And of course, we just were honored to be received by Her Majesty the Queen. And we had a delightful luncheon at which the Queen presented Barbara with a picture of the Queen and one of our puppies that she just saw down in Kentucky. [Laughter] So, it's been a wonderful day, and I will simply end where I began by thanking you-all of you-whatever end of this complex Embassy you're in, for your service to the greatest, freest, most wonderful country on the face of the Earth. Thank you, and God bless all of you. Note: The President spoke at 3:15 p.m. at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in London. He was introduced by Secretary of State James A. Baker III. In his remarks, the President referred to Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; Marlin Fitzwater, the President's Press Secretary; Robert D. Blackwell, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European and Soviet Affairs; evangelist Billy Graham; Raymond Seitz, Assistant Secretary of State-designate for European Affairs; and Marie Burke, a Foreign Service officer murdered while serving in the U.S. Embassy in London. White House Statement on the One year ago today, on June 1, 1988, the President of the United States and the President of the Soviet Union exchanged the instruments of ratification bringing into force the intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) treaty, the first in history to bring about actual reductions in nuclear arsenals. The goal of the INF treaty-the complete elimination of INF missile systems under conditions of strict verification—is being accomplished. Since the summer of 1988, when eliminations began with the destruction of a Soviet SS-20 at Kapustin Yar and an American Pershing II at Longhorn, Texas, both sides have continued to eliminate INF missiles, launchers, and support equipment in the presence of inspectors from the other side. The achievement of the INF treaty was a signal victory for NATO solidarity and political resolve and a contribution to greater security for our allies. It established the long-held alliance principles of asymmetrical reductions to reach equality of forces, and effective verification as essential components of arms control agreements. These principles remain keystones of our proach to arms control. ap The agenda ahead is even more challenging as we move forward with NATO's conventional force proposals and the President's initiative this week for added reductions. Further, we seek stabilizing reductions in strategic arsenals and increased reliance on strategic defenses and a truly global and effective verifiable ban on chemical weapons. We will spare no effort to achieve agreements that will reduce the risk of war and strengthen the foundations. for peace. Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Funding of the Landsat Satellite Program June 1, 1989 The President today announced he had approved funding for continued operations of Landsat satellites 4 and 5 and for the completion and launch of Landsat 6. The President's action endorsed a recommendation from the National Space Council, chaired by Vice President Dan Quayle. The President also directed the National Space Council and the Office of Management and Budget to review options with the intention of continuing Landsat-type data collections after Landsat 6. Landsat, which takes detailed photographs of the Earth, is the U.S. Government's civil, space-based, land-remote sensing program. Landsat-type imagery data is important for such applications as global change research, environmental monitoring, law enforcement, natural resource estimates, national security, and a variety of private sector uses. In addition, Landsat provides a visible symbol of the U.S. commitment to, and leadership in, the use of space for the common good. Over recent years, it has become increasingly evident that commercializing the entire Landsat program would not be feasible until at least the end of the century. Since earlier government planning was based on commercializing the entire program, the absence of near-term commercial viability threatened continuity of Landsat and jeopardized continuity of Landsat data. The National Space Council, at its first meeting on May 12, recommended the action endorsed by President Bush today. Continued operation of Landsat 4 and 5 will require an additional $5 million in FY 89 and $19 million in FY 90. Cost of completion and launch of Landsat 6 by 1991 has already been included in the Commerce Department budget. Nomination of Timothy B. Atkeson To Be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency June 1, 1989 The President today announced his intention to nominate Timothy B. Atkeson to be Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (International Activities). He would succeed Jennifer Joy Manson. Mr. Atkeson is currently a partner with Steptoe and Johnson in Washington, DC. From 1975 to the present, he has been in private practice. Mr. Atkeson served as General Counsel for the Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of the President, 1970 to 1973; and General Counsel to the Office of Technology Assessment, United States Congress, 1974. Mr. Atkeson graduated from Harvard College (B.A., 1947); Oxford University (B.A., 1949; M.A., 1954); and Yale Law School (LL.B., 1952; J.D., 1951). He was born April 18, 1927, and resides in Washington, DC. Nomination of Shirley Temple Black To Be United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia June 1, 1989 The President today announced his intention to nominate Shirley Temple Black to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. She would succeed Julian Martin Niemczyk. Ambassador Black has served as a Representative to 24th General Assembly of the United Nations, 1969-1970. She has also served as United States Ambassador to Ghana, 1974-1976; and as Chief of Protocol at the White House, 1976-1977. She was a Member of the U.S. Delegation on African Refugee Problems in Geneva, 1981; and a Member of the Public Advisory Commission, United Nations Conference on Law of the Sea. She was Deputy Chairman, U.S. Delegation, United Nations Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm, 19701972. Ambassador Black has also served as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the President's Council on Environmental Quality, 1972-1974. Ambassador Black was born April 23, 1928 in Santa Monica, CA. She is married to Charles A. Black. Continuation of Michael Ussery as United States Ambassador to Morocco June 1, 1989 The President today announced that Michael Ussery would continue to serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Morocco. Since 1988 Mr. Ussery has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Morocco. Prior to this he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, Department of State, 1985-1988; Special Assistant for White House Liaison, 1983-1985; Special Assistant in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Department of State, 1981-1983; and administrative assistant for Congressman Carroll Campbell, 1979-1981. In addition, he has served as planner for the South Carolina Disaster Preparedness Agency, 1975-1976; and as a legislative aide in the Georgia House of Representatives, 1973-1975. Mr. Ussery graduated from Newberry College (B.A., 1973). He was born January 20, 1951, in Columbia, SC. He is married, and resides in Alexandria, VA. Nomination of C. Howard Wilkins, Jr. The President today announced his intention to nominate C. Howard Wilkins, Jr., to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of The Netherlands. He would succeed John Shad. Mr. Wilkins is the founder of Maverick Development Corp. and has served as the president since 1975. He has also served as chairman of the board for Maverick Restaurant Corp. since 1981. Mr. Wilkins was vice chairman of the board, Pizza Hut, Inc., 1974 to 1975; founder of Pizza Hut Corp. of America and president and chairman of the board, 1970 to 1974; and franchise director, then vice president of Pizza Hut, Inc., 1968 to 1970. Mr. Wilkins graduated from Yale University (B.A., 1960). He was born in 1938 in Wichita, KS. Mr. Wilkins is married, has five children, and currently resides in Wichita, KS. Continuation of Richard W. Boehm as United States Ambassador to Oman June 1, 1989 The President today announced that Richard Wood Boehm would continue to serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Sultanate of Oman. Mr. Boehm has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Sultanate of Oman since 1988. Prior to this, he served as Diplomat-in-Residence and visiting professor at Howard University in Washington, DC, 1987-1988; United States Ambassador to Cyprus, 1984-1987; Deputy Examiner in the Bureau of Examiners for Foreign Service, Department of State, 1984; Adviser to the United States Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, 1983; and was appointed career member of the Senior Foreign Service, 1981. In addition, he has served as Public Affairs Adviser at the Bureau of Economic Affairs, Department of State, 1969-1971. Mr. Boehm graduated from Adelphi University (A.B., 1959) and George Washington University (M.A., 1969). He was born June 25, 1926 in New York, NY. He has two children. Nomination of Morris D. Busby To Be The President today announced his intention to nominate Morris Dempson Busby to be accorded the rank of Ambassador during his tenure as Coordinator for Counterterrorism. Since 1987 Ambassador Busby has served as Roving Ambassador and Special Envoy for Central America. He has also served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Inter-American Affairs, 1987-1988; and headed a special State Department office to oversee the assistance program to the Nicaraguan resistance, 1987. From 1984 to 1987 he served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Mexico City. Ambassador Busby joined the Department of State in 1973, serving in various capacities: Director of the Office of Oceans and Polar Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans Affairs, and as Ambassador of the United States for Oceans and Fisheries Affairs. From 1981 to 1983 he was Alternate Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland. Ambassador Busby graduated from Marshall University and has received a master's degree from the George Washington University. He was a Naval Officer for 15 years. He attended the U.S. Naval Destroyer School, the Defense Intelligence School, and the Naval War College. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Award, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star. He is a native of Huntington, WV. Ambassador Busby is married and has two children. Designation of Roger B. Porter as Acting Chairman of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships June 1, 1989 The President has designated Roger B. Porter to be Acting Chairman of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. Currently Mr. Porter is Assistant to the President for Economic and Domestic Policy. Prior to this, Mr. Porter served as IBM professor of government and business at Harvard University and faculty chairman of the program for senior managers in government; Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Policy Development; Executive Secretary of the Economic Policy Council, 1974-1977; and as Counselor to the Secretary_of_the Treasury. In addition, he has served as Executive Secretary of the Cabinet Council on Economic Affairs, 1981-1985; assistant dean and tutor in politics at the Queen's College, Oxford, 1971-1972; and associate director of the Utah local government modernization study, 1972. Mr. Porter received his B.A. degree from Brigham Young University, B. Phil. from Oxford University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. He is married, has three children, and resides in Washington, DC. Digest of Other White House Announcements The following list includes the President's public schedule and other items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. May 26 In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush arrived at Ciampino Airport, Rome, Italy. Following the arrival ceremony, they went to Villa Taverna, the home of the U.S. Ambassador and their residence during their stay in Italy. May 27 In the morning, the President and U.S. Ambassador Maxwell Rabb went to Villa Madama, where they participated in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Ciriaco De Mita and U.S. and Italian officials. In the afternoon, President Bush went to Quirinale Palace and participated in a bilateral meeting with President Francesco Cos siga and U.S. and Italian officials. President Bush then attended a luncheon hosted by President Cossiga in the State Dining Room at the palace. Following, the luncheon, President Bush returned to Villa Taverna. Later in the afternoon, the President hosted a reception in his residence. After the reception, the President and Mrs. Bush went to the Vatican for an audience with Pope John Paul II in the Papal Library. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended a reception and dinner hosted by Prime Minister De Mita at Villa Madama. At the conclusion of the dinner, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to their residence. May 28 In the morning, the President and Mrs. Bush attended Mass at the Church of San Francesco. Afterwards, they went to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, where they participated in a Memorial Day ceremony with Prime Minister De Mita and U.S. and Italian officials. In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Villa Taverna and hosted a private luncheon for Prime Minister De Mita and U.S. and Italian officials. Later that afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush left Rome and traveled to Brussels, Belgium, for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit. In the evening, following the arrival ceremony at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels, the President and Mrs. Bush went to Chateau Stuyvenberg, their residence during their stay in Belgium. There, at the chateau, the President participated in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Wilfried Martens and U.S. and Belgian officials. May 29 In the morning, the President went to NATO Headquarters. There he met with Secretary-General Manfred Woerner and attended the opening ceremony and first working session of the summit. In the afternoon, the President attended a luncheon at Brussels Palace hosted by King Baudouin I. Following the luncheon, the President returned to NATO Headquarters and attended the summit's second working session. At its conclusion, he returned to Chateau Stuyvenberg. |