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"It Is a very great privilege and pleasure
for me to be here with you today, but before I begin I have two
questions. The first question is: is it true that the tent over
there is filled with good old German beer? Then, the second question
is: what are we doing out here?
"I asked one soldier if he drank a lot
of beer, and he said, 'Of course not, Sir.' The only trouble
is - he then tried to blow the foam off his sauerkraut.
But everyone of you is entitled to all the beer,
sauerkraut and anything else provided today, after your two hard
months of intensive field training at Grafenwoehr.
"As your Commander-in-Chief, I'm now
issuing orders that tomorrow, Monday, all members of this brigade
who participated in the maneuvers will be given an extra day
off.
"I'm very, very proud to be here with
the tankers, infantry and artillery of one of the most powerful
combat brigades in Europe. And I am also just as pleased to be
here with your wonderful families.
"Let me say a very special word of commendation
to your German partnership units. I thank you for the cooperation
you are extending to the United States and our forces. Together,
you have developed outstanding skills and qualities that make
first-rate fighting men. I am pleased that you are learning from
each other
"I deeply appreciate the very high standards
of performance and morale of our NATO forces as represented by
the Germans and Americans here today, and I thank the Federal
Republic and the State of Hesse for the warm, warm hospitality
extended to me and to all Americans that are stationed here.
"There is a very deep satisfaction for
me in this meeting here with all of you today. It is most rewarding
to see first-hand this evidence of our two countries cooperating
within NATO and for the common defense. It Is you, together with
the other forces of the alliance, who are making our collective
security a reality.
"As we pursue peace together, I am aware
that not all of the problems in Europe and the world have been
solved. And I am convinced that, under present circumstances,
the best guarantee for peace is a very, very strong defense.
"As President, speaking here in the presence
of our allies, I affirm today that I will not allow our armed
forces to be weakened under any circumstances. You deserve the
very best equipment and you deserve the strongest support of
the citizens you defend.
"Chancellor Schmidt and myself will travel
to Helsinki in the next few days to attend the conference on
security and cooperation in Europe. It Is not by accident, let
me assure you, that I stop to consult with our allies, nor that
I now confirm our commitment to Berlin.
"I assure the people of Berlin, from
this military base that you soldiers call 'the rock', that I
stand behind this rock and behind our commitment to the freedom
of Berlin.
"Secretary Kissinger spoke for me when
he affirmed our policy on his recent visit to Berlin and our
national unity and determination in this regard were voiced earlier
this year by Senators Humphrey and Scott.
"Soldiers, of course, do not underestimate
the importance of' your mission and its meaning for the entire
world. You are the defenders of peace and you have my full and
unqualified support and respect. I know that you are doing a
great, great job and you, by the demonstrations that you have
given in person and by the equipment, you have boosted my morale.
And let me express a deep, personal gratitude: I thank you very
much for inviting me on this occasion."
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