George BushMr. Vice-President, Charles PriceAmbassador, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen Let me first thank you for this magnificent gift of candlesticks to mark the 200th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the United States. I receive them gratefully on behalf of the Government and of the country. As replicas of the candlesticks which stood on the table in the hotel room where our two countries signed the Treaty of Paris they are a record of a decisive moment in our shared history. I propose to place them on our Cabinet Table: [end p1] let us hope that they will bring a little light and sparkle into our Cabinet discussions! They will stand there beside many fine and historic pieces of silver, including an even earlier candlestick which belonged to William Pitt. He it was, you remember, who said: “America will never be conquered” . And how right he was.
It was very thoughtful of you to find a gift which both has a direct association with the anniversary of our diplomatic relations and will be an adornment to No. 10 Downing Street in the [end p2] year in which we celebrate its 250th Anniversary as the home of British Prime Ministers.
But beyond the historical associations, I would like to think that there is a further and deeper symbolism. Candles bring light into darkness: and the aims of the joint endeavours of Britain and the United States have been to end the darkness of tyranny and poverty and to shed the light of democracy and of the freedom which we both cherish. Can I recall to you some words once read out by our King George VI in a Christmas [end p3] broadcast to the Commonwealth and which sum up the fundamental approach of both our countries: “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘bring me light that I may go forth into the unknown’. And he said to me, ‘put your hand into the hand of God, which is better than light and surer than the unknown way’.”
Mr. Vice-President, Ambassador, a two hundredth anniversary gives us plenty of cause to celebrate. Of course we had a few little problems along the way. [end p4] The odd blockade or war. Even a little matter of barbecuing the White House. But you know what they say: in diplomatic relations it's the first 100 years which are the worst!
There were those around at the time who even doubted whether you would get as far as 100 years. They thought that the unity of the 13 American States would be so shortlived that when John Adams announced himself in London as the first Minister of the United States, he was asked where the other twelve were. [end p5]
But George III showed himself more prescient than any of them. Soon after the articles of the Treaty of Paris were agreed in 1782 he told Parliament of his belief that “religion, language, interest, affections may and I hope will yet prove a bond of permanent union between our two countries” .
His hope has been borne out and amply so. At the end of these two hundred years we celebrate a friendship based on the fusion of commonsense, common interest, common values and a genuine and common affection, which have made us into allies who stand closer [end p6] than any two countries in history. Mr. Vice-President, I believe that the British people feel deeply that their natural place is four square behind the United States, cherishing liberty, defending peace, working for justice and progess. That augurs well for the next hundred years of our relations.
I give you the toast of Britain and America, their future friendship and prosperity.