Prime Minister
I am very happy to join with so many others from all round the world in marking the 750th anniversary of Berlin and in wishing success to your celebrations. We are delighted that Elizabeth IIHer Majesty the Queen will soon be visiting you to demonstrate once again Britain's unswerving support for your city and its people. I know from my own visit in 1982 how lively, prosperous and exciting Berliners have made the western part of their city. It stands as a symbol of freedom and of hope; an inspiration of those who enjoy neither.
The wall that divides your city is the cruellest of the many barriers which Communism has erected against freedom and against democracy. When I visited the Soviet Union last month, I heard a great deal about the new spirit of openness and of course we welcomed that, but the real proof that openness is working will be when the wall comes down and Berlin can again be one city. That is our dream and our prayer. Meanwhile let me use the opportunity of this anniversary to give you once again a solemn pledge of Britain's steadfast commitment to maintain the allied prescence in Berlin as long as it is necessary. When I spoke in your city in 1982, I said “British Forces are in Berlin because there is a vital task for them to do and because you want them to do it” ; that is as true today. Their prescence is living proof of our resolve to defend your right to freedom. We shall not falter. I send you my heartfelt good wishes.
(END OF TAKE ONE)
(TAKE TWO)
Prime Minister
I am very happy to join with so many others from all round the world in marking the 750th anniversary of Berlin and in wishing success to your celebrations. We are delighted that Her Majesty the Queen will soon be visiting you to demonstrate once again Britain's unswerving support for your city and its people.
I know from my own visit in 1982, how lively, prosperous and exciting Berliners have made the western part of their city. It stands as a symbol of freedom and of hope; an inspiration to those who enjoy neither.
The wall that divides your city is the cruellest of the many barriers which Communism has erected against freedom and against Democracy. When I visited the Soviet Union last month, I heard a great deal about the new spirit of openness and of course we welcomed that but the real proof of openness is working will be when the wall comes down and Berlin can again be one city; that is our dream and our prayer.
Meanwhile let me use the opportunity of this anniversary to give you a solemn pledge of Britain's steadfast commitment to maintain the allied presence in Berlin as long as it is necessary.
When I spoke in your city in 1982, I said “British Forces are in Berlin because there is a vital task for them to do and because you want them to do it” ; that is as true today. There prescence is living proof of our resolve to defend your right to freedom. We shall not falter. I send you all my heartfelt good wishes.
(END OF TAKE TWO)