Such an exchange can be of enormous benefit to both Rio and
Maryland. The greatest benefit, however, may accrue to all peoples
in all countries, for our success can serve as an inspiration — it can
serve to coax others to follow this peaceful and progressive course
that is certain to produce lasting understanding among men and
nations.

ADDRESS, THE LEGISLATURE OF THE
STATE OF RIO, BRAZIL

RIO DE JANEIRO
November 16, 1965

Governor Torres, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen:

May I say at the outset that I consider your invitation to speak to
you today as one of the highest honors and privileges of my life. As
one who has been in politics almost all of his career, I know of no
higher honor than to be able to appear before a body of elected repre-
sentatives of the people. As Governor of Maryland I have the privilege
and the pleasure of addressing our own State Legislature from time
to time. But never in my imaginings did I ever believe that I would
one day be invited to appear before a State Legislature of another
great nation, 3, 000 miles away from my home in Maryland.

For making this wonderful moment possible I pay my humblest
respects to the generosity and fraternity of the "Fluminese" people
and to your energetic and distinguished Governor, Paulo Torres.
Although I have been in your magnificent State of Rio only a short
time, I already feel that I have become a true "Fluminense. " And,
to borrow a phrase from that great statesman, Winston Churchill:
"Perhaps if I had been born here in the State of Rio, I might have
been able to have gotten into this illustrious body on my own. "

Moreover, I cannot tell you how great a pleasure it affords me to
be able to address a state legislature without having to ask for higher
taxes or plead for the passage of legislation. Here in the State of
Rio you accord me all of the privileges and honors of appearing before
this assembly, while sparing me all of the burdens. I cannot see how
any governor could possibly find himself in a more delightful situation.

I do not know for certain, but I would be willing to guess that this
is the very first time that the governor of a state of the United States

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