708 State Papers and Addresses

GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE LUNCHEON

June 22, 1942.
Asheville, North Carolina

An occasion which serves to bring together, in such critical times as these,
the official representative of the British Government in America, and the Chief
Executives of the various States comprising the Union, would seem to be a most
logical one.

In practically all important developments throughout the world in these
latter years, the two great English-speaking Nations have been ranged upon
the same side. Because of their far-reaching prestige and influence, their joint
action usually has been the final, determinant in world decisions.

In this present struggle, the greatest in history of the world, it is only to
be expected that Great Britian and the United States again should find them-
selves fighting shoulder to shoulder. The issue is one that strikes at the very
root of the national and individual security of English-speaking people every-
where. If Axis brutality were to prevail, the free institutions and individual
liberties that have been the particular prerogative of our own and the English
people these many years, would pass from the face of the earth.

The signing of the Atlantic Charter, a truly historic document, brought
into sharper focus the mutual understandings that already has prevailed be-
tween these two great peoples. The cooperation thereby pledged has been em-
phasized greatly within the past few days by reports of joint action by British
and American air-men in the Mediterranean and Near East, and the assistance
given by Imperial Forces from Canada in the defense of Alaska and the
Aleutian Islands.

As heads of more or less separate entities, which are contributing their
utmost efforts under the coordination of the Federal Government, the Chief
Executives of the States are vitally interested in every step taken by Great
Britain to cooperate with America in the move to stamp out Axis militarism
throughout the world.

There is a second reason why the chosen representatives of the people of
the States feel privileged to welcome the accredited Ambassador of that gallant
land across the sea. It affords an opportunity to all of us to pay tribute to the
steadfastness and courage under difficulties of our great Sister-Nation of Eng-
lish-speaking people.

The occasion gives evidence of the deep-seated conviction that is manifest
throughout America that Great Britain is standing, and during the dark months
after Dunkirk stood, practically all alone, in defense of all that we hold dear in
America. In welcoming our distinguished visitor, we can assure him that the
people of America recognize deeply the fact that the interests of America are