January 23, 1964
Page 1030
THE ROOSEVELT CAMPOBELLO INTERNATIONAL PARK
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, the firm friendship between our country and Canada is the object of admiration and wonder throughout the entire world. It is a mystery to many how two sovereign nations can live together in peace while sharing an undefended, contiguous border thousands of miles in length.
One of our great Presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, carried our international friendship even further. He maintained a summer home in Canada on Campobello Island, just off the Maine coast. It was at Campobello where President Roosevelt won his initial victory over the crippling illness of polio. This was the subject of the hit play and movie, "Sunrise at Campobello."
Many Canadians and Americans have long felt that the establishment of an international park at the Roosevelt homesite on Campobello Island would serve both as a living memorial to President Roosevelt and a lasting symbol of Canadian-American friendship.
I wrote President Kennedy in 1961 suggesting that such a memorial be established. He evidenced great interest in the proposal and asked the Interior Department to investigate the feasibility of establishing such a park. In August 1962, President Kennedy sent his naval aid, Capt. Tazwell Shephard, to represent him at the dedication of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge which constitutes the first direct transportation link between the island and the United States.
In May 1963 Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson and President Kennedy, in meetings held at Hyannis Port, Mass., reviewed plans for the project. President Kennedy personally called Dr. Armand Hammer, then owner of the former Roosevelt home. Dr. Hammer, after discussing plans for the park with other members of his family, graciously agreed to donate the property subject to the conclusion of an agreement between the two countries.
President Kennedy then directed the Department of State to enter into negotiations with the Government of Canada to work out plans for the establishment of the park. Congressman JAMES ROOSEVELT, of California, played a major role during the subsequent negotiations in working out the numerous details involved.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Pearson and President Johnson, to whom great credit is due for bringing the project to a successful conclusion, announced their agreement on plans to establish the park. Their agreement will require the enactment of legislation to create a joint United States-Canadian commission empowered to accept formal title to the property from the Hammer family, to restore the Roosevelt home to its former condition when occupied by the President's family, and to administer the park as a memorial.
I am honored at this time to introduce on behalf of myself and my senior colleague from Maine [Mrs. SMITH], for consideration by the Senate, legislation designed to accomplish these objectives. Representative ROOSEVELT is introducing a companion bill in the House.
I request unanimous consent that my letter of April 7, 1961, to President Kennedy; an article from the August 11, 1962, issue of the Kennebec Journal; an article from the January 23, 1964, issue of the New York Times; and my letter of January 9, 1964, to President Johnson be included in the RECORD at this point.
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The bill will be received and appropriately referred; and, without objection, the letters and articles will be printed in the RECORD.
The bill (S. 2464) to establish the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, and for other purposes, introduced by Mr. MUSKIE (for himself and Mrs. SMITH), was received, read twice by its title, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
The letters and articles presented by Mr. MUSKIE are as follows:
APRIL 7,1961.
THE PRESIDENT,
The White House,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: For a number of years there have been suggestions that a living memorial to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt be established on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada. This unique, unspoiled island on Passamaquoddy Bay, off the coast of Maine, was the scene of the President's happiest days in his childhood and youth. It was also the scene of his initial victory over the crippling illness of polio.
Several years ago, the late Gov. Clinton A. Clauson of the State of Maine brought this suggestion to my attention. He had discussed the proposal with former Premier Hugh John Fleming of the Province of New Brunswick, who indicated a favorable interest in this project. The residents of the island are proud of President Roosevelt's love of the island and Canadians some years ago erected a simple monument to him in the village on the island.
More recently, it has been suggested that a joint United States-Canadian park be established on Campobello Island as a living memorial to the wartime leaders of the United States and Canada, President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Mackenzie King, who did so much to strengthen the ties between our two countries. This, to me, is an imaginative and especially appropriate way in which to pay tribute to these two leaders and to the close cooperation which exists between our two nations in peace and war. In addition, such a park would conserve a fine natural resource on the easternmost boundary of the two countries.
Campobello Island is 8 miles long and averages 2 miles in width. It is typical of coastal islands along the shores of Maine and New Brunswick and it compares favorably with much of Acadia National Park 70 miles to the southwest. President Roosevelt's home is still standing in excellent condition. There is one small fishing village on the island and there are a few summer homes, seldom used. Only a small portion of the Island is in private hands. There are forest trails through most of the Island. A bridge between the American mainland and the island is now under construction. When completed it will make the island more accessible for visitors.
I am certain that citizens of both countries would support such a living memorial with enthusiasm. The park would combine the splendid natural attractions of our coastal islands, which played such an important role in the early settlement of this continent, with a symbol of man's courage, his capacity for good works, and his ability to achieve international cooperation.
Action on such a project should not be delayed. With the construction of the bridge to the island, it may not remain in its present unspoiled state for very long.
I hope you will be able to explore this proposal and ways of implementing it with Prime Minister Diefenbaker at your forthcoming meeting in Ottawa.. I shall be pleased to work with you or any member of the administration in developing an appropriate plan for the establishment of this international memorial park.
Sincerely,
EDMUND S. MUSKIE.
[From the Kennebec Daily Journal, Aug. 11, 1962]
PROPOSES CAMPOBELLO PARK AS MEMORIAL TO ROOSEVELT
(By Donald C. Hansen)
BRUNSWICK. -- President John, F. Kennedy arrived in Maine Friday evening to tell a rain-swept crowd of 7,000 at the Naval air station here that "whether the sun shines or not I'm delighted to be here."
Under a steady drizzle of rain, Kennedy, arriving for a weekend of seclusion off the Maine coast, said that his visit here brought back memories of another U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who also vacationed on the Maine coast.
PROPOSAL
In a brief address at NASB, Kennedy suggested the creation of a park at Campobello Island, home of the late Democratic President.
"The opening of the bridge between Maine and Campobello Island emphasized the ties between the United States and Canada," Kennedy said.
A park at the home of the late President would further strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries, the President said.
The Presidential plane dropped from beneath the leaden skies at approximately 6:15 p.m. As the plane touched down a Maine National Guard unit began pounding out a 21-gun salute for the Chief Executive.
A steady drizzle met the President as he descended from the plane to the strains of "Hail to the Chief," played by the First Naval District Band from Boston.
But a broad smile crossed his face as a roar swept the crowd estimated at about 7,000 by naval officials.
"Before I came here I was informed that there is no place more beautiful than the State of Maine when the sun shines," he told the cheering crowd. "But regardless of whether it shines or not I'm delighted and privileged to be here."
The official ceremony was disrupted when the President detoured into the crowd after leaving the speaking platform to mingle and shake hands for several moments with the thousands of well-wishers.
A huge roar swept through the crowd as the bareheaded Chief Executive turned from an automobile in which he was to inspect the crowd and, arm outstretched, walked toward them.
After the ceremony the President climbed into a helicopter to fly to John's Island off Pemaquid Harbor, where he will spend the weekend with friends at the home of former heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney.
Gov. John H. Reed, who greeted the President on behalf of the State, presented the youthful, bacheloring President with a twofoot square relief plaque depicting a Maine sailor at the helm of a ship.
Reed, who through earlier mix-ups involving protocol and prior commitments almost missed the President's arrival, wished President Kennedy, "a most cordial and hearty welcome."
"I am honored that the President has selected our State as his vacation site," Reed said and expressed apologies about the raining weather.
The plaque presented by Reed to the oftenyachting President was carved by Richard Steel of Rockport.
Tanned and wearing a gray suit, Kennedy stepped from the Presidential plane at approximately 6:15 p.m., onto a 10-foot-long red carpet stretched from the plane's boarding ramp.
Immediately following the President from the plane was U.S. Senator EDMUND S. MUSKIE, Democrat, of Maine, who flew from Washington with the President.
Kennedy as usual was without a topcoat during the ceremony. Although he carried a light blue hat in his hand he never wore it.
A canopy was erected over the speaking platform earlier in the day when it became apparent that the day would be dull and rainy for the President's arrival.
A hearty 20-second ovation greeted the President when he was introduced by MUSKIE as a "fellow New Englander and a man who loves the sea."
MUSKIE also introduced Maine senior Senator MARGARET CHASE SMITH, who flew to Maine to attend the ceremonies aboard a Navy airplane.
Earlier in the day Senator SMITH had indicated she doubted if she would be able to attend the welcome because of Senate business.
Speaking briefly, Senator SMITH said she was "delighted the President had come to Maine" and hoped he would return soon.
Before introducing Reed, MUSKIE recalled that 7 years ago he -- as Governor -- had welcomed then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Maine, "to enjoy a few days of rest and hospitality in our great State."
Kennedy is the 15th of the Nation's 35 Chief Executives to visit Maine while in office.
Kennedy also paid tribute to the Nation's Navy in his speech and praised the community service work being accomplished by civilians and the Navy in staging the air station slimmer festival, which benefits both the Navy Relief and the Brunswick area United Fund.
Attending the welcoming ceremonies was the entire Maine delegation in Washington with the exception of U.S. Representative PETER A. GARLAND, who was in Washington. All principal Maine Democratic candidates attended with the exception of congressional candidate Thomas L. Maynard of Portland, who is recovering from a recent illness.
Kennedy, accompanied by NASB Commander William L. Pack, Rear Adm. George P. Koch, Norfolk, Va., commander Fleet Air Wing, Atlantic; and Capt. Norman Davis, commander, Fleet Air Wing 3, inspected a Marine Corps honor guard prior to mounting the speakers platform.
As he left the platform en route to the Presidential helicopter, the Blue Angels, a precision Navy flying team, made a special presentation to the President.
Accompanying the President on his hour long flight to Maine from Washington was Senator Benjamin Smith, Democrat, of Massachusetts, Navy Under Secretary Paul B. Fay Jr., and Muskie. Senator Smith replaced President Kennedy in the Senate after his election as President.
Newsmen flying aboard the Presidential plane were Mrs. May Craig, representing the Guy Gannett Newspapers, and Brunswick born CBS news correspondent Paul K. Niven, Jr.
While enroute to Maine the President left his private compartment aboard the plane to chat with the two reporters.
Approximately 40 other Washington newsmen preceded the President's arrival to Brunswick aboard another plane. Following the ceremony the newsmen were taken to press headquarters in Boothbay Harbor aboard a chartered bus.
The Presidential plane made the flight from Washington to Maine flying at 27,000 feet at an average speed of 585 miles an hour.
Following a weekend near the fashionable Boothbay Harbor region, Kennedy will return to Washington from Brunswick at 9 am. Monday.
Reliable sources said Friday that the President is planning to invite Senator SMITH of Maine to return as his guest aboard the Presidential plane Monday.
It's not known whether the President will visit Boothbay Harbor over the weekend.
The White House has said he won't but Government boats are known to have been clocking the distance between Tunney's island home and Boothbay Harbor.
JANUARY 9, 1964.
The PRESIDENT,
The White House,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR Mr. PRESIDENT: I understand you and Prime Minister Lester Pearson will meet in Washington, beginning January 22, 1964, to discuss matters of mutual concern to the United States and Canada. At that time I hope you will be able to discuss with the Prime Minister the proposed hydroelectric projects on Passamaquoddy Bay and the St. John River, both of which involve boundary water agreements between the United States and Canada.
You will recall that President Roosevelt initiated the first Passamaquoddy project. The new proposal expands on his dream and contemplates the integration of tidal power from Passamaquoddy with the river hydro potential of the St. John.
On July 16, 1963, President Kennedy received the Department of Interior report recommending construction of the two projects. On that date he endorsed the proposal, directed the Department of Interior and the Corps of Engineers to complete their preliminary engineering studies and requested "the Secretary of State to initiate negotiations immediately with the Government of Canada looking toward a satisfactory arrangement for the sharing of the benefits of these two projects."
Although such negotiations have not been initiated, technical discussions on the proposed projects did take place in Ottawa, December 4-5, 1963. It is my understanding that those discussions were constructive and fruitful. We know that leaders in New Brunswick have a strong interest in the projects and are favorably disposed toward them. I believe the time is ripe to begin formal negotiations.
I understand final arrangements have been made for a formal agreement on the joint management by the two Governments of President Roosevelt's Campobello Island (Canada) home in Passamaquoddy Bay. I hope you and Prime Minister Pearson will be able to announce such an agreement during your Washington meetings. In addition, I hope the recent optimistic reports on progress on the Columbia River Treaty will be borne out by a final announcement of agreement by you and the Prime Minister, this month.
From the point of view of New England, there could be no more encouraging news from the Washington conference than an announcement that you and Prime Minister Pearson have discussed the Passamaquoddy-St. John projects and have directed the Department of State and the Department of External Affairs to initiate formal negotiations on the projects. I hope you will find it possible to discuss this with the Prime Minister.
Sincerely,
EDMUND S. MUSKIE,
U.S. Senator.
[From the New York Times, Jan. 23, 1964]
U.S. AND CANADA AGREE ON POWER AND CAMPOBELLO -- JOHNSON AND PEARSON WATCH AS ACCORD IS SIGNED FOR COLUMBIA BASIN DAMS -- JOINT PARK IS PLANNED -- ROOSEVELT SUMMER HOME ON NEW BRUNSWICK ISLAND
WILL BE RESTORED
(By William M. Blair)
WASHINGTON, January 22.-Canada and the United States, at odds on some issues, formally agreed today on cooperation in two areas.
Agreements were signed in the White House on a multimillion-dollar power and flood control development for the Columbia River Basin in the Pacific Northwest and for making an international park at the summer home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, off the Canadian east coast.
President Johnson and Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson presided at the exchange of notes this morning to implement a treaty for cooperative source development on the Columbia River. This afternoon they signed an intergovernmental agreement to establish Roosevelt Campobello International Park.
The Roosevelt summer home on Campobello was donated by the Hammer family of New York and California. President Roosevelt left the 20-acre site to his son Elliot, who sold it to the Hammers a decade ago.
Dr. Armand Hammer of Westwood, Calif., is president of the Occidental Petroleum Corp., and coowner with his brothers, Harry and Victor, of the Hammer Galleries in New York City.
The Hammer brothers were guests of the President today at a White House luncheon honoring Prime Minister Pearson and at the signing of the intergovernmental agreement.
In a joint statement, President Johnson and Mr. Pearson said that the park would "stand forever as an expression of the close relationship between Canada and the United States as well as a fitting memorial to the President of the United States who so greatly strengthened that relationship."
Canada and the United States will share equally in the cost of developing the park.. It was at Campobello that President Roosevelt was stricken with crippling poliomyelitis in 1921 after a day of sailing and swimming in the cold waters off the island.
Mr. Roosevelt visited the summer home of his boyhood and early manhood the year he became President, 1933, and again in 1936 and 1939. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., now Under Secretary of Commerce, was born there in 1914.