September 27, 1979
Page 26495
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The second assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Kenneth M. Curtis, of Maine, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Canada.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I rise to speak in favor of the nomination of Kenneth M. Curtis of Maine, as U.S. Ambassador to Canada. I think the quality of this appointment will measure up to our State motto: "Dirigo."
I have known Ken Curtis on both a personal and political basis for some 20 years. There is no one in public life for whom I have greater affection and respect and admiration. He served as legislative assistant to Congressman James Oliver; as Director of the Area Redevelopment Administration in the Department of Commerce during the 1960's; as Maine's Secretary of State in the mid-sixties, and as Governor of Maine for 8 years. Ken served as Governor of Maine during some very dramatic and challenging years. He demonstrated without question that he was up to the challenge.
Ken impresses people first in his qualities as a human being. He chooses to use the soft glove to press for his deep convictions in an effective way.
No one in public life in Maine today is more widely respected and loved than Ken Curtis. And that admiration for Ken extends to our Canadian neighbors, with whom Maine residents share a rich heritage. Ken has been involved in United States-Canadian issues for many years. He established a State department of Canadian affairs. He served as a member of the International Joint Commission. I cannot think of anyone who better combines the talents, interests, and personality necessary to be an outstanding Ambassador.
I ask unanimous consent to insert in the RECORD Governor Brennan's letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on behalf of Mr. Curtis.
There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
STATE OF MAINE,
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR,
Augusta, Maine,
September 26, 1979.
Hon. FRANK CHURCH,
Chairman,
Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: It is a source of great pride to me, as Governor, and to all residents
of Maine that President Carter has nominated Kenneth M. Curtis to be our next Ambassador to Canada.
Rarely has a nomination been so warmly received and praised by the people of Maine, regardless of political persuasion.
As a former Governor of Maine, Kenneth Curtis dealt extensively with officials of the neighboring Canadian provinces over a period of eight years. He developed a sensitivity to the problems that confront even the friendliest of neighbors and a fine appreciation for the nuances of U.S.-Canadian relations.
I can think of no one who is better equipped, in background and personality, to not only maintain our harmonious relations with Canada but also to help strengthen these relations, especially in the areas of current concern to this country in the field of energy production and supply.
Ken Curtis combines great energy, compassion and leadership with another attribute that will serve him and his country well in this important assignment. I refer to his great natural diplomatic ability and his capacity to handle both issues and people with common sense and uncommon decency.
I feel confident that Kenneth M. Curtis will serve the United States with the dedication and wisdom that have characterized his service to the State of Maine. It is an auspicious appointment that holds the promise of even brighter days ahead in U.S.-Canadian relations.
Sincerely yours,
JOSEPH E. BRENNAN,
Governor.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I could not write a better tribute to Governor Curtis than that.
I would like to also say a word about another Maine citizen, Thomas W. M. Smith, who has been nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana. Although Mr. Smith was born in Massachusetts — which is the only black mark against him — he owns a farm in Readfield, Maine, which has been in his family for generations.
Mr. Smith's record as a career Foreign Service officer is impressive, and I am sure he possesses the experience and qualifications that are most applicable to his new responsibilities.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the nomination is considered and confirmed.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote by which the nomination was confirmed.
Mr. ROBERT C. BYRD. I move to lay that motion on the table.
The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I ask that the President be notified of the Senate's action respecting this nomination.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.