---... -·-.. -. ­DIVISION OF LANGUAGE SERVICES 
(TRANSLATION) 
LS NO. 16210 
T-3/R-XV 
French 
2009-A 
SOUROU MIGAN APITHY PRESIDENT OF THE REPDBLIC OF DAHOMEY TO ms EXCEI.I.ENCY LYNOON B. JOHNSON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
Mr. President and dear Friend: 
In the name of the Government and people of the Republic of Dahomey, I am happy to extend my warm greetings to you personally and to the friendly people of the United Stateso 
The relations between our two States, which began effectively with our country's attainment of international sovereignty, were developed and strengthened under the administration of your predecessor, the lamented President John F. Kennedy. 
I am certain that those bonds o£ friendship and sincere co-operation will be still further strengthened and enhanced under your administration. 
The people of Dahomey desire to co-operate with all the nations of the world, particularly with the noble people of the United states, for the purpose of helping to establish peace between the nations. 
We in Dahomey think that such peace can be achieved only by mutual respect for sovereignties and the desire to extend justice throughout the world. 
His Excellency Lyndon B. Johnson. President of the United states of America, 

The African peoples are particularly anxious to see colonialism and 
racial discrimination, which threaten the stability of certain countries, 
abolished on their continent. Furthermore, we deeply appreciate the 
suppor t that countries such as yours are giving to the cause of African 
liber at i on and the firm stand taken by Your Excellency in behalf of racial 
equality in the United states of America and the world. 
~he second problem of concern to the African peoples is that of economic and social development. We .think it important that ·the developing States organize systematically in order to promote their own economic growth. But we also lalow that the industrialized countries must constantly assist these young States so that they may be completely successful in this matter. 
In this connection, I am happy to express to you, in the name of the ~ople and the Government of my country, our deep gratitude for the assistance that the United states of America is giving for our development. 
We hope that this sincere and loyal co-operation can be continued and intensified for the well-being of our two countrie~. 
Lastly, I should like to convey to you the sincere good wishes extended by the Government and the people of Dahomey for your personal happiness and for the success of your Administration, in order that the United States of America may effectively asswne its responsibilities in the maintenance of world peace and progress. 
Accept, Mr• President and dear Friend, the assurances of my very tµ.gh consideration. 
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Signed: Sourou Migan Apithy 
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