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w - #} countries-as-Nepal-only_by reports from » few to take this opportunity to offer our best wishes adventurous travelers—a few of whom, Your Maj- esty, are here present this evening—but they have told us about a people that is sturdy, proud of its independence and its liberty, and determined to sustain it, Those are the qualities that Americans admire aud respect, and try themselves to show. It is certain, therefore, that as you go about this country you will be greeted with the utmost friend- liness, respect, and admiration, and indeed our great hope of knowing—through the members of your party and yourself and your gracious Queen—your people. I think that your visit here cannot fail to stimulate greater travel between our two peoples. This is all to the good because this means a greater understanding among the peoples, and internationa] understanding is the only foun- dation upon which true peace can be built. And 50, sir, a8 you come here as the representa- tive and the ruler of your people, as through you we try to send to them greetings and our best wishes for their success and their continued progress, I know that this company will want to join me in raising our glasses to your health and happiness. Ladies and gentlemen, the King! His Majesty King Mahendra Unofficial translation Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen: With your permission I would like to offer on behalf of the Queen, ourselves, and all those who have accompanied us, heartfelt thanks to the President for his most generous expression of good will to us and our people. During this brief period of history of diplo- matic and friendly association between our two countries, it is for the first time that a personal meeting between the two heads of state has taken place. In the long history of our nation it is also the first time that an occupant of the throne of Nepal has set foot on American soil. We wel- come this opportunity of having a free and frank exchange of views on subjects of mutual interest, and especially on the means and possibility of further strengthening the friendly relations be- tween our two countries, both of which share a common belief in the democratic way of life. Mr. President, my Government and people have always welcomed and appreciated the initiative and efforts on your part for the furtherance of ~~ the cause of peace in-the world. We would like May 23, 1960 for the-success ofthe summit conference due to be held next month and venture to express the hope that the whole world will benefit by ite outcome. We are happy: to receive this opportunity to meet the American people and their leaders in various spheres of their national life end activity. Ladies and gentlemen, may we now request you all to join us in toasting the health and happiness of the President and Mrs. Eisenhower. MEMBERS OF OFFICIAL PARTY _ The Department of State announced on April 22 (press release 207) that the following persons would accompany King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva and Queen Ratna Rajya Lakshmi Shah during the official portion of Their Majesties’ visit: Subarna 8. J. B. Rana, Deputy Prime Minister and Min- ister of Finance, Planning, and Development Mrs. Subarna 8S. J. B. Bana Rishikeah Shaha, Ambassador of Nepal Mrs. Shaba’ Brig. Gen. Sher Babadur Malla, Military Secretary to the King Kaji Pushpa Raj, Principal Personal Secretary to the King Mir Subba Iewari Man, Secretary to the King Maj. Gen. Sovag Jung Thapa, Cabinet and Defense Secretary Sushil Chandra Haldar, Personal Physician Jagdish 8. Rana, Second Secretary, Embassy of Nepal U.S. Helps Afghan Airline Acquire Plane for Fleet Press release 284 dated May 3 A DC-6B passenger plane, which Afghani- stan’s airline—Ariana—is acquiring with financial assistance from the U.S. International Coopera- tion Administration, was dedicated on May 2 at Washington National Airport by Abdul Karim — Hakimi, president of the Afghan Air Authority. The plane, which will be the largest ever to be placed in service by Ariana, will be flown May 8 from Newark Airport to Afghanistan, where it will be immediately placed in operation trans- *Mrs. Shaha accompanied Their Majesties in Wasb- ington and New York and on the unofficial portion of the visit. 4