The European Union is the world's most successful invention for advancing peace.

Since creation of the E.U. a half century ago Europe has enjoyed the longest period of peace in its history.

Certainly protecting oppressed people stopping ethnic conflict and promoting responsible governance are worthy goals. But none is as important for American security and prosperity as keeping the peace in the Middle East Europe and East Asia.

I know of no more important subject to the peace of Europe and the world than the reasonable reduction of armaments especially in Europe and of naval armaments throughout the world.

In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides we recognise how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945.

The threat today is not that of the 1930s. It's not big powers going to war with each other. The ravages which fundamentalist political ideology inflicted on the 20th century are memories. The Cold war is over. Europe is at peace if not always diplomatically.

The need for peace in Northern Ireland goes well beyond political stability. It now speaks to regional Europe and even global stability.

Peace and abstinence from European interferences are our objects and so will continue while the present order of things in America remain uninterrupted.

I think that economic patriotism is the very foundation of a European vision.

Speaking from my experience as a person involved for a long time in building the European Union it is important to have patience and efforts to build a community of nations.