Governor General, Lord Tweedsmuir: Mr. Vice President and Senators, you have done me today a great kindness and a great honor for which I am deeply grateful. This is the culminating step in what has been a most memorable visit. I have had the opportunity, in a place I used to know well, of renewing many old friendships and making some new ones.

I am told, Senators, that I am supposed to say something to you today. A Governor General is in a very curious position. Once I was like you; I was a free and independent politician. [Laughter.] I could liberate my mind on any subject, anywhere, at any time, at any length I pleased. I had an official character, and, like you, I had also a private character. I need not remind you that a man's official character does not do justice to the stalwart virtues which he possesses as a private citizen. [Laughter.]

I remember in my own country on the Scottish border there was an old minister who once a month thought it his duty to deliver a sermon upon the terrors of hell, when he fairly dangled his congregation over the abyss; but, being a humane man, he liked to finish on a gentler note. He used to conclude thus: "Of course, my friends, ye understand that the Almighty is compelled to do things in his official capacity that he would scorn to do as a private individual." [Laughter.]

Senators, I am in the unfortunate position now of having no private capacity, but only an official one. I am unable to express my views upon any public question of any real importance, at least not for publication. But there is one subject on which even a Governor General may express his views, and that is my gratitude for your kindness here and my admiration for your great country.

I have known America for many years. I have had the privilege of the friendship of many of your citizens. I have long been a lover of your history. I am quite sure that no American steeped in European history gets more of a thrill from Westminster Abbey than I get from Valley Forge and the Wilderness and the Shenandoah.

I have always believed that the secret of the future of civilization lies in the hands of the English-speaking people. I want these great nations not only to speak the same language but to think along the same lines, for that is the only true form of cooperation and friendship. I think that far too much is said about my country and yours being alike. It is much more important that they should be different. The strength of an alliance between two nations lies in the fact that they should be complementary to each other and each give the other something new. Therefore, I am always inclined to rejoice when I find great and real differences between your country and mine.

But I think, when that has been said, that we have a wonderful basis for keeping together, especially on two grounds. In the first place, we have the same definition of what constitutes greatness and goodness in human character. We admire the same qualities. We give our admiration and affection to the same type of leadership. Will anyone deny that your great men and our great men are singularly alike at bottom?

In the second place, we and you have the same tasks before us. I am especially struck in Canada to discover that nearly all our problems are paralleled by yours. We have the same economic problems. We have the same problems in the drought areas in the West. We have very similar constitutional problems and the task of harmonizing local interests and rights with national interests and duties.

Senators, I cannot imagine a greater bond between two nations than that they should engage in the same tasks and for the same purposes: As I have said, I regard this afternoon as the culminating pleasure of a most delightful visit, and I offer you my sincerest thanks for your welcome today. [Prolonged applause, Senators rising.]