General Alexander M. Haig
Chairman, International Committee
of the Bicentennial Steering Group USMA
US Military Academy
West Point, NY 10996-1780

                
Thank you very much for your letter of July 24.

I warmly congratulate the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on the 200th anniversary of its existence.

In the past 50 years, our two countries and their armed forces have enjoyed very close cooperation. Germany wishes to continue and evne intensify its close bilateral cooperation with the U.S. in the political, economic, cultural, and military spheres, not least including the continued close cooperation with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

We will participate in the celebrations planned for the coming year through official visits, exhibitions, and presentations. In addition, the Army Band of the German Armed Forces will appear at a major concert at West Point. In this way, we will give visible expression to the close ties between our two countries and their armed forces. The Embassy accepts the invitation to the Veteran's Day Concert at the Lisner Auditorium of George Washington University, and I am already looking forward to the further events taking place next year.

Once again, my warm congratulations on your Bicentennial and best wishes for the future of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Sincerely