25 February, 2002      

Lieutenant General William J. Lennox
Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy
West Point, New York 10996

Dear Sir

WEST POINT BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

I hope this letter finds you in good health.

We are happy to have received a letter on the above subject from the General, U.S. Army Chief of Staff together with the Secretary of the Army.

The correspondence, by its own accord is indeed a solid manifestation of the excellent bilateral relations that our countries, and indeed our defence establishments greatly enjoy.

It is a credit and honour for the Botswana Defence Force to associate with such a highly placed and internationally reputable military institution. So far Botswana Defence Force boasts of two graduates from this esteemed institution. We are truly humbled by the qualitative products, both in the military and academic arena that have graduated from West Point since its establishment in 1802.

To this end I have no doubt that you have every reason to celebrate this unprecedented Bicentennial in grand style.

Yours Sincerely

Major General T.H.C. Masire
for/COMMANDER, BOTSWANA DEFENCE FORCE

cc: Erick K. Shinseki
     General, U.S. Army
     Chief of Staff
     West Point Class of 1965

     Thomas E. White
     Secretary of the Army
     West Point Class of 1967