Inspired by Rickenbacker's speech, Orteig offered a prize of $25,000 to the first person of any Allied country to fly in one flight in either direction between New York City and Paris. The offer was made in a letter to Alan R. Hawley, then president of the Aero Club of America, on 22 May 1919. At the time, relations were strained between America and France because of the post-war negotiations at the Paris Peace Conference, so Orteig hoped that the prize would help improve relations between his adopted and native countries, as well encourage air travel and advertise his business. His offer was accepted by the Aero Club of America, who went on to set up a formal structure to administer it. The prize was initially set to be valid for five years.