It was a period of deep and intensive exposure to an almost foreign land-Australia. As a diplomat, I salute the Fulbright Program for its continuing work, especially in newly emerging democracies. In each of my assignments I have worked with ministers, businessmen, teachers, and diplomats who got to know America as Fulbrighters. This contribution to diplomacy is real and enduring. By the same token, I would like to recognize and thank The Coca-Cola Company for its support of the Fulbright Prize.
Human nature is characterized both by healthy curiosity and an instinctual fear of things foreign.
We cannot survive alone, as any poet, businessman, statesman or philosopher knows. Fulbright exchanges have given opportunities to many a scholar, ardent of heart and poor of pocket. Fulbright has acted in pursuit of international understanding and has succeeded to an extraordinary extent. Those of us lucky enough to have met and worked with Senator Fulbright will be eternally grateful to him for his sharp vision and determination to see it implemented. A grateful nation owes him more than it can count for this service alone.