Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 1.djvu/54

 105 STAT. 26 PUBLIC LAW 102-8—MAR. 8, 1991 Public Law 102-8 102d Congress Joint Resolution Mar. 8, 1991 Commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of United States-Portuguese [S.J. Res. 55] diplomatic relations. Whereas Portuguese navigators paved the way for the discovery of the New World in the fifteenth century; Whereas in the 1700's, the Portuguese Navy extended to American shipping protection against the Barbary Pirates; Whereas on February 21, 1791, the United States Congress ratified President Washington's nomination of the first United States minister to Portugal, marking the formal establishment of United States-Portuguese relations; Whereas Portugal was an important trading partner in the early years of the United States Republic; Whereas Portugal and the United States are both maritime nations with strong seafaring traditions; Whereas the fishing industry contributed to the immigration of many Portuguese to the United States, particularly to New England; Whereas more than one million two hundred thousand Americans trace their roots to Portugal; Whereas the United States Consulate in the Azores, established in 1808, is the oldest active United States consulate post in the world; Whereas in 1911, the United States was the first major power to recognize the new Portuguese Republic; Whereas during both world wars, Portugal assisted the allies by allowing the use of its air base in the Azores; Whereas since the 1974 revolution in Portugal, the United States- Portuguese relationship has continued to grow stronger; Whereas as an active member of the European Community, Portugal is an important trans-Atlantic partner; Whereas Portugal is a valued ally in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That— (1) on February 21, 1991, the Congress joins in celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of the establishment of United States-Portuguese diplomatic relations;

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