assistance—to develop improved occupational safety and health programs for your employees

I urge you to study your operations thoroughly to find more and better ways by

which you can reduce the injuries, illnesses, and associated costs in your jurisdictions RONALD REAGAN

Federal Employees

December 9, 1982

I am today announcing a program which will improve our efforts to reduce workrelated injuries and illnesses in the Federal workforce In this Administration, great strides have been made by the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration in attempting to provide a safer and healthier workplace in the private sector. We must make equal improvements in our programs for the Federal worker

In keeping with my dedication to im prove the efficiency of government, I am committed to both a reduction in injuries and illnesses and a reduction in accompanying costs Today. I am making it the responsability of all Federal managers, supervisors and employees to take an active part in this program to improve the record of the Fed eral government in the area of occupational

safety and health

In so doing. I have directed the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, to develop additional strategies to stimulate joint problem solving activities throughout the government I am also authorizing a system of Presidential awards to be presented annually to those agencies showing the greatest commitment and results in improving the safety and health conditions for their workers

The Federal government's most valuable resource is its dedicated and highly skilled workforce Today, we embark on a program for Federal employees that will bring down injury and illness rates and thereby reduce human suffering

RONALD REAGAN

December 9, 1982

I think I should tell you that, while you a l- urned early enough to be here at this festive gathering tonight, I, while getting dressed, realized by looking at television that the other House was still in session. We may walk out of here tonight to find the city in ruins [Laughter]

I want to thank you Nancy and I are degħited to be with you, and this marvel emas orcasion, set here in this beautiful hall des bring on some nostalo memones Das was one of the first formal events that

we attended in Washington after the 1950 election. And I remember how happy we were then knowing that the upcoming Senate would have a majority of Reputa cans Incidentally this is the first time that the Republicans have had back to back re election of a majority in the Senate since 1928. So here we are.. The Grand Oid Party is 54 strong and stil the Senate v majority party, and we will remain the majority party

I would like to take this opportunity to

offer our warmest best wishes to three fine men. They each did an outstanding job in the United States Senate, as Howard has told us-Senators Schmitt and Hayakawa and Brady. Gentlemen, you'll be sorely missed. But just because you'll no longer be on the floor, don't start thinking that you can hang up your shingle and go fishing. You each have much to contribute. And I know I speak for everyone here when I say that I need you and our party needs you and America needs you. We stand ready to tap every bit of talent that you can provide.

Now, I mentioned fishing, and that should remind me of a story. But the funny thing is the story it reminds me of has much more to do with the business we're in today than it does of fishing. It seems that in a small river town there was a young man named Elmer, who was so talented at fishing that he finally aroused the suspicions of the fish and game people because he came in with such a great catch every trip out. And the game warden asked the local sheriff, who was a very close friend of this young man, Elmer, if he would find out

what was going on. So, the sheriff one day just casually suggested to Elmer that he join him on the fishing trip.

And they rowed out into the middle of the river together, and, once out there, Elmer took out a stick of dynamite, lighted the fuse, tossed it in the water, and after the explosion, the surface of the water was covered with fish, which he began to pick up. And the sheriff looked at him and said, "Elmer, do you realize that you have just committed a felony?" And Elmer reached in the tackle box, pulled out another stick of dynamite, lighted the fuse, handed it to the sheriff, and said, "Did you come here to talk or fish?" [Laughter]

As Howard said, we've got some new faces with us tonight-three men who did much to cheer us on election night-Senators-elect Trible and Hecht and Wilson. And, fellows, you don't know how happy we are to see you [Laughter]

The opposition has been saying terrible things about your political ideas, and yet you'll find that they're friendly and cordial, personally It's like being confronted by a dog who's showing its teeth and snarling, and its tail is wagging at the same time. You

don't know just which end to believe [Laughter] But speaking from my end[laughter and I'm talking about my end of Pennsylvania Avenue-I'll need your help. So, Paul and Chic and Pete, I know you'll play important roles.

Our challenges are greater than ever before. In this country, indeed, the whole world is struggling to work to be free of the longest, deepest recession in postwar history. We've taken many of the basic steps, I think, that are necessary to put us back in the right course, steps we couldn't have taken without a majority in this House, the Senate. It's thanks in no small part to the individuals in this room. But let's not kid ourselves; much more remains to be done before we make America well again and before we can rest assured that our country's security needs have been met.

Now, first and foremost, I don't think any of us should forget that the security of just as our economy needs have been neAmerica is our highest responsibility So. glected during the last decade, so, too, were our defense requirements. And I wonder if you can guess what I'm going to mention right now. [Laughter] That's especially true in the area of strategic weapons.

social gathering like this to twist your Now, I won't take this opportunity at a arms—{laughter)—much [Laughter] I'll just tell you, now that we can look each other in the eye, the MX system is needed. If we expect the Soviet Union to take our arms control proposal seriously, we must act seriously with the choices that we make

The defeat of the Peacekeeper-vou know, I was awfully tempted, coming from the West, to name that after a famous oid gun-the Peacemaker. But then I thought I could just see the next picture that would be presented of me and all the cartoons with a six-shooter in my hand. So, it's the Peacekeeper.

The defeat was wrong, and I think it sent the wrong message.

Here at home we're facing up to serious challenges During the last 2 years, we've reduced the record rate of interest rates. spending, inflation, and taxes that caused the recession and made it so painful And tonight, I'm here to suggest that we all

work together and tackle the remaining obstacle-unemployment-but resolve that our party will heed the lessons of history. We dare not try to spend, tax, and borrow our way back to prosperity, because that would push America right back into the swamp where we found ourselves in 1980.

The Republican Party must go forward, not backward. We came to Washington with a confident vision of restoring opportunity and hope to the average citizen. We have creative ideas-enterprise zones, the CBI, the balanced budget amendment, regulatory reform, and criminal justice reform. All of them still await action. The opposition, even after 2 years of complaining and, in some cases, of obstructionism, has yet to offer anything other than what they've been doing for the last few decades and which got us into the mess we're in. The American people will remember who had a positive program and stood firm when the pressure was on.

So, as you know, I just returned from a trip to Latin America, and I found out one thing that did kind of make me serious on the way back. Over and over again there they expressed to me that they look to us for leadership in the world. And I'm convinced that our country can lead the way to lasting worldwide recovery if we remain true to our principles.

The solution for the unemployed autoworkers and the steelworkers is not a giant public works program financed by higher taxes or increased borrowing. America's challenge for the eighties is to invest more, invest wisely, to make workers and products more competitive in the world market, to unleash our pioneer spirit of innovation, and get this nation back on the cutting edge of growth. That's where Washington failed the American people in the past. Compared to other major industrialized countries our rate of net private investment has been pathetically low. We've

been eating our seedcorn for more than a year, and unless we break the habit, we won't keep pace with the emerging competitive forces throughout the world.

The new taxing and spending increases that are proposed by the opposition won't stimulate the economy. They won't reduce the deficits, and yet that's all they have to offer.

By working together as we have since our first meeting 2 years ago, by remaining true to our ideals, we can bring America back to health, if we have the camaraderie of spirit.

Victor Hugo once said, "It is through fraternity that liberty is saved." That was never more true than right now and never more applicable than to those of us who are in this room.

Let me add how deeply grateful I am for all your guidance and cooperation over the last difficult year, especially from Howard Baker. Sometimes we don't always agree, but I remain appreciative, because I trust Howard implicitly. And I can assure youand I think Howard will attest to this-I'm listening, and I'm willing to go that extra mile to make certain we strengthen our partnership.

Now, we can leave a stronger America and a more peaceful world for the children, the Americans of the 21st century. All we need is faith, the courage of our convictions, and the common sense to work together. I have confidence in America's future, because I have confidence in each of you.

And with that, the best get-off line I can think of right now is, God bless you, and thank you for having us with you here tonight.

Note: The President spoke at 10:26 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. He was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Howard H. Baker, Jr.

By the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, and in order to delegate certain functions concerning the appointment, promotion, and retirement of commissioned officers of the Armed Forces, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Secretary of Defense is designated to perform, without approval, ratification, or other action by the President, the following functions vested in the President:

(a) The authority vested in the President by Sections 618(b)(1) and 628(d)(1) of Title 10 of the United States Code, to approve, modify, or disapprove the report of a selection board.

(b) The authority vested in the President by Section 629(a) of Title 10 of the United States Code, to remove the name of any officer from a promotion list to any grade below commodore or brigadier general.

(c) The authority vested in the President by Section 624(c) of Title 10 of the United States Code, to appoint officers in the grades of first lieutenant and captain in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps or in the grades of lieutenant (junior grade) and lieutenant in the Navy.

(d) The authority vested in the President by Section 5721(c) of Title 10 of the United States Code, to make certain temporary appointments to the grade of lieutenant commander.

(e) The authority vested in the President by Section 6323(a) of Title 10 of the United States Code, to approve the application of an officer of the Navy or the Marine Corps for retirement after the completion of more than 20 years of active service and to designate the month in which such retirements shall become effective.

(f) The authority vested in the President by Sections 3918 and 8918 of Title 10 of the United States Code, to approve the request of a regular commissioned officer of the Army or the Air Force to retire after at least 30 years of service.

(g) Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to delegate the authority vested in the President by Section 618(c) of Title 10 to remove a name from a selection board report.

Sec. 2. (a) The Secretary of Defense is designated to perform during a time of war or national emergency the following functions vested in the President, without the approval, ratification, or other action by the President.

(1) The authority vested in the President by Section 526 of Title 10 of the United States Code, to suspend the operation of any provision of Sections 523, 524, or 525 of Title 10 of the United States Code, relating to the authorized strength of commissioned officers.

(2) The authority vested in the President by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 603 of Title 10 of the United States Code, to make or vacate certain temporary commissioned appointments.

(3) The authority vested in the President by Section 644 of Title 10 of the United States Code, to suspend the operation of any law relating to the promotion, involuntary retirement, or separation of commissioned officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps.

(b) The authority delegated to the Secretary of Defense by this Section may not be exercised during the time of a national emergency declared by the President, unless the exercise of any such authority is specifically directed by the President in accordance with Section 301 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1631).

(c) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that actions taken pursuant to the authority delegated by this Section are accounted for as required by Section 401 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1641).

Sec. 3. The authority delegated to the Secretary of Defense by this Order may be redelegated to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, any of the Assistant Secretaries of Defense, and to any of the Secretaries of the military departments who may further sub

delegate such authority to subordinates who are appointed to their office by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Sec. 4. All actions taken by, for, or on behalf of the President with respect to the functions delegated by this Order, which actions would be valid if taken pursuant to this Order, are ratified.

Sec. 5. (a) Executive Order No. 10621, as amended, is further amended by revoking subsections (g), (h), (j), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of Section 1 thereof.

(b) Executive Order No. 11390, as amend

ed, is further amended by revoking subsections 2, 3, 9, 12, and 15 of Section 1 thereof. (c) Executive Order No. 12239 is revoked. RONALD REAGAN

The White House, December 9, 1982.

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:42 p.m., December 10, 1982]

Note: The text of the Executive order was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on December 10.

Poland Proclamations

December 10, 1982

I have before me, as I'm sure you know, two documents that speak to freedom, and especially to Polish freedom. And their contents, particularly at this time-because Monday marks the first anniversary of the repression of Polish freedom by the military government there. And this repression, carried out under intense Soviet pressure and using tactics of brute force and intimidation, has sparked anger and sadness throughout the world.

No people were more saddened and more angered than those who share with the Polish people close and enduring ties of blood, tradition, and affection-the people of the United States of America. Before the tragic crackdown by the military authorities, the American people watched with approval and growing excitement the democratic gains that were won by Solidarity. We observed with awe and admiration the courage of political [Polish] workers as they sought to reclaim the right to self-government and their nation's ancient heritage of liberty. All this they did peacefully, without shedding one drop of blood.

These days of light and hope are over, and the cold night of repression has descended on Poland. But despite the threats, the provocations, and the imprisonments, the spirit of independence and resistance to

tyranny, a spirit that's characterized the Polish people for more than a thousand years, still burns brightly in Poland today. It is the fervent hope of the American people that that spirit will again, someday soon, enjoy full expression. It is the fervent hope of the American people that the Warsaw authorities will realize-and sooner, rather than later that continued repression can only prolong the political alienation and economic stagnation that characterizes Poland today.

In recent months we've seen partial steps taken toward this recognition by the Warsaw authorities-Lech Walesa and a number of other internees released. We welcomed the release of these people, and of course, we hope that the Polish Government will take other actions necessary to genuinely transform the existing climate of repression in their country.

In introducing sanctions against Poland last December I noted that those sanctions were reversible, and this remains the case. But I cannot and will not remove the sanctions until the Polish Government shows with its actions that it intends to live up to the obligations it assumed when it signed the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Helsinki Final Act.

Reports reach us that further steps in this