THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

October 26, 1987

Dear Dr. Mahler:

On behalf of the United States Government, I am proud to take
this occasion to mark the tenth anniversary of the World Health
Organization's successful program to eradicate smallpox, and to
congratulate you on your leadership in that effort.

Smallpox was once considered to be "too insidious to eradicate."
Its elimination is an outstanding example of what can be
accomplished by mankind when nations work together toward a
common goal. I am particularly proud of the role the United
States played in this fight in partnership with the World Health
Organization and other nations. The success of the eradication
campaign serves to remind us all that international cooperation
is invaluable for battling and solving common problems,
especially those that appear insurmountable.

Thomas Jefferson said, "Future generations will know only by
history alone that the loathsome smallpox has existed." The
truth of his prediction strengthens our conviction today, as we
confront the new global pandemic of AIDS, that this disease too
will be relegated to the dustheap of history.

Dr. Mahler, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the World
Health Organization's remarkable achievement, which has saved
countless lives from the ravages of this dreadful disease.

Sincerely,

Genin (Boye

Halfdan T. Mahler, M.D.
Director-General #
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland