Chapter 439

Chancellor Braun was effusive in her praise of the American couple. She spoke at length of the wisdom and fortitude they had shown in the steps taken to end the potentially deadly international stalemate that had existed the day Gwen assumed the presidency. When she described the events surrounding the recent terrorist attack, her voice cracked several times, making her emotions evident.

For her part, Gwen thanked Germany for its hospitality and assured those listening that she and Steve did not harbor any ill feelings toward the German Republic for the unfortunate events the day of their arrival.

She praised the Bundestag and Bundesrat for their support of Chancellor Braun’s decision to back the United States in both word and deed in their mutual efforts to reduce international tensions, assuring everyone that Germany’s decision to join the United States in withdrawing their forces was the deciding factor for many other nations to follow suit. Her remarks were very wel