u moasviate astease Apri 12 1961 Office of the White House Press Secretary The white house romcowme is ms Text or ths Prssipent‘s receoram to THE cHamuaN or tis councn or amistems union or soviet soctauist repusiics N S xumusncnay 12 April 1961 The people of the United States share with the people of the Soviet Union their satisfaction for the safe flight of the astronaut in man‘s first venture into space We congratulate you ant the Soviet ecien— tists and engincers who made this feat possible It is my sincere desire that in the continuing quest for knowledge of outer space our nations can work together to obtain the greatest benefit to mankind John F Kennedy wane n aa