MESSAGE FROM THE CROWN PRINCE AND COMMANDER-IN-

UNCLAS MANAMA 001064 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES-CR AND NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL AMGT BA SUBJECT: MESSAGE FROM THE CROWN PRINCE AND COMMANDER-IN- CHIEF OF THE BAHRAIN DEFENCE FORCE SHAIKH SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL-KHALIFA, TO THE HON. GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA On July 4, 2004, post received from the office of the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the following letter on the occasion of Independence Day. Begin text of the letter: 4th July 2004 His Excellency The Hon. George W. Bush President of the United States of America Washington, D.C. Dear President Bush, As you and the American people celebrate Independence Day, please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes. May I also take this opportunity to reflect once again on the excellent relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, and to reiterate my appreciation of the United State's continuing role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Finally, may I renew my congratulations on this auspicious occasion, and send you my best wishes for your continuing good health and happiness. Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force End text of letter. WILLIAMSON