    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 20, 2001]
    [Pages 1138-1139]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks With Prime Minister Tony Blair of the
    United Kingdom and an Exchange With Reporters
    September 20, 2001

        President Bush. It's my honor to welcome my friend, and a friend to
    America, Prime Minister Tony Blair to the White House. I appreciate him
    coming to America in our time of need. One of the first phone calls I
    got after that terrible day was from the Prime Minister. He was
    reassuring to me. He was--he showed to be a true friend, and I
    appreciate that. I'm so honored you're here.
        And I look forward to giving a speech tonight. The Prime Minister
    has kindly agreed to come and listen to it. So I'm not going to answer
    any questions tonight. I'm going to let my speech be exactly what I want
    to say.
        In the meantime, the Prime Minister has agreed to say a few comments
    and then take a couple of questions from you.
        Prime Minister Blair. Thank you, Mr. President. It's my honor to be
    here and also to pay tribute to your leadership at this immensely
    difficult time. I was in New York earlier today, and it's perhaps only
    when you are actually there that the full enormity and horror of what
    happened comes home to you.
        And I said then--I would like to repeat--that my father's generation
    went through the experience of the Second World War, when Britain was
    under attack during the days of the Blitz. And there was one nation and
    one people that, above all, stood side by side with us at that time. And
    that nation was America, and those people were the American people. And
    I say to you, we stand side by side with you now, without hesitation.
        This is a struggle that concerns us all, the whole of the democratic
    and civilized and free world. And we have to do two things, very
    clearly: We have to bring to account those responsible, and then we have
    to set about at every single level, in

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    every way that we can, dismantling the apparatus of terror and
    eradicating the evil of mass terrorism in our world.
        And I know that America, Britain, and all our allies will stand
    united together in that task. And I give you, on behalf of our country,
    our solidarity, our sympathy, and our support.
        President Bush. Thank you, sir.

    United Kingdom's Response

        Q. Mr. Prime Minister, have you discussed what Britain's involvement
    in any military action might be?
        Prime Minister Blair. Well, of course, we've discussed the full
    range of issues. Now is not the moment to go into the details of
    whatever response we make. But I think that you can be in no doubt at
    all of our determination to act to make sure, as I say, that those
    responsible for this event are brought to account. And in the talks I
    had in Europe before I left, I believe that sense of solidarity is
    echoed right round the world.
        Q. Prime Minister, how are you prepared to go on supporting a full-
    scale war--[inaudible]----
        Prime Minister Blair. I believe we have to go on fighting terrorism
    as long as it takes, because what happened on the 11th of September was,
    of course, a brutal and horrific attack on America, but it was a
    demonstration of what these people are capable of in any part of the
    world. And the important thing to realize is that there is no limit on
    what they would do that is moral. They have no regard for the sanctity
    of human life. They don't share the values of democracy or freedom or
    justice. The only limits on what they do are practical or technical.
        And that is why it is our duty--I believe this--it is our duty to
    take action to make sure that at every level we can--how these groups
    are financed, how they operate, how they move about, the weapons that
    they acquire--at every single level, we have to take the action
    necessary to put an end to it.

    International Support

        Q. Prime Minister, the President said tonight that countries have to
    choose between being with you or being with the terrorists. How many
    countries do you believe are making the choice to be with terrorists?
    And what are the consequences to countries still not sure which side
    they're on?
        Prime Minister Blair. Well, I just wanted to say this to you in
    conclusion to that question. I believe right round the world there is
    support for firm action now, and I believe the coalition of support for
    that action is growing. It is strengthening; it is not diminishing. And
    that is the impression that I have had from many of the conversations
    I've had with world leaders in all different parts of the world. Because
    this struggle is something that should unite people of all faiths, of
    all nations, of all democratic political persuasions, and I believe it
    will.
        President Bush. We've got to go. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:12 p.m. in the Grand Foyer at the White
    House, prior to his departure for Capitol Hill with Prime Minister
    Blair.