La convocatoria de una semilla: Fundamentos y dinámicas del desarrollo constitucional de Puerto Rico | Cuarta Edición

157 la convocatoria de una semilla: fundamentos y dinámicas del desarrollo constitucional de puerto rico La respuesta completa del presidente Kennedy fue la siguiente: The White House July 24, 1962 Dear Governor Munoz: I have your letter advising me of the celebration on July 25 of the tenth anniversary of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This is indeed a great occasion. The achievements of the Puerto Rican people in this short period have been remarkable. Puerto Rico has furnished an example to the world of the benefits that can be achieved by close collaboration between a larger and a smaller community within the framework of freedom and mutual agreement. I am confident that I speak for the people of the United States as well as their government in expressing my pride and pleasure at Puerto Rico’s achievements. I am aware, however, as you point out, that the Commonwealth relationship is not perfected and that it has not yet realized its full potential, and I welcome your statement that the people of Puerto Rico are about to begin the consideration of this with the purpose of moving towards its maximum development. I am in full sympathy with this aspiration. I see no reason why the Commonwealth concept, if that is the desire of the people of Puerto Rico, should not be fully developed as a permanent institution in its association with the United States. I agree that this is a proper time to recognize the need for growth and, both as a matter of fairness to all concerned and of establishing an unequivocal record, to consult the people of Puerto Rico, as you propose to do, so that they may express any other preference, including independence, if that should be their wish. Sincerely, John F. Kennedy 280 La parte crucial de la carta era que, por primera vez, el Presidente de los Estados Unidos planteaba la permanencia del Estado Libre Asociado como una alternativa viable. 280 Ibíd. , p. 573.