Dear Mr. Chancellor:
     On the occasion of your eighty-sixth birthday, I wish to extend to you both my personal congratulations and the warmest good wishes of the American people.
     As we face together the somber challenges and bright opportunities of the New Year which lies before us, I earnestly hope that throughout 1962 you will enjoy good health and continuing success in all your work.
             Sincerely,

            JOHN F. KENNEDY

[His Excellency, Dr. Konrad Adenauer, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bonn]

NOTE: The message was released at Palm Beach, Fla.