On December 20, 1777, the Kingdom of Morocco became the first country in the world to recognize the sovereignty of the United States. This recognition was only a year and a half after the country’s Declaration of Independence. At the time, the Revolutionary War was in progress, and its outcome was far from certain. In times of great peril, the ports of Morocco offered protection for the ships of America.

Today the King of Morocco is aware of the fact that his country stands as America’s first and oldest friend. No other country has had such a record of continuous peace with the United States. There are no other ports where United States Marines have enjoyed such a long peaceful history as in Morocco.

The King of Morocco is aware of the historic significance of what Captain Philip Beale did when he sailed his 2,600-year-old replica from the Old World to the New World.

Last week the King’s senior advisor met a friend of Heartland Research to discuss preparations for a PHOENICIA Night at the New York Explorers’ Club in Manhattan.

The plan is to organize an evening where Captain Philip Beale’s Sea Adventure will come to the attention of the world and where the PHOENICIA in Montrose, Iowa, will be a feature for the high society of America to consider. The plans are ongoing and are taking shape. In the coming weeks we will have a video conference with our friends in North Africa. Stand-by as we move forward.