BONNER RALLIES CUSTOMS PERSONNEL AT INTRODUCTORY SPEECH

BONNER RALLIES CUSTOMS PERSONNEL AT INTRODUCTORY SPEECH    U.S. Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner, at an introductory address to Customs personnel in Washington last week, urged their unity and support following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
   Bonner told employees that during his three and a half years as administrator with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, he worked side-by-side with Customs officials. “Yet, for all my acquaintances with the role of Customs’ importance to our country, it would have been difficult for me to imagine the even greater response that Customs was about to assume,” he said.
   Bonner said Customs plays a great role in defending American cities against another terrorist attack, especially at American borders, cities, airports, or seaports. He said he did not want the heightened security measures to interfere with the flow of commerce during these times.
   “It will entail the ingenuity of Customs import and entry specialists to provide for the continued smooth flow of commerce despite heightened security measures,” he said.
   “Some might believe that I have assumed my responsibility as commissioner at an impossibly difficult time. But I would not trade places with anyone,” he said.