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Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-23D
Dictation Belt 23D contains six sound recordings. Item 23D.1 is a telephone conversation held on July 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Assistant Secretary of Defense Arthur Sylvester. They discuss the purchase of furniture at Otis Air Force Base and wasteful spending. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 23D.2 is a telephone conversation held on July 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and United States Air Force General Godfrey T. McHugh, Air Force Aide to the President. They discuss the purchase of furniture at Otis Air Force Base and the possible effect on the Air Force budget. Item 23D.3 is a telephone conversation held on July 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. They discuss the timing of a presidential speech on a treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT). The recording begins in mid-conversation. Machine noise follows the conversation. Item 23D.4 is a telephone conversation held on July 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. They discuss former Vice President Richard M. Nixon’s upcoming meeting with President Charles de Gaulle of France. They consider whether Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John A. McCone should speak to Nixon about the meeting. They also discuss the protection of U.S. embassy property in Havana, Cuba. Item 23D.5 is a telephone conversation held on July 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Deputy Attorney General Nicholas deB. Katzenbach. They discuss James M. Landis and an issue involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Machine noise follows the conversation. Item 23D.6 is a telephone conversation held on July 25, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Senator Clair Engle of California. They discuss the impending resignation of Postmaster General J. Edward Day and their thoughts on choosing a successor. Following this conversation, there is a fragment of another conversation; the entire conversation, including this fragment, is recorded on Dictation Belt 23E.Transcript included. Each item listed above is also available individually as an excerpt derived from this full-length digitized recording. See Related Records for more information.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-18A
Dictation Belt 18A contains eight sound recordings. Item 18A.1 is a sound recording of a brief fragment of a telephone conversation held on April 4, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Walter W. Heller, Chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. They talk about budgetary matters. The recording starts in mid-conversation. Item 18A.2 is a brief telephone exchange on April 4, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Ralph A. Dungan, Special Assistant to the President. They talk about a letter from Lucius Clay. Item 18A.3 is a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and an unidentified man. The topic of discussion is unclear. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Machine noise follows the conversation. Item 18A.3A is a brief telephone exchange between Personal Secretary Evelyn Lincoln and a White House Operator. The operator notifies Lincoln of an incoming call from Robert B. Troutman. The recording ends abruptly. The telephone conversation with Troutman is not recorded. Item 18A.4 is a telephone conversation held on April 10, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and W. Averell Harriman. They discuss fighting in Laos involving the Pathet Lao and the forces of Kong Le and others. They also discuss whether the United States should discuss the matter with Soviet officials. Item 18A.5 is a brief fragment of a telephone conversation held on April 10, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. They talk about a Laos statement and a list of raids. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 18A.6 is a telephone conversation held on May 6, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. They discuss Secretary Rusk’s trip to Europe, matters involving Yugoslavia, and arrangements for a meeting. Item 18A.7 is part of a telephone conversation held on May 7, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Representative Edith S. Green of Oregon. They discuss an education bill and a newspaper article that characterized their political relationship. The recording ends abruptly and continues on Dictation Belt 18B.Transcript included. Each item listed above is also available individually as an excerpt derived from this full-length digitized recording. See Related Records for more information.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-333-015
This file contains copies of National Security Action Memoranda number 123 (NSAM 123) titled, “Policy Toward Yugoslavia,” to Secretary of State Dean Rusk from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Also included are a memorandum and reports to President John F. Kennedy from Secretary Rusk on the United States policy and aid programs toward Yugoslavia and a review of those programs.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-330-011
This folder contains a copy of National Security Action Memoranda number 61 (NSAM 61) titled, “An Effective Countertheme to ‘Peaceful Coexistence’,” to Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Also included in this folder are memoranda by Secretary Rusk, Director Murrow, and Special Assistant to the President Arthur Schlesinger, discussing the Soviet Union propaganda phrase “peaceful coexistence,” and offering proposed alternatives.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-328-017
This folder contains a copy of National Security Action Memoranda number 16 (NSAM 16) titled, “Economic Support for Newly-Independent Areas,” to Secretary of State Dean Rusk from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and a memorandum to President John F. Kennedy from Secretary Rusk titled, “Interpretation of National Security Policy on Africa.”
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-328-015
This folder contains memoranda to President John F. Kennedy from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and Secretary of State Dean Rusk in reference to National Security Action Memoranda number 14 (NSAM 14) discussing financial assistance for Brazil.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-087-004
Sound recording of a meeting held on May 17, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Philips Talbot, Deputy Administrator for the Agency for International Development (AID) Frank Coffin, Special Representative and Advisor on African, Asian, and Latin American Affairs Chester Bowles, Assistant Secretary of Defense William Bundy, Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell L. Gilpatric, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and member of the National Security Council Robert W. Komer. President Kennedy again discusses what steps the United States can take to aid India against Chinese aggression without inflaming Pakistan and the rest of the region. The relations between the United States and the United Kingdom on this subject are also discussed as well as what should be said to Indian Minister of Economic and Defense Coordination T.T. Krishnamachari during his upcoming meeting with President Kennedy. The recording ends abruptly and the rest of the tape is blank. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 87, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 87 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-119-005
Sound recording of a meeting about Berlin, Germany, held on November 5, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union Llewellyn Thompson, and President Kennedy’s Personal Representative in Berlin General Lucius Clay. Topics of discussion include the stopping of a United States convoy in Berlin, a review of the situation, speculation on its significance, alternative courses of action, press guidance, the Soviet Union’s November celebration, diplomatic representation, the use of small force, Soviet ship movements, and possible Allied action. They also discuss the Ambassadorial Group, Soviet press coverage, and a possible conversation with the Canadian foreign minister. There is further discussion of the possible situation that may arise in Berlin and the possible U.S. response and contingency plans. One segment of the recording totaling 1 minute has been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 13526. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 119/A55, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 119/A55 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-104-002
Sound recording of a meeting held on August 12, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs William Bundy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs W. Averell Harriman, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, CIA official James Critchfield, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, member of the National Security Council Robert W. Komer, Assistant Secretary of State for Near East and South Asian Affairs Phillips Talbot, Administrator for the Agency for International Development (AID) David Bell, and Department of State Official Turner Cameron. Under Secretary Ball is leaving shortly for a mission to Pakistan. Meeting participants review what discussions should take place between Under Secretary Ball and President Mohammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan. The performance of a choral group follows. Most likely a group of visiting Irish teachers, they sing for President Kennedy. The quality of the recording is poor and the performance lasts for two minutes. Six segments of the recording totaling 4 minutes and 38 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. The quality of the recording is poor and the performance lasts for two minutes. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 104, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 104 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-102-005
Sound recording of a meeting held on July 31, 1963, at 4:30 p.m., between President John F. Kennedy, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs Roger Hilsman, Under Secretary of State W. Averell Harriman, CIA Deputy Director for Intelligence Ray Cline, Deputy Secretary of Defense William Bundy, Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow, and General Earle Wheeler. In this National Security Council (NSC) meeting they discuss Chinese Communists intentions. They cover a variety of issues such as: the Sino-Soviet dispute, the treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev’s remarks to Harriman, India, Korea, Laos, Indian Nehru, U.S. relations with India, Chinese troop movements, and Korean fighting. There was also a discussion on Southeast Asia, covering Laos, Vietnam, India, measures against communists, a draft statement concerning India and Korea and Chinese Communists. There are further discussions on India, covering the present position and defense situation, Taiwan, USIA coverage of the situation, and Buddhists throughout Southeast Asia. Four segments of the recording totaling 5 minutes and 34 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 102, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding this one. See Related Records to access Tape 102 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-096-001
Sound recording of a meeting held on July 3, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Under Secretary of State George Ball, Under Secretary of State W. Averell Harriman, Assistant Secretary of State William R. Tyler, Military Representative of the President Maxwell Taylor, Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) William Foster, Special Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Dr. Jerome B. Wiesner, Deputy Special Assistant to the President Carl Kaysen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense John McNaughton, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John McCone, Ambassador at Large Llewellyn Thompson, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Nitze, Assistant Director of ACDA Adrian Fisher, and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. This meeting takes place in the late afternoon (another meeting had taken place earlier in the day). The main topic of conversation is Averell Harriman's upcoming mission to Moscow for negotiations on a treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), and how those negotiations would or could affect relationships between the United States and West Germany and its Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, France and its President Charles DeGaulle, and the United Kingdom and its Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Ideas for letters from President Kennedy to Chancellor Adenauer are also discussed. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 96, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 96 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-089-004
Sound recording of a meeting held on May 28, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency William Foster, and Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs William R. Tyler. The main subject of the meeting is Europe and specifically the current situation concerning the Multilateral Force (MLF). An interview that morning with German minister Kai-Uwe von Hassel has President Kennedy quite concerned over Germany and prospects for the MLF. The group also is working on gaining British support for the MLF; a draft letter to British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan is reviewed. Near the end of the meeting the treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT), and possible upcoming negotiations on the treaty are debated, with President Kennedy taking a pessimistic view of the prospects for success of the negotiations. Four segments of the recording totaling 57 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 89, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 89 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-089-001
Sound recording of a meeting held on May 24, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy. The first topic is an overview of the discussions that took place in Ottawa, Ontario, at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) North Atlantic Council Ministerial meeting. Specifically President Kennedy wants to know how much genuine interest there was in Europe for the Multilateral Force (MLF). President Kennedy next discusses the upcoming meeting with French Foreign Minister Maurice Couve de Murville. Congress and the United Arab Republic’s Abu Simbel temples are also briefly mentioned before the discussion turns to Israeli nuclear development. Seven segments of the recording totaling 6 minutes and 47 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 89, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 89 in its entirety.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-MTG-088-001
Sound recording of a meeting most likely held on May 17, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Philips Talbot, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs James P. Grant, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy, and member of the National Security Council Robert W. Komer. They discuss the Middle East, specifically the hope that an arms limitation agreement can be coordinated for that area of the world. Israel had wanted the United States to sign a security guarantee with them as a step towards the arms limitation agreement, but the Kennedy Administration is cautious about making any moves which will seem to align the United States with one side or the other and then alienate the Arabs or Israel. There was considerable finger-pointing between the United Arab Republic and Israel over each country possibly creating nuclear weapons. The goal of the United States is an arms limitation agreement with inspections, and this meeting provides an overview of the steps the Kennedy Administration wants to take to aid in the peace of the region. Eight segments of the recording totaling 5 minutes and 10 seconds have been removed in accordance with Section 3.4 (b) (1), (3) of Executive Order 12958. Please note that this meeting does not seem to be a continuation of the last meeting on tape 87, which covers the same subject. From the paperwork, this meeting on Tape 88 seems to be the 5:00 p.m. meeting that occurred on the same day (May 17, 1963). This sound recording has been excerpted from Tape 88, which contains additional sound recording(s) following this one. See Related Records to access Tape 88 in its entirety.