Close
Not finding the information you're looking for? Please contact the Archives research staff.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-18A-4
Sound recording of 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.Transcript included. This sound recording was originally recorded on Dictation Belt 18A, which contains additional sound recording(s) preceding and following this one. To hear all of the recordings on the Dictation Belt, see Digital Identifier: JFKPOF-TPH-18A, Title: Telephone recordings: Dictation Belt 18A.
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.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-226
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his speech President Kennedy explains the recent shift in United States foreign policy from isolationism to a conceptual framework that encourages cooperative international partnerships.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-224-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks at the Great Falls High School Memorial Stadium in Great Falls, Montana. In his speech President Kennedy discusses his optimism for a peaceful conclusion to the Cold War, explains the United States’ central position in international politics and economics, and describes his administration’s plans to implement natural resource conservation and development programs.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-218
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address to the 18th General Assembly of the United Nations. In his speech the President discusses the recently signed treaty banning atmospheric nuclear weapons tests (later known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty or Limited Test Ban Treaty), remarking that peace may be attainable when two nations with incompatible ideologies successfully negotiate. The President famously asks, "Space offers no problems of sovereignty…Why, therefore, should man's first flight to the moon be a matter of national competition?" President Kennedy also explains that the task of maintaining peace and decreasing global tension must be shared by all nations. He proposes ways for the United Nations to increase and improve their efforts in developing countries, specifically focusing on health, human rights, agriculture, communication, and the environment.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-195-007
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks upon his arrival in Bonn, Germany. In his speech the President commends Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of the Federal Republic of Germany on West Germany's economic recovery, announces the end of the United States's tradition of isolationism, and discusses the importance of strengthening the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in order to achieve unity amongst European nations.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-080-004
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address to Latin American diplomats in the State Dining Room of the White House concerning the first anniversary of the Alliance for Progress. In his speech President Kennedy provides a history of the initiative’s creation, the program’s recent accomplishments, including the Charter of Punta del Este, and his hopes for future social, political, and economic developments in Latin American nations.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-042-004
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks in the White House Rose Garden to the Citizens’ Committee for International Development. In his speech the President thanks the Committee for their support of the new foreign aid program, and discusses how foreign aid initiatives for underdeveloped countries may promote international progress and prevent the spread of communism.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-037
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s speech addressed to the American people from his office in the White House. In his speech the President summarizes his trip to Paris, France; Vienna, Austria; and London, England. The President affirms the strong alliance between European nations and the United States as an assurance of mutual security. He then reports on his meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev regarding nuclear weapons proliferation, the current situation in Laos, and relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-036-005
Sound recording of an interview of President John F. Kennedy by a correspondent from the British Broadcasting Company. In his remarks the President discusses his meeting with Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister of Great Britain, and his recent meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in Vienna, Austria. The recording contains some background noise.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-036-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks at the Schwechat Airport in Vienna, Austria before his departure to London, England. In his speech the President discusses his meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and thanks the people of Vienna for their hospitality during his visit.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-035
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks at a Press Club luncheon (News Conference 12) held at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France. In his address the President thanks the French people for their hospitality during his visit and famously introduces himself, stating, “I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris—and I have enjoyed it!” President Kennedy then acknowledges three major changes in the world since World War II: economic growth and reconstruction in Europe, increasing concerns about nuclear warfare, and new global threats to human liberty and economic stability. The President’s speech is followed by a press question and answer session on various topics, including the President’s scheduled meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, mutual security between European nations and the United States, and the strengths of the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Part of the question and answer session takes place in French. The recording cuts off abruptly during one speaker and contains some distortion.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-030-005
Sound recording of an interview of President John F. Kennedy by journalist Pierre Crenesse for Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (French Radio and Television Broadcasting). In his remarks President Kennedy discusses disarmament, the presence of communist ideology in Southeast Asia, foreign aid to underdeveloped countries, negotiations with Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev, and the role of the United States in strengthening European political and economic unity. The interview takes place in French and English.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-023-001
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy reading a joint statement following discussions with Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of the Federal Republic of Germany. The statement provides a summary of the meetings’ major topics, including: disarmament, the reunification of Berlin, the current state of nuclear test ban treaty negotiations, strengthening of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and efforts to increase foreign aid to under-developed nations.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-021-003
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks at the opening session of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee held in the International Conference Room of the State Department in Washington, D.C. In his speech the President addresses arms control and military defense, particularly in regards to the threat of nuclear war.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-158
Sound recording of the second part of President John F. Kennedy’s State of the Union message addressed to Congress at the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. The recording continues from [Reel 1] (Accession Number WH-157). In his speech the President discusses his plans to strengthen the economy through tax reform and the need for Congress to respond to certain national matters, including health care, education, civil liberties, and resource management. He also addresses how the Sino-Soviet split, the ascendancy of developing nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will help curtail the spread and strength of communism. The recording’s volume is uneven. This is [Reel 2] (Accession Number WH-158) of 2 audio tape reels.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-157
Sound recording of the first part of President John F. Kennedy’s State of the Union message addressed to Congress at the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. In his speech the President discusses his plans to strengthen the economy through tax reform and the need for Congress to respond to certain national matters, including health care, education, civil liberties, and resource management. He also addresses how the Sino-Soviet split, the ascendancy of developing nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will help curtail the spread and strength of communism. This is [Reel 1] (Accession Number WH-157)of 2 audio tape reels. The recording continues on [Reel 2] (Accession Number WH-158).
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-154
Sound recording of the second part of President John F. Kennedy’s edited radio and television interview entitled “After Two Years: A Conversation with the President” broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). In the interview President Kennedy discusses America’s conflict with the Soviet Union, the spread of communism, and nuclear weapons proliferation. The interview includes remarks from journalists Bill Lawrence of ABC, George H. Herman of CBS, and Sander Vancour of NBC. Part one of the interview begins with JFKWHA-153.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-152
Sound recording of the third part of President John F. Kennedy’s unedited radio and television interview entitled “After Two Years: A Conversation with the President” broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). In the interview President Kennedy discusses the responsibilities of the press, his new perspective on Congressional activities, and foreign policy, with particular emphasis on Cuba, the Soviet Union, military weapons development, and nuclear weapons proliferation. The President discusses the creation of new programs, such as the Peace Corps and the Alliance for Progress, and cites his administration’s domestic accomplishments concerning labor, civil rights, social security, and area redevelopment. The interview includes remarks from journalists Bill Lawrence of ABC, George H. Herman of CBS, and Sander Vancour of NBC. The interview was recorded on December 16, 1962, and broadcast on December 17, 1962. Parts one and two of the interview begin with JFKWHA-150 and JFKWHA-151, respectively.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-151
Sound recording of the second part of President John F. Kennedy’s unedited radio and television interview entitled “After Two Years: A Conversation with the President” broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). In the interview President Kennedy discusses America’s conflict with the Soviet Union, the spread of communism, nuclear weapons proliferation, efforts to improve international communication, and foreign policy, with particular emphasis on Berlin and Cuba. The interview was recorded on December 16, 1962, and broadcast on December 17, 1962. Part one of the interview begins with JFKWHA-150 and part three continues with JFKWHA-152.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-150
Sound recording of the first part of President John F. Kennedy’s unedited radio and television interview entitled “After Two Years: A Conversation with the President” broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). In the interview President Kennedy discusses the state of the American economy, his relationships with his advisers, and foreign policy, with particular emphasis on Cuba and the Soviet Union. The interview includes remarks from journalists Bill Lawrence of ABC, George H. Herman of CBS, and Sander Vancour of NBC. The interview was recorded on December 16, 1962, and broadcast on December 17, 1962. Parts two and three of the interview continue with JFKWHA-151 and JFKWHA-152, respectively.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-066A
Sound recording of the second part of President John F. Kennedy’s State of the Union message addressed to Congress at The House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. The recording continues from [Reel 1] (Accession Number WH-066). In his speech President Kennedy discusses his plans to strengthen the economy in response to the recent recession and threat of inflation, and the need for Congress to respond to certain domestic issues, including pollution, education, mass transit, urban housing, civil rights, public health, and welfare assistance programs. The President also addresses the possible spread of communism through Asia and Latin America, his plan for Cold War diplomacy, and the importance of organizations such as the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in managing international affairs. This is [Reel 2] (Accession Number WH-066A) of 2 audio tape reels.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-066
Sound recording of the first part of President John F. Kennedy’s State of the Union message addressed to Congress at The House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. In his speech President Kennedy discusses his plans to strengthen the economy in response to the recent recession and threat of inflation, and the need for Congress to respond to certain domestic issues, including pollution, education, mass transit, urban housing, civil rights, public health, and welfare assistance programs. The President also addresses the possible spread of communism through Asia and Latin America, his plan for Cold War diplomacy, and the importance of organizations such as the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in managing international affairs. This is [Reel 1] (Accession Number WH-066) of 2 audio tape reels. The recording continues on [Reel 2] (Accession number WH-066A).
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-063-003
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s recorded Christmas message to the people of West Berlin. In his speech President Kennedy discusses the international pursuit of peace.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-050
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address before the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City. In his speech President Kennedy discusses the recent death of U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, presents six proposals for a new disarmament program, and provides information on the current crises in Laos, South Vietnam, and Berlin, Germany. The President also famously states, “Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.”