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Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-MJH-01
In this interview Hillenbrand discusses President John F. Kennedy [JFK] entering office amid the Berlin crisis; working as the Director of the Office of German Affairs with JFK; the Berlin Task Force and the Ambassadorial Group; JFK's attitude towards the German problem and German reactions to the Kennedy Administration; the State Department and Germany; the 1961 Vienna talks with Nikita S. Khrushchev; the erection of the Berlin Wall and the crisis it generated; the Kennedy Administration's reaction and response to the Berlin Wall; talks with Russia over Berlin and the Wall; the press "leaks crisis" on the Germany problem; JFK's working style and approach to problems, according to Hillenbrand; the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis on the Berlin talks; JFK's German policy and relationship with German leaders; and what JFK accomplished related to Germany, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-RFK-03
In this interview Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] discusses the 1962 steel crisis; some major issues and accomplishments of John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] presidency; choosing the U.S. Ambassador to Russia; foreign aid and treaties; the military coup in Peru; the space race during the Kennedy Administration; the 1962 congressional and gubernatorial campaigns; JFK’s dinner for the Nobel Prize winners; the Polaris submarines; problems with the New York Herald Tribune; New York politics; various pieces of federal legislation, 1961–1963; the Dominican Republic; Department of Justice investigations under RFK; the difficulties of being Attorney General; congressional issues in early 1963; the Vietnam War escalation in 1963; American support of the coup in Vietnam; Henry Cabot Lodge as the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam; the prisoners from the Bay of Pigs invasion; American actions in Cuba; unemployment and civil rights; RFK’s meeting with James Baldwin; JFK’s trips to the South and speeches on civil rights; the nuclear test ban treaty; and JFK’s trip to Ireland and Rome, among other issues.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-RFK-02
In this interview Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] discusses the 1961 Berlin crisis; American forces, military and diplomatic, in Germany; John F. Kennedy’s [JFK] recommendation for Americans to have fallout shelters; nuclear testing; problems with the Department of State; the start of the conflict in Vietnam, 1961; the Department of Justice under RFK and organized crime; RFK’s difficult relationship with J. Edgar Hoover; the wiretapping bill; new federal judgeships in 1961 and other presidential appointments; the Alliance for Progress; Red China; crises during JFK’s presidency and how he was an optimist; RFK’s move for an income tax increase during the Berlin crisis; RFK’s disagreements with President JFK; indecisiveness over picking JFK’s running mate, 1960; the missile gap; fighting and UN operations in the Congo; Nikita S. Khrushchev’s speeches; RFK’s 1962 trip to Japan, Indonesia, Germany, and other countries; the release of Allen L. Pope; Dutch disputes in Southeast Asia; the 1961 crisis in the Dominican Republic and the assassination of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina; the 1962 disarmament conference in Geneva; Edward M. Kennedy’s 1962 campaign for U.S. Senate; the Kennedy family national and political reputation; the Justice Department under RFK and civil rights; and the 1962 steel crisis, among other issues.
Sound recording
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-TPH-16A
Dictation Belt 16A contains five sound recordings. Item 16A.1 is a recording of remarks made by President John F. Kennedy to an unidentified group of visitors. The remarks concern the United States economy. This is not a telephone conversation. The recording begins in mid-sentence. Item 16A.2 is a fragment of a telephone conversation held on March 26, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They discuss congressional hearings. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 16A.3 is a telephone conversation held on March 26, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. They discuss hearings concerning the TFX airplane. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 16A.4 is a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They discuss Senate hearings concerning the TFX airplane. They also discuss a raid by Cuban exiles targeting a ship, concerns about a Russian ship being targeted, and consultations with John A. McCone. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 16A.5 is a telephone conversation held on March 28, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs William R. Tyler. They discuss press reports of Canadian Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker possessing a working paper written by Walt W. Rostow on relations between the United States and Canada.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-14A
Dictation Belt 14A contains five sound recordings. The recording of the conversation in item 14A.1 begins on Dictation Belt 13A. Item 14A.1 is part of a telephone conversation held on March 9, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Governor Harold E. Hughes of Iowa. They continue to discuss an appeal for clemency on behalf of a prisoner awaiting execution in Iowa. They also discuss Iowa politics. Machine noise follows the conversation.Item 14A.2 is a telephone conversation between President John F. Kennedy and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They discuss Henry R. (“Harry”) Luce and articles in “Time” and “Newsweek” magazines. They also discuss proposed school construction on military bases in the South. A fragment of unintelligible chatter from [White House Operator?] follows the conversation. Item 14A.3 is a telephone conversation held on March 11, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Edwin Martin, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs. They discuss whether Latin-American presidents will issue a statement on Cuba before President Kennedy’s trip to Costa Rica. Item 14A.4 is a telephone conversation held on March 11, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Assistant Secretary of Defense Arthur Sylvester. They discuss Sylvester’s remarks about hearings on the TFX airplane. The recording begins in mid-conversation. Item 14A.5 is part of a telephone conversation held on March 12, 1963, between President John F. Kennedy and Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon. They discuss Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules on expense accounts and the effects on businesses. The recording begins in mid-conversation and ends abruptly. The recording of this conversation continues on Dictation Belt 14B.
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-238
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of November 14, 1963 (News Conference 64). During this press conference President Kennedy answered questions from the press on a variety of topics including the arrest of Yale University professor Frederick C. Barghoorn in Moscow on espionage charges, Vietnam, resistance in Congress to the foreign aid program, the delay in passing legislation, and the recognition of Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-235
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of October 31, 1963 (News Conference 63). During this press conference President Kennedy answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including troop reductions in Europe and Vietnam, the resignation of Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth, civil rights, and the 1964 Presidential race.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-114
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of July 23, 1962 (News Conference 39). The President begins the press conference by announcing that part of the conference is being broadcast across the Atlantic Ocean by the Telstar communications satellite. He then states the importance of the satellite to provide fast communication, resulting in peace and security for all people. Following this statement the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including a possible peace treaty between the Soviet Union and East Germany (Democratic Republic), nuclear testing by the Soviet Union, tax cut hearings, the domestic economy, foreign affairs, Martin Luther King, Jr. and segregation, strike increases, and the appointment of General Lyman Lemnitzer as Commander in Chief of U.S. Forces in Europe.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-109
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of June 27, 1962 (News Conference 37). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the movement of Chinese Communist military forces into the Taiwan Strait area, warning the Peoples Republic of China that the United States would take action if an attack against the offshore islands Quemoy and Matsu threatens Taiwan. The President then reemphasizes his support for the trade expansion bill, stating he felt that passage of the bill was vital to the future of the United States. Following these statements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the recent United States Supreme Court decision banning prayer in public schools, plans to reduce United States troops in Europe, and Democratic Congressional support for his legislative program.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-095
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of May 17, 1962 (News Conference 33). During this press conference President Kennedy answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the investigation of Billie Sol Estes’ involvement in federal farm programs, United States-French political differences concerning the Berlin negotiations and French President Charles De Gaulle’s proposal for an independent European nuclear deterrent, the dispatch of United States forces to Thailand, and the situation in Laos.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-087
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of April 18, 1962 (News Conference 31). The President begins the press conference by announcing that the United States had that day presented an outline of basic provisions for a treaty on general and complete nuclear disarmament at Geneva. He then says a few words in follow-up to the previous week’s events concerning steel prices emphasizing the goodwill and the commonality of goals between his administration and American industry. Then he announces that he had directed the Army to cancel the trial of reservist Private Larry D. Chidester and to remit the balance of sentence of reservist Private Bernis G. Owen, both court marshaled for their complaints about being called up for active service. Finally, the President briefly announces the release of reports by the Presidential Commission on Campaign Costs and that former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower has agreed to serve as honorary co-chairman, with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, of the National Cultural Center. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the situation with the steel industry, nuclear disarmament and the status of a test ban treaty, and the situation in Berlin.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-126
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of September 13, 1962 (News Conference 43). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the recent shipments of supplies and technicians into Cuba from the Soviet Union, events that led to the Cuban Missile Crisis. He goes on to say that the United States would not take military action against Cuba unless necessary. The President then answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the Alliance for Progress, civil rights, the Chicago Northwestern Railway strike, the military space program, nuclear testing, and the President’s request for special reserve mobilization powers.
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-020
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of March 23, 1961 (News Conference 8). President Kennedy begins the press conference with a statement concerning the advances of Communist forces in Laos, emphasizing his administration’s support for the goal of a peaceful, neutral, and independent Laos. Following this statement the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the situation in Laos, foreign aid, and segregation.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-016
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of March 8, 1961 (News Conference 6). President Kennedy begins the press conference by urging the public to support Radio Free Europe. He then announces that he would be making a statement concerning his views of problems in the Americas following an upcoming reception at the White House; that he has directed Federal departments and agencies to speed up government spending; and the upcoming visit of Swedish Prime Minister Tage Erlander to the United States. He then makes several statements concerning the building of schools for Native American and Inuit children, the distribution of surplus food, and the polio outbreak in Cuba. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the President’s economic program, the situation in Laos, and federal aid to education.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-163
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of February 14, 1963 (News Conference 49). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the Youth Employment Opportunities bill, which provided unemployed youth with jobs and opportunities to acquire skills and experience. Following this statement the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the economy, taxes, U.S. troops in Europe, and the possibility of a multilateral force for nuclear weapons.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-160
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of January 24, 1963 (News Conference 47). The President begins the press conference by stating that countries comprising the Atlantic Alliance need to work together to successfully defeat communism. Following this statement the President answers questions on a variety of topics including air cover during the Bay of Pigs invasion, the test ban treaty, the tax bill, Britain’s admission into the Common Market, and the monetary cost of desegregation at the University of Mississippi.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-073
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of February 14, 1962 (News Conference 24). The President begins the press conference with a statement concerning the release of Soviet intelligence officer Colonel Rudolph Abel in exchange for the release of the American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers and American student Frederic Pryor from detention in the Soviet Union and East Germany. Following this statement the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including United States involvement in Vietnam, the status of the nuclear test ban treaty, and restrictions on public statements by military personnel.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-059
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of November 29, 1961 (News Conference 19). President Kennedy begins the press conference by inquiring if the press has any questions. The President then answers questions on a variety of topics including the morale of United States military reservists called up to actively serve, the situation in Berlin, personnel changes in the Kennedy administration, and civil defense policy regarding fallout shelters.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-055
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of November 8, 1961 (News Conference 18). President Kennedy begins the press conference by announcing that former President Dwight D. Eisenhower had agreed to serve as the chairman of the board of trustees for the new people to people organization, and that General Maxwell D. Taylor has returned from his trip to South Vietnam and his findings are still under review. Then the President comments on the success of the first meeting of the joint United States-Japan committee on trade and economic affairs. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including nuclear testing, the need for change in trade policy, and an assessment of the Kennedy administration’s accomplishments in the year since his election.
Moving image
United States Government Agencies Collection
USG-01-26
Motion picture of the President's News Conference of March 1, 1961 (News Conference 5). President John F. Kennedy begins the press conference by announcing the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to the United States, proposed legislation to restore former President Eisenhower's military rank of General of the Army, the reduction in the outflow of gold to foreign countries, the reduction of home mortgage rates, and the establishment of the Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the Republic of the Congo, nuclear disarmament, the economy, and United States-Soviet relations.This is a recording by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and the White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA).
Moving image
Television Network Columbia Broadcasting System Collection
TNC-005
CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) motion picture covering the President's News Conference of March 1, 1961, from the State Department Auditorium, Washington, D.C. (News Conference 5). See "Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, John F. Kennedy, 1961: Item 62." President John F. Kennedy begins the press conference by announcing the upcoming visit of German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to the United States, proposed legislation to restore former President Eisenhower's military rank of General of the Army, the reduction in the outflow of gold to foreign countries, the reduction of home mortgage rates, and the establishment of the Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the Republic of the Congo, nuclear disarmament, the economy, and United States-Soviet relations. Question/Answer 24 as documented in the Public Papers was not included in the original material received from CBS, and it is not known if there was a malfunction during the recording or if the section was removed. Press Secretary Pierre Salinger and Associate Press Secretary Andrew Hatcher accompany the President onstage. CBS No. 610306-09. Copyright restrictions apply.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-098-001
This folder contains Department of State telegrams regarding the United States, Soviet Union, and Berlin. Topics include Berlin contingency planning with a nuclear demonstration plan, the filming and potential broadcast by NBC Television Network of an escape attempt by East Berlin refugees via a tunnel, policies for future action to assist wounded refugees in East Germany, and an Ambassadorial Working Group meeting on Berlin.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-097-002
This folder contains Department of State telegrams regarding the United States, Soviet Union, and Berlin. Topics include U.S. helicopter flights over East Berlin, observances for the one year anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall, potential travel requirements by the Germany (Democratic Republic), and protocols for air corridor use. Of note are telegrams regarding an effort by CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) to film an attempted escape of East Berlin refugees via a tunnel.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-171-015
This file contains memoranda regarding Great Britain including air defense exercises in India, a United States news media story about a potential security lapse, and British involvement in India and Pakistan relations. Also included is a copy of a speech by Lord Privy Seal and Member of Parliament Edward Heath on foreign affairs given as part of a debate in the British House of Commons.