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Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-190-001
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks upon departing the Naval Air Station and Pacific Missile Range Headquarters in Point Mugu, California. In his speech the President says how the United States derives influence and strength from its citizens and military force.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-189-004
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks aboard the USS Kitty Hawk following a task force weapons demonstration. In his speech the President explains the importance of the sea to national security, and commends his audience for their efforts to apply modern science and technology to maritime traditions.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-189-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks upon arrival at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in White Sands, New Mexico. In his speech the President discusses how the activities at WSMR significantly impact Congressional and Executive decisions concerning national security.
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-083-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks in the White House Rose Garden to members of the Inter-American Defense Board concerning the committee’s 20th anniversary. In his speech President Kennedy describes the ways in which military defense operations have developed in the last 20 years, and discusses his administration’s efforts to improve relations between countries in the western hemisphere through the Alliance for Progress.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-082-004
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks in the White House Fish Room upon presenting the “E” Awards for significant contributions to the Export Expansion Program. In his speech President Kennedy thanks the award recipients for their efforts to stimulate trade, and discusses the ways export trade impacts national security.
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-120-003
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s remarks upon his arrival at Castle Air Force Base in California. In his speech President Kennedy thanks the officers for their military service, and explains how their efforts to ensure national security support the country’s general wellbeing and allow for the successful completion of engineering and resource development projects.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-039-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address to editors and publishers of the United Press International at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. In his speech the President discusses the importance of the press and the significance of national security. A question and answer session follows.
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-034-007
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris, France. In his speech the President discusses the important role SHAPE plays in ensuring the mutual security of European nations and the United States.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-034-006
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s address to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Assembly in Paris, France. In his speech the President discusses the important role NATO plays in ensuring the mutual security of European nations and the United States.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-032
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy's Special Message to Congress. In his address President Kennedy discusses his plans to strengthen the economy in response to the recent recession, advocates increased defense spending and support for the nation's space program, and addresses the possible spread of communist ideology through Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-025-001
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy's address to the American Newspaper Publishers Association at a Bureau of Advertising dinner held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. In his speech President Kennedy addresses his discontent with the press' news coverage of the Bay of Pigs incident, suggesting that there is a need for "far greater public information" and "far greater official secrecy."
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-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-007
Sound recording of the President's News Conference of February 1, 1961 (News Conference 2). President Kennedy begins the press conference by expressing the Kennedys' gratitude for the numerous congratulatory letters and telegrams they have received. This statement is followed by several announcements concerning the lifting of international travel restrictions on military dependents, the creation of pilot projects for food stamp distribution, veteran's insurance dividends, and the reduction of interest rates for home mortgages. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including his State of the Union address, the economy, United States prisoners in Cuba and China, and Berlin.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-006
Sound recording 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 concerns regarding the present economic recession, the depreciation of the American dollar, the need for federal aid in education and scientific research, and Congress’ duty to respond to domestic issues, such as civil rights and clean water supplies. The President also discusses the possible spread of communism in Asia and Latin America, the need to restore peace in the Republic of Congo, and his plan for Cold War diplomacy, which focuses on the use of new military, economic, and political tools to meet potential challenges from the Soviet Union or Communist China.
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-146-003
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s telephoned remarks to the Governors’ Conference held in Chicago Illinois. In his speech President Kennedy explains the necessity for cooperation between the state and federal government, with special emphasis on national security and civil defense.