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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.
Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-TGW-01
In this interview Wicker discusses early impressions of John F. Kennedy [JFK], 1952–1961; Lyndon B. Johnson campaigning for JFK in the South, 1960; Richard M. Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge’s 1960 presidential campaign; JFK and Johnson in the August 1960 special session of Congress; Wicker’s first interview with President JFK for the New York Times, 1961; building a rapport with JFK’s staff; various Times articles, by Wicker and others, about the Kennedy Administration and White House reactions to them; Wicker’s arguments with Pierre E.G. Salinger over certain articles; year-end briefings in Palm Beach; and President JFK’s press conferences, among other issues.
Oral history
Robert F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
RFKOH-LFO-02
This interview covers involvement in Robert F. Kennedy’s [RFK] 1964 campaign, RFK’s plans for the future after John F. Kennedy’s death, and RFK’s Africa trip, among other topics.
Oral history
Robert F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
RFKOH-FM-03
Mankiewicz discusses Robert Kennedy’s relationship with President Johnson and the Johnson administration, the foreign and domestic press, Robert Kennedy’s speech on Vietnam and campaigning, among other issues.
Oral history
Robert F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
RFKOH-JSK-01
This interview focuses on Robert F. Kennedy [RFK] during the John F. Kennedy [JFK] Administration, a trip with RFK to Poland, and RFK’s Senate years, among other issues.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-229
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of October 9, 1963 (News Conference 62). The President begins the press conference with a statement that the Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries have expressed a willingness to buy several million tons of surplus American wheat from private grain dealers. He goes on to say the transaction would benefit the balance of payments and the American taxpayers, as well as improve relations with other countries. Following this statement the President answers questions on a variety of topics including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Vietnam, the upcoming meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, military coups in Latin America, and space exploration.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-186
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of May 22, 1963 (News Conference 56). During this press conference President Kennedy answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the controversial integration at the University of Alabama, the 1963 Wheat Referendum, the 1964 Presidential election, troops in Vietnam, foreign aid, and the progress of the nuclear test ban proposal.
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-071
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of February 7, 1962 (News Conference 23). The President begins the press conference by discussing United States nuclear disarmament policy and preparations by the United States to resume the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. He then expresses his pleasure over the Senate’s decision to retain the scholarship provision in the pending college-aid bill. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the guerilla war in South Vietnam, atmospheric nuclear testing, nuclear disarmament, and the status of negotiations for a test ban treaty.
Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-052
Sound recording of the President’s News Conference of October 11, 1961 (News Conference 17). President Kennedy begins the press conference by announcing that General Maxwell D. Taylor will be undertaking a trip to Saigon to meet officials regarding the recent attacks on the people of South Vietnam. He then discusses his appointment of a panel to study the problem of mental retardation and recommend a program of action. Following the announcements the President answers questions from the press on a variety of topics including the situation in Berlin and the construction of the Berlin wall.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-204-011
This file contains Department of State telegrams regarding relations between the United States and South Vietnam (officially known as the Republic of Vietnam). Topics include U.S. economic aid; the political climate in South Vietnam surrounding President Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu, the President's brother and chief advisor; leaks to the press; and the response of the South Vietnamese government to demonstrations by Buddhists and students.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-199-005
This file contains memoranda and reports regarding South Vietnam. Topics include the political climate surrounding President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem and his chief advisor Ngo Dinh Nhu, the oppression of Buddhists and the effect on Viet Cong activity, and programs by the Agency for International Development (AID) and United States Information Agency (USIA) for South Vietnam. Of note is a letter from Pope Paul VI to the Archibishop of Vietnam Paul Nguyen Van Binh. Also included are transcripts of interviews between President John F. Kennedy and Walter Cronkite, and on the Huntley-Brinkley Report.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-198-005
This folder contains telegrams to and from the United States Embassy in Saigon, Vietnam regarding demonstrations by Buddhists and students and the subsequent imposition of martial law, the political climate in South Vietnam surrounding President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem and his chief advisor Ngo Dinh Nhu, and censorship of outgoing press by the South Vietnamese government. Also included in this folder are telegrams summarizing meetings between Henry Cabot Lodge, U.S. Ambassador to South Vietnam, and President Diem.
Textual folder
Roger Hilsman Personal Papers
RHPP-003-011
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-323-007
This folder contains memoranda from Walt Rostow, Deputy Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and later Chairman of the Policy Planning Council in the Department of State, to President John F. Kennedy and McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Topics include foreign aid, speech theme suggestions for the President, policy towards the Communist Bloc, and a proposal for domestic and foreign economic policy. Also included in this folder is a transcript of a “Meet the Press” interview with Rostow discussing nuclear weapons, the Soviet Union, Laos, Vietnam, and communism.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-316-009
This folder contains telegrams, memoranda, and summaries of meetings regarding United States policy towards Vietnam and the government of President Ngo Dinh Diem; the influence of Ngo Dinh Nhu, advisor to President Diem, and his wife, Madame Nhu; and military effort against the Viet Cong. Also included in this folder are excerpts of interview transcripts between President John F. Kennedy, David Brinkley and Chet Huntley of the Huntley-Brinkley Report, and Walter Cronkite of Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) Evening News.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. White House Central Subject Files
JFKWHCSF-0375-003
Materials in this folder include a letter to the President from Herbert Brucker, editor of the Hartford Courant newspaper, inquiring into the journalistic freedom of American correspondents in Vietnam. Also included in this folder are excerpts from a speech by Congressman John E. Moss, Chairman of the House Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcommittee, before the New York State Society of Newspaper Editors concerning the access of news reporters and photographers to military accident sites.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-056-003
This folder contains background material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, for the President's News Conference of April 11, 1962 (News Conference 30). Materials primarily consist of department and agency reports and briefing papers for the President on domestic and foreign affairs and national security. Topics include labor issues, the space program, civil rights, and Vietnam.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-055-012
This folder contains background material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, for the President's News Conference of March 7, 1962 (News Conference 26). Materials consist of briefing papers for the President on domestic and foreign affairs and national security. Topics of the briefing papers include Berlin negotiations, Vietnam, visits to the United States by foreign officials and heads of state, and the Alliance for Progress.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-055-008
This folder contains material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning the President's News Conference of February 14, 1962 (News Conference 24). The President began 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 answered 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. Background materials in this folder include a draft press conference announcement, executive department and agency reports, and briefing papers for the President on domestic and foreign affairs and national security. Topics of the briefing papers include the economy, negotiations for a nuclear test ban treaty, and the situation in South Vietnam. The official White House transcript of the press conference and the stenotype transcript of the press conference are also included.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-055-007
This folder contains material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning the President's News Conference of February 7, 1962 (News Conference 23). The President began the press conference by discussing United States nuclear disarmament policy and preparations by the United States to resume the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. He then expressed his pleasure over the Senate's decision to retain the scholarship provision in the pending college-aid bill. Following the announcements the President answered questions from the press on a variety of topics including the guerilla war in South Vietnam, atmospheric nuclear testing, nuclear disarmament, and the status of negotiations for a test ban treaty. Background materials in this folder include a draft press conference announcement and briefing papers for the President on domestic and foreign affairs and national security. Topics of the briefing papers include the Punta de Este conference resolutions, Cuba, and nuclear testing and disarmament. The official White House transcript of the press conference and the stenotype transcript of the press conference are also included.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-055-001
This folder contains material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning the President's News Conference of October 11, 1961 (News Conference 17). President Kennedy began the press conference by announcing that General Maxwell D. Taylor would be undertaking a trip to Saigon to meet officials regarding the recent attacks on the people of South Vietnam. He then discussed his appointment of a panel to study the problem of mental retardation and recommend a program of action. Following the announcements the President answered questions from the press on a variety of topics including the situation in Berlin and the construction of the Berlin wall. Background materials in this folder consist of draft press conference announcements. The official White House transcript of the press conference and the stenotype transcript of the press conference are also included.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-198-002
This folder contains Department of State telegrams regarding South Vietnam. Topics include religious persecution and demonstrations by Buddhists, the political climate and President of South Vietnam Ngo Dinh Diem, and military actions against the Viet Cong. Also included are a report by Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Robert Manning and memoranda of conversations between Assistant Secretary Manning, President Diem, chief advisor Ngo Dinh Nhu, and other officials discussing the relations between United States journalists and Vietnam.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-195a-004
This folder contains Department of State cables and memoranda regarding the conflict in Vietnam. Topics include United States military involvement; defoliant operations; guidelines for U.S. media coverage; mobile medical teams; the Strategic Hamlet Program; guerilla warfare and Viet Cong activity; and an attack on the palace of Ngo Dinh Diem, President of South Vietnam.