February 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, February 22nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/22/2018
John F. Kennedy signed, handwritten speech draft from 1961 when President Kennedy welcomed Sudanese President Ibrahim Abboud to the United States. After attending a state dinner at the White House on 4 October 1961, Abboud hosted a dinner at The Mayflower hotel in Washington, DC, honoring President Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Upon the official menu for the dinner, Kennedy uses four of its pages to hand write remarks that he delivered that night. Upon the front of the menu, Kennedy signs his name ''John Kennedy'' and writes in part, ''...Two days ago we welcomed you...here as leader...I hope after two days...we can welcome you here as friends...the U.S. is a young country - we have been [?] as you are now in building...'' After assuming control of Sudan in 1958, Abboud's government was initially successful in moving the country forward towards economic and political stability. It was at this juncture that President Kennedy invited him to the White House, praising him for living in peace with his neighbors. Soon, however, social problems erupted in Sudan and Abboud stepped down, peacefully ceding power to a civilian government. Eight page menu is secured by blue, green and yellow ribbon with the following printed on the front cover: ''State Dinner / in honour of / His Excellency / The President of the United States of America / and Mrs. Kennedy / given by / His Excellency Ferik Ibrahim Abboud / President of the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces / of The Republic of the Sudan / Friday, the sixth of October / Nineteen hundred and sixty-one / The Mayflower / Washington, D.C.'' Menu was given by Kennedy to Dr. Osman El Hadari, Sudanese Ambassador to the United States who attended the dinner. Measures 4.5'' x 7.25''. Light soiling, otherwise near fine. With extensive handwriting by Kennedy on four pages: the front cover, the second and fourth pages and also the back cover.
John F. Kennedy Signed, Handwritten Speech Draft as President, From 1961 -- JFK Speaks at a State Dinner With Sudanese President Ibrahim Abboud
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