October 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, October 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/26/2023
John F. Kennedy typed letter signed as President with Cold War content regarding nuclear testing by the Soviet Union. Dated 8 November 1961, Kennedy writes to Norman Cousins, Editor of the ''Saturday Review'', explaining U.S. attempts to communicate directly to the Russian people. Two months before this letter was written, on 1 September 1961, the U.S.S.R. had resumed nuclear testing after a two-year moratorium between the two countries. Although Kennedy opposed testing, he ultimately failed in a diplomatic solution (such as what's proposed in this letter), and the U.S. would follow suit in 1962 before the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963. Letter reads in full:
''Dear Norman: / Thank you for your letter of October 18th. As you already know from Ed Murrow's letter to you, USIA is trying to tell the Russian people the facts about their atmospheric testing, and the world's reaction to it. You may be interested in the enclosed announcement of a special project of the Voice of America -- amassing of transmitters for special broadcasts to the Soviet Union about the tests. Sincerely, / [signed] John Kennedy''.
Single page letter on White House stationery is signed by Kennedy in black felt-tip. Measures 6.75'' x 8.875''. Horizontal fold, light creasing and spot of discoloration above signature. Very good condition. With University Archives COA.
John F. Kennedy Letter Signed as President Regarding the Soviet Union's Renewed Testing of Nuclear Weapons in 1961 -- With University Archives COA
Click above for larger image.