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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.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-066-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy (likely with assistance from a governess, nurse, or family member), documents a wide range of activities of the Kennedy family in 1938 and 1939 during Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.'s tenure as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. A handwritten note on the front free endpaper reads, “Teddy Kennedy / 14, Prince’s Gate / London, England” in black ink. Of note are clippings related to the family's trans-Atlantic voyage aboard the S.S. Washington and arrival in London in early 1938; their residence at 14 Prince's Gate in London; aspects of Ambassador Kennedy's diplomatic role, including his first levee (an audience with the king) at St. James's Palace in London, his first speech as Ambassador, and his impressions of the potential for war in Europe and of trade relations between Great Britain and the United States; Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr.’s participation in rugby at Harvard University; Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy's attendance at a luncheon at the American Women's Club of London; Rosemary Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy’s arrival in London; Kathleen Kennedy and Rosemary's presentation as debutantes at the Court of St. James's; Teddy and Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy’s assistance at the ribbon cutting of London’s Children’s Zoo; and a family trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland, following the Christmas holiday in 1938. Also of note are photographs of a mounted police officer and of the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace that were likely taken by Teddy on his box camera, as well as tickets to the Army versus Royal Air Force rugby match on March 26, 1938, and to the King’s Birthday Parade on June 9, 1938. This scrapbook contains 230 newspaper and magazine clippings, eight photographic prints, and three tickets.
Textual folder
Kennedy Family Collection
KFC-065-001
This scrapbook, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, documents news and events in the lives of the Kennedy family following Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.’s appointment as United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1938. The gold stamped title on the cover reads, “Scrap Book.” The handwritten inscription on the cover, written in green ink and pencil, reads, “Dave. v.g. I think / Mrs. / Kennedy / Children’s letters ? + cards.” The majority of the materials relate to Rose’s illness and surgery in January 1938. These materials include numerous newspaper clippings, as well as calling cards, greeting cards, telegrams, letters, and notes that Rose received during her recovery. Those who sent well-wishes include Rose’s husband, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.; her children, Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr., John F. “Jack” Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, Robert F. “Bob” Kennedy, Jean Kennedy, and Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy; her father, John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald; President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt; James Roosevelt, son of President Roosevelt, and Betsey Cushing Roosevelt; Massachusetts politician, Leverett Saltonstall; Governor of Massachusetts, Charles F. Hurley; Kennedy family friends, Edward E. Moore and Mary Moore; radio commentator, Boake Carter; Chairman of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Will H. Hays, and Jessie Hays; and other family members, friends, and political and business acquaintances. Also of note are newspaper clippings related to Rose’s involvement with the Ace of Clubs organization, which she founded; the Kennedy family’s residence at 14 Prince’s Gate, the home of the United States Ambassador to Great Britain, in London, England; and Honey Fitz's 75th birthday. Many items include Rose’s original handwritten notations in black ink and pencil. This scrapbook contains 58 calling cards, with many containing handwritten messages; 37 newspaper and magazine clippings; 24 greeting cards; 16 telegrams; 16 typed and handwritten letters; and several typed and printed notes featuring poems and song lyrics.