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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.
Moving image
White House Films
JFKWHF-WHS01
Motion picture covering President John F. Kennedy's European trip in the summer of 1963. President Kennedy arrives in West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) and travels to various sites. Included are appearances with Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mayor of West Berlin Willy Brandt. President Kennedy then arrives in Ireland and is greeted by Irish President Eamon de Valera. Among President Kennedy's travels are a visit to the Kennedy Homestead with Jean Kennedy Smith and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. President Kennedy then arrives in England and is greeted by British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan before traveling to various sites. President Kennedy then arrives in Italy and is greeted by Italian President Antonio Segni before visiting various sites. President Kennedy visits the Vatican and meets Pope Paul VI.Source: White House # D-3618.
Photographed by: Cecil W. Stoughton.
Sound by: Alfred J. Storey.