John F. Kennedy (2) Hand-Annotated Presidential Papers

Two hand-annotated presidential papers including a letter to Senator Thomas J. Dodd and a space program memo to Secretary of the Air Force Eugene Zuckert:

Typed letter draft annotated by President Kennedy, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, August 6, 1962. To Senator Thomas J. Dodd of Connecticut, in part (JFK's emendations in parentheses): "I was disturbed (at your statement) that you had attempted to see me, (and that) you had been unsuccessful. Senator Knowland also told me that you mentioned to him your inability to get an appointment with me. I am somewhat puzzled, however, because I have checked with Ken O'Donnell, Evelyn Lincoln and Mike Manatos, our Senate liaison, and they all advise me that no one (from your office) contacted them concerning your desire to see me. I would appreciate it if you would let me know who contacted the White House and with whom they spoke as I am always glad to see any Member of Congress (particularly those whom I know well—and who are concerned about important matters affecting our country)."

Memorandum for Secretary of the Air Force Eugene Zuckert annotated by President Kennedy, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, August 27, 1962. In full (JFK's emendations in parentheses): "Thank you for your memorandum to me on space. I am not so much interested in quotations from (my) previous (speeches) as I am in finding out exactly what program the Air Force is planning for (fiscal, the future). The latter I understand is under consideration and will come to me after it has been submitted to the Secretary. I notice TIME Magazine of this week, August 31st, has a quotation ascribed to you taken from a conversation between you and McNamara—'But the tone and the pace of our program are not right.' I do not know how TIME secured this quotation, but I would be interested in having your suggestions as to how we can improve the tone and pace of our program." Kennedy refers to a breakfast meeting between Zuckert and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara at Zuckert's private dining room in the Pentagon. McNamara had asked Zuckert if he felt the Department of Defense was delaying essential Air Force space projects, to which Zuckert replied: 'It's not anything that you're holding up, Bob. But the tone and the pace of our program are not right.' Kennedy, concerned about the sluggish pace of the space program in 1962, is clearly annoyed that TIME managed to secure a quote from the private conversation, and is evidently warning Zuckert to be more guarded in future public comments. Outstanding content associated with one of Kennedy's lasting legacies—the resounding success of the American space program.

Also includes a telegram from JFK to Carl Vinson, December 13, 1960, in part: "I attempted to reach you this afternoon to tell you that I was appointing Robert McNamara Secretary of Defense."

In overall fine condition.