Outstanding archive of correspondence between Madame Chiang and Meet the Press creator Lawrence Spivak, highlighted by eight TLSs signed “Mayling Soong Chiang,” totaling nine pages, dated from 1958 to 1988, and a signed photo of Chiang Kai-shek. In a 1972 letter, she writes: “As a participant in the program I found that the people you chose to interview me had an in-depth desire to inquire into the subject matter they pursued. They were courteous and ‘civilized’ in the best French sense of the word, and yet extremely cogent so that it was indeed pleasant and enjoyable to carry on a discussion with them. On the 25th anniversary of Meet the Press, I should like to extend felicitations to you and your colleagues.”
A 1977 letter, in part: “I remember with pleasure the several times I was your guest on Meet the Press. Whenever I was in the United States in past years I watched with great interest and much admiration how you so deftly fielded your questions. They were truly educational in the art of interviewing in that the questions were succinctly put, designed to get the cogent information from the interviewee.” She offers similar compliments in a 1981 letter, in part: “I too have often wondered how you are, and my thoughts invariably recall the day when you were the chief interviewer of ‘Meet the Press.’ Your questions were incisively sharp and crystal clear. I also enjoyed your almost uncanny ability to cut through the maze of the sometimes woolly answers of the person interviews and distill from the the essence for which he might be groping.”
The last letter, dated August 5, 1988, in part: “Since returning to Taiwan for my late husband’s birth centennial in 1986, I have given several speeches and messages recalling a number of historical events which occurred during the last four decades.” Her other letters are similar in content. Additionally includes a matte-finish 3.5 x 5.5 photo of Chiang Kai-shek signed in black ink, and many of Spivak’s retained carbon copies of letters to Madame Chiang and other officials, plus a few letters from her nephew L. K. K'ung. In overall fine condition. Founded by Spivak in 1947, Meet the Press soon became one of the most-watched nationally televised news programs in the United States. Madame Chiang clearly held the show in high esteem and appeared on it several times throughout her life, acting as an important diplomatic bridge between the Republic of China and the people of the United States. A one-of-a-kind archive highlighted by her commentary on the merits of Spivak’s pioneering news program. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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