Handwritten statement in pencil by John F. Kennedy, one page both sides, 6.25 x 9, Congress of the United States, House of Representatives letterhead, no date but circa February 1949. Handwritten statement on the promise and possibility of the United Nations, in full: "We should put our faith in the U.N. as best hope for peace—But we should not forget that others do not have the same faith in the possibilities of peace & must keep our arms strong in case war breaks out suddenly. The U.N. has no force behind it because of the fundamental disagreement between the East & West—It does not serve the purpose of keeping contact between Russia & the West & there is always hope that there would be a change in Russia, which will bring about a change in their Foreign Policy. In other words—Put your faith in God & the United Nations—but also rely on your own right arm." In fine condition.
An important expression of support for the United Nations—and the military-industrial complex—written at the outset of the Cold War by the young Congressman Kennedy. During his presidency, Kennedy would go on to stare down Russia in the Cuban Missile Crisis and become a champion for nuclear nonproliferation.
Past sales history: Sotheby's, Fine Printed and Manuscript Americana, October 26, 1983. The Sotheby's provides some information as to the provenance of the piece: 'In early 1949, Ann Eppard, the enterprising managing editor of the student newspaper of Washington's Eastern High School, asked the young Massachusetts Representative for an interview. Congressman Kennedy granted her request and, when the interview was over, gave Miss Eppard the notes he had jotted down as they discussed the United Nations.'
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