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Two hand-corrected draft memos by President John F. Kennedy, each one page, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, May 15, 1963. Addressing the "Chairman, Civil Aeronautics Board," President Kennedy iterates two drafts of a memo requesting "an accounting of the strategy of the CAB in the recent international dispute. As the press made clear this morning this matter not only involved the CAB, but also the reputation of this administration and government at home and abroad." On the first draft, Kennedy corrects "tragedy" to "strategy"; asks "what weapons did we have to compel a compromise"; changes "support" to "oppose" and writes out the concluding statement: "In the future I wish the White House to be kept informed in advance of actions which may later involve it." On the second draft, which incorporates his changes, Kennedy changes "were" to "would be" and "obtain" to "oppose the." In fine condition, with light paperclip impressions to the left edges.
Kennedy's memo came amidst an international economic squabble over airline fares. On May 15, 1963, the New York Times reported: 'The United States bowed to British demands today and directed United States airlines to conform to the schedule of higher fares charged on Atlantic routes by European carriers. The sudden reversal of policy came a few hours before President Kennedy called on Congress for passage of legislation giving the Civil Aeronautics Board authority over rates and practices of American airlines and over rates charged by foreign lines for flights to and from the United States.'
