"Pass The Dollars" Cartoon
Artifact IDMO 2024.1.38.75
Object Type
Editorial Cartoon
Date
1962
Artist
Ferman Martin
(Cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle, American, 1899-1977)
Publisher
The Houston Chronicle
(American Newspaper, founded 1901)
Medium
Charcoal, pencil, ink on paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x W 14 in (41.3 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionOriginal black and white cartoon drawing. John F. Kennedy sits across a negotiating table and offers a plate of wheat to a hungry Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev who is eagerly holding a knife and fork. Above the plate is "Pass the Dollars". John Q. Pulic stands behind Khrushchev with a sack of money labeled " 1 1/2 Billion Still Owing U.S. from World War II"
Historical NotePresident John F. Kennedy allowed the sale (at market prices) of large quantities of American wheat to the Soviet Union, led by Nikita Khrushchev, during the Cold War, essentially using grain as a diplomatic tool to ease tensions between the two superpowers; this decision was controversial at the time due to the potential for bolstering the Soviet economy during Cold War tensions and the existing 1 1/2 billion dollar debt the U.S. was still owed from helping Europe rebuild after WWII.
Soviet grain shortage:
In the early 1960s, the Soviet Union experienced a significant wheat shortage due to poor harvests.
Political implications:
This move was seen by some as a way to demonstrate American generosity and potentially open up avenues for further diplomatic engagement with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Additional DetailsSoviet grain shortage:
In the early 1960s, the Soviet Union experienced a significant wheat shortage due to poor harvests.
Political implications:
This move was seen by some as a way to demonstrate American generosity and potentially open up avenues for further diplomatic engagement with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Custodial History NoteItem was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction Note© The Houston Cronicle
Use of this image is restricted. Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will notinfringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply.It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
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