Desk Blotter
Artifact IDMO 63.297a
Object Type
Set, Desk
Date
ca. 1961
Date Presented5/1961
Gifter
Charles de Gaulle
Maker
Hermes, Paris
(Established in 1837)
Place MadeParis, France, Europe
Place of GiftParis, France, Europe
Medium
Leather, brass
DimensionsOverall H 5/8 in x W 19 1/2 in x D 14 in (1.6 cm x 49.5 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionBlack alligator leather blotter hinged at the sides with brass trim. The blotter is part of a 6 piece desk set.
Historical NoteThis desk blotter was presented to President Kennedy as part of a desk set by the president of France (1959-1969), Charles de Gaulle, during John F. Kennedy's state visit to Paris, France in May-June 1961. President Kennedy kept this set on his desk in the Oval Office of the White House.
President Kennedy and the President of France, Charles DeGaulle had a complex and often tense relationship shaped by differing views on NATO, U.S. leadership, and colonial issues. DeGaulle rejected U.S. dominance in NATO, pushing for a French independent nuclear force. He also opposed U.S. interventionism in Vietnam and the Algerian War, preferring that Europe have more autonomy in global affairs. However, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, DeGaulle fully supported Kennedy's stance against the Soviet Union and his handling of the crisis. The two leaders had a relationship of mutal respect but deep strategic differences.
Additional DetailsPresident Kennedy and the President of France, Charles DeGaulle had a complex and often tense relationship shaped by differing views on NATO, U.S. leadership, and colonial issues. DeGaulle rejected U.S. dominance in NATO, pushing for a French independent nuclear force. He also opposed U.S. interventionism in Vietnam and the Algerian War, preferring that Europe have more autonomy in global affairs. However, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, DeGaulle fully supported Kennedy's stance against the Soviet Union and his handling of the crisis. The two leaders had a relationship of mutal respect but deep strategic differences.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until 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 SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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