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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Now If We Can Just Generate a Chain Reaction...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Now If We Can Just Generate a Chain Reaction...

Artifact ID1973.1.2280
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Date ca. June 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 22 3/4 in x W 14 1/8 in (57.8 cm x 35.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. The heads of LBJ and Kosygin are centered in an atomic symbol ("Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty"). A small piece of paper “1968, The Register and Times Syndicate” adhered to lower right. Caption: “Now If We Can Just Generate a Chain Reaction…”. Artist signature lower right: "Wallmeyer Independent, Press-Telegram”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: [blue] "To President Lyndon B. Johnson with best wishes - Dick Wallmeyer". Handwritten at lower left: [blue] “Thurs. 1-PT” “Edit. Page” “6-27-68”. Handwritten at lower center: [blue] “6 ¼” wide - del to Compasing Rm.” “1 engraving 5 ⅜” wide - del to Dispatch for mats”.
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson administration and general postwar era, much foreign policy was dictated by the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for political influence amidst decolonization, associated with proxy wars, ideological struggles, the nuclear arms race, and the space race. In 1968, countries began signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to limit the creation of more nuclear weapons.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe 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.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Aleksey N. Kosygin (Soviet Union, 1904 - 1980)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Long Beach
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