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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Wire Tap!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Wire Tap!

Artifact ID1973.1.2009
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher (founded 1872)
Date 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on illustration board
DimensionsOverall H 20 in x W 15 1/8 in (50.8 cm x 38.4 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ glares at a telephone line ("The Hot Line") that is connected to Moscow. A man (identifiable as Charles de Gaulle) (“France”) is about to tap a listening device to the line. Caption: “Wire Tap!”. Artist signature lower right: "Graham Summer 1966 The Boston Globe”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper left: “1450”. Handwritten at upper left: [circle] “59” [illegible] “in 3 col ed pg”.
Historical NoteCharles de Gaulle believed that NATO advantaged the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom over France and he wanted France to have its own nuclear power and pursue detente with the Soviet Union. He also criticized the Vietnam War. In this cartoon, Charles de Gaulle is about to tap into the hot line between Washington DC and Moscow.
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 Charles de Gaulle (France, 1890 - 1970)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
FranceUSSR
Place of Publication
Boston
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