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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
We May Have to Change This Act...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

We May Have to Change This Act...

Artifact ID1966.64.214
Artist (born 1910)
Date ca. February 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 1/2 in (36.8 cm x 29.2 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Circus acrobat LBJ balances another acrobat (identifiable as de Gaulle) on his hand. De Gaulle juggles Indian clubs ("French Policies") and is dropping some, including one on LBJ's head. LBJ also twirls a hula hoop on his leg ("S.E. Asia") and on his waist ("NATO"). Caption reads: "We May Have to Change This Act..." Artist signature lower right: "Le Pelley".
Historical NoteIn 1966, Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO because he 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. Meanwhile, the Vietnam War in southeast Asia was escalating.
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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
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 (French, 1890 - 1970)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (American, 1908 - 1973)
Not on view
Place of Publication