Peace Feeler
Artifact ID1966.64.165
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Karl Hubenthal
(1917 - 1998)
Gifter
Karl Hubenthal
Publisher
Los Angeles Herald Examiner
Medium
Ink, grease pencil and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/2 in x W 12 1/2 in (41.9 cm x 31.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ stands at the Great Wall of China extending his hand toward a man ("Ho Chi Minh") on the other side. Ho sticks his hand out and painfully runs it into the wall. Caption reads: "Peace Feeler". Artist signature lower right: "Karl Hubenthal L.A. Herald Examiner".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at center bottom: "For President Johnson - keep trying Mr. President!". Handwritten at lower right in red: "575".
Historical NoteNorth Vietnam did not want to recognize the government of South Vietnam and had the goal of reunification, while South Vietnam did not recognize the National Liberation Front. Meanwhile, the United States followed Containment policy, hoping to keep Communism from diffusing to other Southeast Asian nations, and aimed to leave Vietnam without the humiliation of defeat. In October 1964, China detonated its first atomic bomb. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war. During the Johnson administration, US officials continued to refuse to recognize the People’s Republic of China in favor of Taiwan and did not allow the PRC on the UN Security Council. The United States ensured that it did not want a war with China, but also remained steadfast in its position on Vietnam.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
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
Ho Chi Minh
(Vietnam, 1890 - 1969)
Person Referenced
Lyndon Baines Johnson
(United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication