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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Why Don't We Recognize the Viet Cong?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Why Don't We Recognize the Viet Cong?

Artifact ID1973.1.1528
Artist (United States, 1905 - 1986)
Publisher (founded 1870)
Date ca. February 1966
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 in (36.8 cm x 27.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man (identifiable as Bobby Kennedy) talks to a soldier near a rice paddy in Vietnam. The soldier says "We're trying to, Bobby, we're trying to!" Three Vietnamese men lean over to work and one holds a grenade behind his back. A small piece of paper “McNaught Syndicate, Inc.” adhered to lower left. Caption: “Why Don't We Recognize the Viet Cong?”. Artist signature lower right: "Reg Manning”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: [blue] "Sincere regards to President Lyndon Johnson - Reg Manning 3-31-66". Handwritten at lower left: [blue] “3 col”. Stamped at lower center: “Feb 24 1966”. Handwritten at lower center: [blue] “Mailing”.
Historical NoteThe Vietcong used guerilla tactics and built tunnels. They also had the support of many people in the countryside, which allowed them to easily hide.
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 Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
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 Robert F. Kennedy (United States, 1925 - 1968)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication