For Political Reasons We Should Spare Hanoi...
Artifact ID1966.64.332
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Robbie Robinson
(Irish-born American, 1908 - 1969)
Publisher
The Indianapolis Star
(founded 1903)
Gifter
Robbie Robinson
Date
ca. February 1966
Medium
Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 3/4 in x W 12 in (37.5 cm x 30.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ is seated at his desk speaking to two men (“McNamara” and “Rusk”). Caption: “For Political Reasons We Should Spare Hanoi, Haiphong and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee!”. Artist signature lower right: "Robinson”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: [blue] "To President Lyndon B. Johnson best regards Robbie”. Handwritten at upper left: “Thurs Feb 3 - 66”. Handwritten at upper center: “News”. Handwritten at lower right: [blue] “Indianapolis News 2-3-66”.
Historical NoteIn August 1964, US ships were seemingly attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin, leading to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that allowed President Johnson to take military action. In February 1965, Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder to bomb North Vietnam and in March, 3500 Marines were deployed in Vietnam. Over 1965, President Johnson escalated the conflict to a full-scale war and over 1966, the year this cartoon was made, there were 400,000 American troops in Vietnam. Dean Rusk was Secretary of State and Robert McNamara was Secretary of Defense. The head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, J. William Fulbright, opposed the Vietnam War.
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
Dean Rusk
(United States, 1909 - 1994)
Person Referenced
Robert McNamara
(United States, 1916 - 2009)
Person Referenced
Lyndon Baines Johnson
(United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication