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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
This Ky Won't Open the Door!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

This Ky Won't Open the Door!

Artifact ID1973.1.1226
Artist (1903 - 1979)
Publisher ()
Medium Ink and developer on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/4 in x W 17 1/2 in (36.2 cm x 44.5 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man (identifiable as W. Averell Harriman) holds up a large key with a scowling face of a man (identifiable as Nguyen Cao Ky) on it, showing the key to an angry LBJ in front of the door ("Peace Talks"). A dove with an olive branch in its mouth angrily looks down. A cat angrily scratches at the door. In the lower right, a man with a hat (“Concierge”) smokes and reads a paper (“France-Soir”). A small piece of paper “Rapide cessez-le-feu” adhered to upper right is the dialogue of the dove. Additional text at upper right: “!”. A small piece of paper “Avez-vous trouvé une bonne solution?” adhered to center right. Additional text at center right: “...”. Caption: “This Ky Won't Open the Door!”. Artist signature lower right: "Yardley.”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: “Friday AM”. Handwritten at lower left: [strikethrough in blue] “Monday”. Handwritten at lower left: “AM”. Handwritten at lower left: [circle] “5 ½ Deep”. Handwritten at lower center: “8 ⅛ m”. Handwritten at lower right: “Editorial”. Handwritten at lower right: [underline] “48”. Handwritten at lower right: “Strip in attached newsprint”.
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.
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 W. Averell Harriman (United States, 1891 - 1986)
Person Referenced Nguyen Cao Ky (Vietnam, 1930 - 2011)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication
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