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About Oral History
Digital Identifier
JFKOH-WAH-02
Interviewee(s)
Harriman, W. Averell (William Averell), 1891-1986
Biographical Note
(1891 - 1986) U.S. Ambassador, USSR (1943–1946), UK (1946); Secretary of Commerce (1946–1948); governor, New York (1955-1959); Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (1961–1963); Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (1963–1965)
Interviewer(s)
Arthur Schlesinger
Michael Forrestal
Access Restriction Status
Open
Use Restriction Status
None
Description
In this interview Harriman discusses his position in the State Department as a roving ambassador, including his flexibility in making decisions in the field, and traveling around the world; John F. Kennedy's [JFK] conception of the Soviet Union; interactions with Souvanna Phouma and changes in general opinion of him; evaluating options for American action or intervention in Laos; the international meeting in Geneva over Laos, including dealing with the Soviet negotiator George M. Pushking and with the Chinese; comparing JFK and Franklin D. Roosevelt in their respective administration of the State Department; and the Joint Chiefs’ attitude towards Laos and the concept of limited commitment, among other issues.
Date(s) of Materials
17 January 1965
Deed Status
Deeded
Copyright Status
Donated to the United States
Collection
Series
Series 1. John F. Kennedy Oral History Interviews, 1964-2012.
Preferred Citation
W. Averell Harriman, recorded interview by Michael Forrestal and Arthur Schlesinger, January 17, 1965, (page number), John F. Kennedy Library Oral History Program.
Subject(s)
Person(s)
Organization(s)
Place(s)
Use Restriction Note
Some of the archival materials in this collection may be subject to copyright or other intellectual property restrictions. Users of these materials are advised to determine the copyright status of any document from which they wish to publish.
Accession Number
OH 1990-030
Transcript
Page Last Updated
October 28, 2023 9:18:57 AM EDT