Description:

Eisenhower Dwight



President Eisenhower on 1958 Mutual Security Aid Program: "I realize that the Congress acts only if there is an aroused public opinion…"

 

1p TLS signed by 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) as "D.E." near bottom. Written at the White House, Washington, D.C. on August 2, 1958. Cream watermarked paper with "The White House, Washington" embossed letterhead. Expected paper folds and a few isolated stains near bottom, else near fine. Measures 7.125" x 10.375".

 

Eisenhower thanked friend and faithful supporter Barry T. Leithead:

 

"Within the last few days I have spent some of my 'spare' time trying to than my friends for their help on the matter of Defense reorganization. As you know, the law as finally passed assures a stronger, more effective and more economical defense for our country…

 

A case in point is my effort to secure the funds that I consider an absolute minimum for the mutual security program. As of now the chances of the conferees giving me what I need are anything but bright. I realize that the Congress acts only if there is an aroused public opinion -- and despite everything I have done (and the works of a band of crusaders under the direction of Eric Johnston) public opinion has not been aroused. The issue will be resolved this week and at this point all I can do is pray."

 

In the late 1950s, an economic recession had strained the federal budget, leading to growing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over priority spending. President Eisenhower lobbied hard for that year's iteration of the Mutual Security Act, first promoted in 1951 by President Truman, granting military and economic aid packages to poor countries threatened by Communism. The program was part and parcel with one of the largest components of Eisenhower's foreign policy: Containment. Without American dollars, Eisenhower and his advisers believed that Communism would spread through destabilized countries like a catastrophic domino effect.

 

Congress, on the other hand, viewed the foreign aid somewhat differently. Instead of loaning money to freeloading developing nations, Congress wanted to redirect that money into the flagging U.S. economy. Thus it was ultimately a question of public relations: how could Eisenhower best sell his program to the public? If he persuaded the American people, the President was practically guaranteed congressional funding, for, as he said, Congress was purely reactive, rousing only from its inertia in response to public outcry.

 

Eisenhower enlisted the help of Eric Johnston, a special advisor and former President of the Motion Picture Association of America, to pitch the Mutual Security Aid Program to the American public.  Johnston and his "band of crusaders" used various media outlets to illustrate the benefits of the program. For example, in an article entitled "The Third World…As I See It" published in the May 1958 Rotarian, Johnston wrote: "This year the President of the United States has the urged the Congress to double last year's appropriation for the development loan fund. He has done this because he knows that the free world's safety rests on the two supporting columns of military security and economic security. They are inseparable. The Communists know this They know that if the West's free economic system and pattern of human freedom should spread and flourish in the new third world, their own system of repression will decay."

 

Gabe Hauge (1914-1981) is also mentioned in the letter. The one-time banker, economics professor, and Eisenhower campaign staffer functioned as his Economic Affairs assistant between 1953-1958. Hauge announced his resignation when he was offered a job at the Manufacturers Trust Company.

 

Eric Johnston (1896-1963), who was then President of the Motion Picture Association of America, cooperated with the House Un-American Activities Committee investigations into red and pink Hollywood. He also served in special advisory roles during the Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower administrations.

 

President Eisenhower's correspondent, Barry T. Leithead (1907-1974), was the chairman and C.E.O. of Cluett, Peabody and Co., an apparel manufacturer. Leithead had worked his way up the ranks from Chicago floor salesman in 1929 to New York corporate chairman in 1966. A zealous Republican, Leithead fundraised for Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956, in the latter year generating $1,000,000 as chairman of the New York State rally. Leithead was also a personal friend and an occasional golfing partner.

 



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

***Please contact our office for information on third party shippers***


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000