Fidel Castro in America 2 Months After Becoming Prime Minister

Fidel Castro (1926-2016). A collection of four photographs of his visits to the United States in 1959 and 1960.

1.) A 6.375” x 8.125” glossy black and white AP Wire photograph of Castro enjoying a hot dog while visiting New York’s Bronx Zoo. With Associated Press stamp in red and an adhered news clipping of the photo datestamped April 25, 1959, stating that Castro indulged in a double scoop strawberry ice cream cone and a soda pop along with his hot dog. Minor discoloration along right side. Some light surface imperfections. Creasing and a bit of warping at bottom. In near fine condition. With RMY Auctions Letter of Authenticity.

2.) An 8.125” x 9.875” glossy black and white photograph of Castro posing next to a large wreath in front of the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. Castro has removed his cap and holds it behind his back. Notations in blue ink and red ink at verso. A bit of scotch tape at top edge. Very minor wear. In near fine condition.

3.) A 10” x 8.125” glossy black and white Type 1 photograph taken of Castro as he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in September 1960. Verso with several stamps, notations in pencil and red ink, adhesive remnants and labels. Tear at lower left partially repaired at verso. Corner creasing. Notations in bottom and left white margins. Scattered surface imperfections. In very good condition.

4.) An 8" x 10" glossy black and white photograph of Castro in profile at the same United Nations General Assembly. Source information sheet pasted at verso. Wide margins show light warping at top. Minor creasing. In near fine condition.

On February 16, 1959, Castro was sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of Cuba. During his visit to the United States two months later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower would not meet with him, but instead sent Vice President Richard Nixon. After meeting Castro, Nixon described him to Eisenhower: "The one fact we can be sure of is that Castro has those indefinable qualities which made him a leader of men. Whatever we may think of him he is going to be a great factor in the development of Cuba and very possibly in Latin American affairs generally. He seems to be sincere. He is either incredibly naive about Communism or under Communist discipline - my guess is the former...His ideas as to how to run a government or an economy are less developed than those of almost any world figure I have met in fifty countries. But because he has the power to lead...we have no choice but at least try to orient him in the right direction."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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