JFK Nuclear Test Ban TLS to Norman Cousins Expressing His Gratitude

A typed letter signed by President John F. Kennedy regarding the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. 1p, measuring 6.75" x 8.75", Washington, D.C., dated October 7, 1963. Signed "John Kennedy" and addressed to Norman Cousins, Editor of The Saturday Review. Sent just two months after passage of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and six months before Kennedy's assassination. With a flattened mail fold and faint edge toning. Boldly signed by Kennedy. Very fine overall. A similar, yet less content-rich letter addressed to Cousins was previously sold in a 2017 Heritage Auctions sale for over $8,000.

Kennedy thanks Cousins for his role in educating the public about the treaty, writing: "I want to express my personal appreciation for your leadership with the Citizens Committee in its public efforts on behalf of the partial test ban treaty while it was being considered by the Senate. The Committee made a real contribution in developing a better understanding of the purpose of the treaty, and your initiative with the group was essential. We have many tasks ahead in seeking to establish a more peaceful and orderly world, and I look forward to working with you in our common endeavor toward that goal."

Norman Cousins (1915-1990) had worked closely with Kennedy to arrange private missions to Rome and Moscow, relating to the peace talks undertaken between the Pope and Khrushchev and negotiations on the Nuclear Test Ban treaty. Cousins effectively became an unofficial ambassador, as Kennedy believed that Cousins could effectively relay his message to Khrushchev for peaceful resolutions. For his service, Cousins was awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Peace Award in 1963, the Family Man of the Year Award in 1968, the United Nations Peace Medal in 1971, and the Niwano Peace Prize and the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, both in 1990. The Pope also presented him with his personal medallion.

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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