Memo to JFK Author:NBC News This book is not another book about President Kennedy. It is a brilliant analysis of the major world problems facing the Kennedy Administration from the view- point of nine NBC overseas correspondents.An NBC correspondent adds a commentary on some of the plans put forward by the Administration to deal with these problems. — Today we know there is... more » trouble in many far away places,and all of it might as well be next door.While we were involved in Korea or flying supplies to Berlin,too few Americans were concerned with developments in Southeast Asia,Afica or Cuba.Now, while we are worring about Castro or a new Berlin crisis,there are other places where sluggish economies and grave social ills promise new problems for the future. By looking at the world through the calm,experienced eyes of distinguished foriegn correspondents, by reviewing what has happened during the years since World War 2 and explaining why,this book provides reassurance and understanding. We fear the unknown more than the serious problems we can define and face squarely.
In this book nine NBC news staff members pull together the strands of their experiences observing the international scene and informing the people about them over a period of years.The point of departure in most cases is the end of the Second World War. Each chapter is included to serve as a briefing guide to the current situation in the arena of theworld that the correspondent has been covering.The chapters include the post war developments that have set the stage for the present drama and indicate the development likely to occur. The final chapter, by a member of the Washington Bureau,which covers the White House,which attempts to analyze the plans of the Kennedy Administationto cope with these worldwide situations.
Each account is the product of the correspondent's own personal observation and knowledge.All of them are frank and forthright.They note where United States policy or Practice has been good or where it has gone astray.There has been no attempt to cover up or excuse diplomatic action not in the best intersts of Americanbjectives,just as there has been no hesitation to suggest how the Administration can fortify the position of the free forces in cold war.« less