Lot 572
Eisenhower, Dwight D. Typed letter signed as President, on pale green White House letterhead, one page, 8¾" x 6¾", Washington, May 31, 1960. To Robert R. Gros, Vice President, Pacific Gas and Electric, thanking him for his support after the Gary Powers U-2 incident and the disastrous May 1960 Cold War Paris Summit, "I am again indebted to you - - grateful to you for taking the trouble to write me regarding my Report to the Nation of last week and gratified beyond measure by the generosity of your praise of my effort during the amazing period I spent in Paris. I know that in your appearances before groups throughout the West, you will be, as always, and effective voice on the side of calmness and reason." Light toning and residue from a previous framing on verso, else fine.
On May 1, 1960, the Soviets shot down a CIA spy plane and captured the pilot, Gary Francis Powers, who admitted that he was working for the CIA. The Paris Summit, which had been previously planned with hopes of easing tensions between the super powers, began on May 16 but was doomed from the outset by the U-2 incident. Khrushchev condemned the "inadmissible, provocative actions" of the U.S., and when Eisenhower agreed to suspend the spy flights but not to punish those responsible, Khrushchev stormed out of the meeting. Eisenhower's planned trip to Moscow in June was cancelled.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
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| Realized $308 |
