A Piece of His Mind

President Kennedy is sensibly careful about what he says in public, but beyond the reach of microphones, cameras and recording devices, he is remarkably candid and salty in talking to staff and visitors about his hopes, plans, preoccupations and disappointments. Current J.F.K. opinions: Berlin. Despite the rumors of a U.S.Russian deal on Berlin--rumors set off by a sudden letup in Communist interference with Western road and air traffic into Berlin--no deal has been arrived at, and none is in sight.

The Cold-War Calm. The President would like to think that the current lull in the cold war is a result of his policies of building up military strength and holding firm in negotiations, but thinks the lull is too dangerous and deceptive to be complacent about.

Summitry. Has no intention, as things stand, of reaching for his alpenstock.

Latin America. Is solidly sold on the Alliance for Progress, may add other Latin American countries to his planned trips to Mexico and Brazil this year.

De Gaulle. Knows that De Gaulle will not be satisfied unless given the Bomb, and even that won't change him. Would just make him independent of NATO. Doesn't like proliferating the Bomb Club anyway.

Nuclear Testing. Is going ahead with plans to resume U.S. nuclear tests in the atmosphere right on schedule, with a blast due in April's third week.

Congress. Is happily confident that, despite grumping and foot-dragging. Congress will give him much of what he has asked for this session.

Unemployment. Is deeply concerned about the persistence of long-term unemployment, sees no easy way of coping with it.

His Own Popularity. Is both pleased and puzzled about his popularity among the people, even in places like Iowa. What is it? Not his program. Is it because they know he works hard, is sincere?

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.