Kennedy and Khrushchev

Abstract

Despite his Cold War rhetoric, John F. Kennedy wanted to improve U.S.-Soviet relations after he took office in January 1961. In his inaugural address, Kennedy suggested that they “begin anew the quest for peace.” After only a month, Kennedy invited Nikita S. Khrushchev to an informal summit meeting, believing that the Soviet leader would appreciate this gesture of respect. Kennedy allowed wishful thinking to color his preparation for the summit, which was scheduled for June 3–4, 1961, in Vienna. Khrushchev was determined to obtain some form of recognition of the East German government and an end to West Berlin’s status as a Western enclave inside East Germany. He had given President Dwight D. Eisenhower a six-month ultimatum in November 1958, which he had withdrawn based on the promise of East-West negotiations. Kennedy should have anticipated that Khrushchev would bring up the difficult Berlin issue. Instead, Kennedy focused on achieving a test ban treaty and neutralizing Laos. These were secondary issues for Khrushchev whereas the survival of East Germany, its legitimacy, and closing off the flow of refugees through West Berlin were vital Soviet interests.