President Kennedy: A JFK Press Conference – High School Dropouts – The Test Ban Treaty – August 1, 1963 –

– President Kennedy Press Conference – August 1, 1963 – Gordon Skene Sound Collection –

A press conference by President Kennedy – given on August 1, 1963.

Starting with the subject of Education – Kennedy addressed the growing number of dropouts in High School, and concerns it would only increase unless some steps were taken to combat the problem.

The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union was a major topic of questioning, as public opinion was unanimously in favor of such a treaty, as well as reaction to French President De Gaulle’s rejection of the treaty. The subject of nuclear capabilities for both sides was discussed, as well as possible relaxation of tensions between Cuba and the U.S. as the result of those talks.

Also brought up was the subject of the on-going Civil Rights demonstrations in the South, and the seeming reduction in number of those demonstrations as the Summer had progressed. President Kennedy was asked to give an assessment of the situation and how was it going to affect (if at all), upcoming civil rights legislation.

All that, and a lot more, packed into a half hour press conference, airing live on August 1, 1963.

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