Nation: Host with the Most

One of the more subtle U.S. assets in foreign relations is John F. Kennedy’s talent as a gracious host. Already this year, the President has welcomed, feted —and in most cases, charmed—more than 150 special foreign guests, ranging from heads of state to ambassadors. Last week the President rolled out the red carpet for two visitors: Finland’s President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen, 61, and Liberia’s President William V. S. Tubman, 65.

Reluctant Flyer. As he does for each visiting head of state, Kennedy went to the airport to greet Finland’s Kekkonen, accompanied by Jackie, who usually goes along if the guest brings his wife. Whisked off to the White House by helicopter, Kekkonen and his wife glowed as they walked into the state dining room for luncheon: blue and white flowers, the colors of the Finnish flag, graced the tables, and the Marine Corps band played Finlandia. Conspicuously displayed on a nearby table was a gift of small Finnish dolls that Mrs. Kekkonen had earlier sent to Caroline Kennedy. Aware from careful study that Mrs. Kekkonen likes art and antiques, Jackie presented her with a set of books on American art, antiques, homes and literature. While Kennedy and Kekkonen talked business in the White House’s Oval Room, Jackie made arrangements for Mrs. Kekkonen to visit Mount Vernon and the National Gallery. The Kekkonens went away delighted with the made-to-order attention.

Kennedy’s habit of taking guests to the White House by helicopter nearly ran into a snag with Liberia’s Tubman, who is distrustful of planes and came to the U.S. by boat. But Kennedy aides tactfully suggested that Tubman might like to see autumnal Washington from the air—and he agreed. Disregarding strict protocol, Kennedy arrived at the front door of the White House five minutes early for a luncheon with Tubman, quizzed the leader of the Marine band about what music he intended to play. Tubman was treated to a four-hour talk with Kennedy, a visit to the National Zoo (Tubman has a small private zoo in Liberia) and an assurance of more U.S. aid for Liberia’s $200 million five-year economic plan.

Music & Hunting. Such attention to detail marks all the Kennedys’ efforts as host and hostess. Jackie plays an active part in picking suitable gifts for White House guests. One recent visitor, Ferik Ibrahim Abboud, President of the Sudan, got a specially made Winchester hunting rifle, delightedly replied: “I come from a country where there are 13 million people and 100 million wild animals.” While the President impresses visitors with searching questions about their countries, Jackie carefully plans the menus to suit their tastes, often escorts the guests on a tour of the White House. The Kennedys have the Marine and Air Force bands play music to relieve the once embarrassing pauses at state dinners, frequently spread the guests around at small, informal tables instead of the traditional giant banquet board, linger at the White House door to bid each guest goodbye.

The Kennedys’ social activities keep the State Department’s protocol division so busy that Protocol Chief Angier Biddle Duke, weary after making arrangements for two official visits in one week, last week fell asleep at the luncheon for the Kekkonens. Ordinarily that would have been a social disaster—but Kennedy’s guests were having such a good time that hardly anyone noticed the lapse.