Telephone Conversation Between U.S President John F Kennedy and Tafawa Balewa In 1963

On Friday, August 23, 1963, American President John F Kennedy made a phone call to the Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, via the Syncom Communications Satellite.

The conversation which lasted 2 minutes and some seconds featured the two political leaders exchanging pleasantries and talking about the boxing match in which the Nigerian middleweight boxer, Dick Tiger, defeated America’s Gene Fulmer.

This telephone conversation affirms the long time intimacy that exists between the United States of America and Nigeria. Listen to the telephone conversation below.

Transcript of the  telephone conversation between John F Kennedy and Tafawa Balewa

PRIME MINISTER: We congratulate you heartily Mr President for this very big achievement.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: I hope we will be seeing you back in the United States and that all goes well for your country and your people.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: Very good wishes Prime Minister and we look forward to having Dick Tiger come over here.

PRIME MINISTER: It was indeed a very great day for us when Dick Tiger beat the American, Gene Fulmer.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: I know we watch those things over here. Well, we wish you good luck, regards from the people of the United States to the people of Nigeria

PRIME MINISTER: Mr President, I would be very happy if you would convey our greetings and all the best wishes to the people of the United States.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: Thank you, Prime Minister, and we look forward to seeing you back at the White House again someday.

PRIME MINISTER: It is my intention to visit the United States very soon, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY: Good. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, and goodbye.

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Reference:

• JKF Library:

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