Friendly Neighbors Reel 1 · Part 3

Description

This film highlights President John F. Kennedy's 1962 visit to Mexico. The film begins with an excerpt of John F. Kennedy's June 27, 1962 news conference, where he describes his upcoming visit to Mexico. This is followed by a brief history of US-Mexican presidential relationships. The arrival ceremonies for President and Mrs. Kennedy in Mexico City on June 29, 1962 are covered, with Mexican President Jose Lopez-Mateos and family greeting President and Mrs. Kennedy, and remarks of welcome from President Lopez-Mateos. A motorcade through Mexico City and the arrival at the Mexican presidential residence (Los Pinos) precede coverage of a luncheon reception at the National Palace. Following the luncheon, the US and Mexican presidents motorcade to Mexico City's Municipal Palace, where President Kennedy receives the key to the city, while Mrs. Kennedy and First Lady of Mexico, Eva Semano de Lopez-Mateos, visit the National Museum of Anthropology. The day's events end with a performance of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico at the Palace of Fine Arts. The coverage of the President Kennedy's visit continues on June 30, 1962, beginning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to Mexican Independence. Mrs. Kennedy visits the National Institute for the Protection of Children with Mrs. Lopez-Mateos, meets with children, and tours the facilities. President Kennedy visits the Unidad Independencia housing project, and then motors to Satellite City to visit with the American community and attend the early 4th of July (American Independence Day) celebrations. A luncheon given by President and Mrs. Kennedy in honor of President and Mrs. Lopez-Mateos is held at the Hotel Maria Isabel, where Mrs. Kennedy speaks to the guests in Spanish. The President and Mrs. Kennedy's visit ends on July 1, 1962, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the 1910 Revolution Monument, attendance at Sunday Mass at the Basilica de Guadalupe, and departure ceremonies at Mexico City International Airport. The film was presented by Cinematografica Ariel S.A., produced by Roberto Figueroa Mateos and Alfonso Sanchez Tello, narrated by Pedro Ferriz, and directed by Fernando Martinez Alvarez.

Collection

Records of the U.S. Information Agency

Series

Moving Images Relating to U.S. Domestic and International Activities