Interview with John Sherman Cooper, May 26, 1987

Interview Summary

Cooper begins the interview by reflecting upon leaving the Senate and his favorite aspects of serving in the Senate. Cooper discusses some formative experiences that shaped his political views. Cooper details his work in the Senate on displaced persons and obtaining compensation for Japanese-Americans interred in American concentration camps during World War II. Cooper explains what experiences in his early life made him supportive of civil rights. Cooper recalls practicing law when he was not serving in the Senate. Cooper also discusses his recent work in higher education. Additionally, Cooper reflects upon his time spent as U.S. Ambassador to East Germany in the 1970s. Cooper illustrates how he was confirmed as the first U.S. Ambassador to East Germany by President Ford. Cooper evaluates why Nixon did not nominate him for the position before he resigned due to Watergate. Cooper talks of the traveling he did in the Soviet Union during World War II and the 1960s. Cooper evaluates the changes in State Department foreign policy from the 1950s to the 1970s. Cooper details the preparations he made before becoming ambassador. Cooper characterizes life in East Germany during the 1970s. Travel restrictions in East Germany are discussed. Cooper explains the value of his previous ambassadorial experience in India to his new position in East Germany. Surveillance and security measures implemented on Cooper by the East German government are explored. Cooper talks of his travel outside of East Germany while he was ambassador, including to the U.S. Cooper illustrates what his interactions with Soviet officials were like. Cooper details the economic and social conditions in East Germany during the 1970s. Cooper talks of the end of his tenure U.S. Ambassador to East Germany in 1976. Cooper remembers campaigning for Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan in Kentucky. To conclude the interview, Cooper discusses his ability to remain non-partisan on many issues in the Senate.

Interview Keyword

Harry Truman Alben Barkley Senate Armed Services Committee Senate Senators U.S. Ambassador to East Germany Richard Nixon East Berlin (Germany) Senate Foreign Relations Committee Compensation East Germany Ronald Regan County judges Displaced persons Lorraine Cooper Arthur Vandenberg Law practice Troops Gerald Ford John Foster Dulles Henry Kissinger Campaigning Ronald Reagan Non-partisanship Great Depression World War II

Interview LC Subject

Cooper, John Sherman, 1901-1991 Cooper, John Sherman, 1901-1991--Interviews Politicians Politicians--United States Politics and government United States--Politics and government Washington (D.C.) Soviet Union Germany Berlin (Germany) Somerset (Ky.) Pulaski County (Ky.) Early life Poverty Soviets Russians World War, 1939-1945 Concentration camps Civil rights Civil rights movement Parents Education U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Retirement Travel United States. Department of State India Security International relations Depressions--1929--United States

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.