DAY TEN |
October 25, 1962 |
“At 5:00 PM, Dean Rusk reports on the political situation during an ExComm meeting. At the close of the meeting, CIA director McCone indicates that some of the missiles in Cuba are now operational” (Chang and Kornbluh). "In a turn of events, and contrary to Khrushchev’s previous statement, the Soviet Union turns back 14 ships. The blockade was successful in preventing new weapons from entering Cuba, does nothing to address weapons already in place" (Clouds Over Cuba).
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"We're eyeball to eyeball, and I think the other fellow just blinked" -Dean Rusk
TELEGRAM FROM SOVIET AMBASSADOR TO CUBA ALEKSEEV TO USSR FOREIGN MINISTRY: "Alekseev comments on the general attitude of the Cuban people in regards to the blockade and mobilization of the Cuban army" (Wilson Center).
"A special business-like efficiency and energy can be observed among the Cuban leaders and people. At meetings and gatherings there is almost no trace of the ostentation and verbosity that are characteristic of Cubans. The awareness of an immediate threat has brought the Cuban people even closer, and has strengthened their hatred of American imperialism...The nation is anxiously awaiting the first clashes between Soviet steamers and the American ships constituting the blockade...It is [Fidel Castro's] view that the USA's current insane actions against Cuba provide firm ground for the further expansion of this movement, which will be able to force the Americans to rethink their plans. He approves of our policy of not giving in to provocations, and of the possible avoidance of unnecessary conflicts. Castro, for example, approves of the fact that several of our vessels have turned back from their courses, and thus have not given occasion for any major conflicts."
“President Kennedy issues National Security Action Memorandum 199 authorizing the loading of multistage nuclear weapons on aircraft under the command of the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe... At 1:45 AM, a message from President Kennedy for Premier Khrushchev is transmitted to the U.S. embassy in Moscow., acknowledging Khrushchev’s letter of October 24” (Chang and Kornbluh).
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CABLE NO. 323 FROM THE CZECHOSLOVAK EMBASSY IN HAVANA (PAVLÍČEK): "The cable states Cuba has alerted its armed forces to maximum combat readiness. Cuba's government had already taken the precautions of arresting known counterrevolutionaries in all aspects of society, with all important factors monitored. General aura of the country is one of tenseness, but the people continue about their lives as normal. There is a sense of strong revolutionary unity in the wake of this blockade, especially after a speech given by Castro. Cable concludes with a message that the first Soviet ship arrived on the basis of not carrying any military hardware" (Wilson Center).
"Cubans have further expanded their battle preparedness and are now at maximum readiness. They evacuated some hospitals where the cases of the ill allowed, and increased security measures. They arrested a number of counterrevolutionary elements and all institutions, factories, and important objects are constantly under guard. Judging from the situation in Havana as well as in the provinces, the country is calm, although understandably nervous.. There are concerns about a possible invasion of mercenaries, concealed and supported by the blockade, and an attack on Guantanamo. The one-sided support of Latin American countries for [US President John] Kennedy supports these concerns. On the other hand, determination prevails, as does the need to oppose the USA or the mercenaries. The first Soviet ship has just arrived, allowed through based on the response that it is not carrying any military materials"