| The Cuban Missile Crisis (1961-1962) |
|
Sections:- Memorandum from the Central Intelligence Agency on the Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)
- Memorandum from the Central Intelligence Agency on an invasion of Cuba (1961)
- Memorandum of Joint Chiefs of Staff Conference with President Kennedy (January 1961)
- Ernesto Che Guevara: Mobilizing the Masses for the Invasion (28 March 1961)
- Fidel Castro: Second Declaration of Havana (4 February 1962)
- A. Adzhubei: USSR, Memorandum Account of Visit to Washington to the CC CPSU (12 March 1962)
- R. Malinovsky and M. Zakharov: Memorandum on Deployment of Soviet Forces to Cuba (24 May 1962)
- President John F. Kennedy: Statement on Cuba (September 4, 1962)
- R. Malinovsky and M. Zakharov: Soviet Memorandum Authorizing Use of Nuclear Weapons in Cuba (8 September 1962)
- Soviet Statement on Potential Cuban Attack by U.S. (11 September 1962)
- Director of Central Intelligence McCone: Memorandum (11 October 1962)
- Malinovsky: USSR, directive, TOP SECRET Order to Pliyev (22 October 1962)
- President Kennedy: Letter to Chairman Khrushchev (22 October 1962)
- John F. Kennedy: Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba (22 October 1962)
- Chairman Khrushchev: Letter to President Kennedy (24 October 1962)
- The Cuban Crisis (1962)
- Prime Minister Fidel Castro: Letter to Premier Khrushchev (26 October 1962)
- Crisis Eases: Wary U.S. Awaits Missile Removal (29 October 1962)
- Missile Bases: Castro Balks At U.N. Team (1 November 1962)
|
| Historical Context
Branch 4 of the Western Hemisphere Division was an internal task force created within the CIA in January 1960 to direct the Cuban project. J.D. Esterline became task force director on January 18, 1960. Esterline reported on the project to the Deputy Director for Plans, Richard M. Bissell, although Bissell's principal aide, Tracy Barnes, who acted for Bissell about 50 percent of the time. Branch 4 began with a staff of 20 and grew by April 1961 to a staff of more than 500 with its own communications, propaganda, and military sections. Marine Corps Colonel Jack Hawkins was assigned to Branch 4 in September 1960, with direct responsibility for military training operations.
Attached Document:
Included her is the CIA memo on the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
Questions to consider:
1)What is the purpose of this memo?
2)Who are these preparations being made against? Why?
3)What is the intended result across Cuba of these operations?
4)What are the CIA’s concerns regarding the incoming President?
5)What is the CIA’s ultimate recommendation?
|
| | | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Prior to the invasion, the Kennedy Administration was aware of the possible consequences of the cladestine operation and took measure in case it failed.
Attached Document:
Included here are the minutes from a meeting to discuss possible action in Cuba. This document again emphasizes the desire to learn what the Kennedy Administration’s stand would be on action in Cuba. It also expresses a reluctance to land U.S. forces in Cuba.
Questions to consider:
1)What again is the CIA’s concern about the incoming administration?
2)What had Castro done that they considered his “crossing the watershed” in Cuba?
3)What was the military situation in Cuba at the time?
4)What were the predicted repercussions of landing troops in Cuba?
|
| | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Casto completed his takeover of Cuba towards the end of the Eisenhower years. Yet once Kennedy was in office, the looming threat of Cuba had to be dealt with.
Attached Document:
Included here is an early memorandum of the Joint Chiefs of Staff conference with Kennedy connerning the situation in Cuba.This memo discusses the looming threat in Cuba and the need to take strong action soon.
Questions to consider:
1)What was General Lemnitzer’s recommendation regarding Cuba? Why?
2)What was suggested, but was lacking, in terms of leadership and the legitimizing of action in Cuba?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Ernesto Guevara de la Serna (1928-1967), an Argentine-born Marxist revolutionary, was second only to Castro in terms of importance during the Communist takeover of Cuba. Widely traveled throughout South America and acutely aware of the continent’s widespread poverty, Che joined Castro’s guerilla army in 1956. Che would play a pivotal role in the ongoing war against Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. During the conflict, Che gained a fame for his military and tactical abilities. Repeatedly, both he and Castro were able to defeat numerically superior government forces. Che also earned a reputation for ruthlessness. In fact, following Castro’s victory, Che directed the interrogations, trials and executions of many former Batista collaborators. Che was also known for his intellectual contribution to the worldwide socialist movement. In his book, “Guerrilla Warfare,” Che argued that the Cuban example of small bands of revolutionary guerrillas could be used to export socialism to other Latin American countries. Prior to the Bay of Pigs invasion, both he and Castro were aware of the threat of U.S. intervention on the island.
This was a speech made to sugar workers in Santa Clara twenty days before the Bay of Pigs invasion in which Guevara emphasizes Cuba’s need to continue forward in the fight against imperialist tyranny.
Attached Document:
Included here is Che's speech on Cuban independence.
Questions to consider:
1)Who are the two adversaries according to Guevara?
2)How does he depict North Americans?
3)What does he emphasize Cubans need to do?
4)Upon whose “murder” does he call to illustrate imperialist tyranny?
|
| | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
The Cuban Revolution of 1959 was a broadly based nationalist revolution against a corrupt government. It was a revolution facilitated by the long Cuban revolutionary tradition. [There had been major disturbances in the Ten Years' War (1868-¬1878), a failed attempt to break with Spain; during the war of independence that began in 1895 but which resulted only dependence on the U.S.; and the revolution of 1933, which tried to restore constitutional order and democracy.] In the 1933 events Fulgencio Batista, an army sergeant, emerged and he dominated Cuba for decades. Cuban nationalists, with some reason, blamed U.S. foreign policy for Cuba's problems.
The revolution in 1959 was lead by Fidel Castro. He apparently had the support of most Cubans in his broad based "provisional government". Castro turned to Cuban Communist Party for support in internal struggles. By 1962, after the US began to give "covert" assistance to Cuban exiles opposing the revolution, Castro had adopted Marxism¬ Leninism as the ideology of the Cuban Revolution. This is can be seen in this Second Declaration of Havana, delivered on February 4, 1962.
Attached Documents:
Included here is the text Casto's speech "Cuba as a Socialist Nation."
Questions to consider:
1)How does Castro describe World History? What is this concept based upon?
2)What does he claim are the motivations of industrial expansion?
3)How does he claim the “ruling classes” are able to maintain their influence and power?
4)What does he claim that every revolutionary must do?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
As a fellow socialist country, Cuba was regarded by other Communist states as a natural ally. In fact, the USSR immediately declared its support for Castro following the latter's victory in 1959. Alexi Adzhubei, a famous Soviet journalist during the Cold War, interviewed Kennedy and discussed with him the matter of Cuba. The tension between the two on this subject is apparent in this account.
Attached Document:
Included here is Adzhubei's account of his visit to Washington and his talk with Kennedy. Note: The first page of the complete document is in Russian, but the remainder of the document is the English translation.
Questions to consider:
1)How is the subject of Cuba approached by President Kennedy in this account?
2)How does the President react when he is confronted about the planned invasion of Cuba?
3)To what situation in the Soviet Union does Kennedy compare the situation in Cuba? How does Adzhubei respond?
4)Overall, how is Kennedy depicted in this account? How does Adzhubei depict himself?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Following the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, the USSR began steps to help the military defense of Castro's regime from future American attacks.
The memorandum translated below and dated 24 May 1962, was the first general plan for the deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles to Cuba prepared by the General Staff, in response to a request by Khrushchev after a May 21 meeting of the Defense Council. It was discussed at a CPSU Presidium (Politburo) meeting on May 24 and unanimously approved.
Attached Document:
Included here is the memorandum for the deployment of Soviet forces to Cuba.
Questions to consider:
1)What does the memo propose to do in Cuba?
2)How many missiles did they intend to ship to Cuba? How soon would they be ready to fire?
3)How many nuclear warheads were they sending? What was their range?
|
| | | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
For many Americans, the Communist takeover of Cuba, an island so close to the U.S. borders, was an anathema. The failure of the Bay of Pigs and the mounting evidence of Soviet aid flowing into Havanna compounded this attitude.
The document below is a statement made by JFK on the increasingly tense situation in Cuba. He states that it is apparent that the Soviet Union is aiding the Communists in Cuba, but they have yet to violate the treaty.
Attached Document:
Included here is Kennedy's statement on the situation in Cuba.
Questions to consider:
1)What kind of support was the Soviet Union providing Cuba according to this statement?
2)What does Kennedy claim is lacking in this support which keeps the Soviet Union from being in violation of a treaty?
3)What does Kennedy state is the U.S. position on the situation?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Perhaps the most ominous development in Cuba as far as the United States was concerned was the growing suspicion that the Soviets were deploying offensive nuclear weapons on the island. Unbeknownst to many is the fact that Moscow actually authorized the use of the weapons. Provided below is a Soviet memo authorizing the use of nuclear weapons in Cuba.
Attached Document:
Included here is the Soviet memorandum authorizing the use of nuclear weapons.
Questions to consider:
1)How many missiles are being sent according to this memo? How many “special warheads”?
2)What are the standing instruction concerning the use of the “nuclear means”?
|
| | | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Tensions continued to mount as well as evidence of Soviet deployment of nuclear weapons in Cuba. Moscow was steadfast in its support for the Castro's regime.
The document below is a statement issued by the Soviet government expressing their concern over the calling up of US reservists. They state that any action in Cuba would lead to a nuclear confrontation while maintaining their motivations for peace.
Attached Document
Included here is the Soviet statement on a potential attack on Cuba.
Questions to consider:
1)How does this statement depict the U.S. and its potential actions?
2)How does this statement depict Kennedy’s “call-up of 150,000 reservists”?
3)What does this statement claim the Soviet Union has been supplying Cuba? What does it say of the armaments sent there?
4)What does is say about nuclear warheads in Cuba? How does this statement compare with the Soviet memos seen above?
5)What does this statement claim will happen if the U.S. invades Cuba?
6)In terms of the big picture, what does the Soviet Union propose regarding peace between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Washington’s suspicions of Soviet intentions in Cuba fostered increased reconnaissance over the island in the late summer and early fall of 1962. In October, photos taken from a high-flying U-2 revealed incontrovertible evidence that the USSR had in fact deployed short and medium range ballistic missiles in Cuba. This evidence was a direct challenge to the United States and a tremendous threat to its security. This memo details information regarding intelligence photographs of Soviet bombers being transported to Cuba. Concern is expressed by the President regarding the dissemination of this information to the public prior to the election.
Attached Document:
Included here is McCone's memorandum to Kennedy.
Questions to consider:
1)How does the President react to the photos he is shown? Why?
2)What is agreed to do about the photos?
3)What is Kennedy’s ultimate decision on the situation in Cuba?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
The American challenge to its role in Cuba led Moscow to augment its military preparedness on the island. Provided below is a Top Secret Russian military order to increase combat readiness in Cuba to assist the Cuban Army in the event of a US invasion.
Attached Document:
Malinovsky's top secret order to Pliyev is included in this section. |
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Document
As the Cuban Crisis mounted, Khrushchev and Kennedy initiated dialogue in an attempt prevent nuclear catastrophe.
The document below is a letter to Chairman Khrushchev stating the US position on Berlin and Cuba. The President expresses his desire for a peaceful resolution, but insists that action will be taken if necessary.
Attached Document:
Kennedy's letter to Khrushchev is included here.
Questions to consider:
1)What does Kennedy state about the nature of nuclear war? How does this compare to previous statements by the U.S.S.R? Who is depicted as the “aggressor” in each?
2)How does he justify potential action in Cuba?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Provided below is the announcement made to the public by Kennedy on the build-up of Soviet arms in Cuba. JFK speaks on Cuban Missile Crisis with rather strong language, referring to the incident as "Soviet military buildup on the island of Cuba", "a strict quarantine on all offensive military equipment has been initiated", and "clandestine, reckless." (3:08)
Attached Document:
Included here is the clip of Kennedy's address.
Questions to consider:
1)What does Kennedy claim is the purpose of the missile bases on Cuba?
2)What did the U.S.S.R. claim was the type of aide they were providing Cuba?
3)What steps did Kennedy authorize to be taken?
4)What does he state will be the result of a missile attack by Cuba on any nation in the western hemisphere?
5)What does he call upon Khrushchev to do?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Khrushchev’s response to President Kennedy’s letter. The Chairman outlines the reasons for his refusal to submit to the President’s “arbitrary demands.”
Attached Document:
Included here is the text of Khrushchev's response to Kennedy's previous letter.
Questions to consider:
1)How does Khrushchev depict Kennedy’s letter?
2)What does he claim Kennedy is trying to do?
3)What does Khrushchev intend to do? How does he justify it?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
The lead up to the Cuban Missile Crisis is detailed here.
Adlai Stevenson at UN speaks on Cuban Missile Crisis; Castro builds up defenses in Cuba; cameras installed in airplane, photos show details, MiG-21 jets, OAS endorsed US in 20-0 vote, Dean Rusk shown at this meeting; Guantanamo base marines arrive; UN building exterior, Adlai Stevenson speaks. (6:00)
Attached Document
Included here is a clip detailing the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Questions to consider:
1)What does Adlai Stevenson claim is the result of Soviet involvement in Cuba?
2)What steps did the U.S. take to hinder weapons shipments to Cuba?
3)What was the situation in Cuba during this time?
4)What does this clip claim Castro has been doing to prepare for invasion?
5)What was Castro’s reaction to UN weapons inspectors?
6)How was the U.S. able to determine that Cuba had missile bases?
7)What organization pledged their support of U.S. action?
8)What military base in Cuba does Castro want the U.S. to leave?
9)What did the UN security council demand of Cuba?
10)Under what conditions will the U.S. lift the “quarantine”?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
In this letter, Castro informs Khrushchev of an imminent invasion. He goes on to describe how it will be met by the Cuban people and makes suggestions as to the Soviet Union’s action in such a case.
Attached Document
Included here is Castro's letter to Khrushchev.
Questions to consider:
1)How soon does Castro expect an invasion? What forms will it take?
2)What does Castro suggest the Soviet Union do in the event of an invasion? What would the consequences of such action be?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
This is a newsreel story in which Russian Kusnetsov arrives at the UN and meets with U Thant. Thant mediates the discussion between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. before traveling to Cuba to meet with Castro.
Attached Document
Included here is the clip of the newsreel following the crisis.
Questions to consider:
1)Who is arriving at the UN to represent the U.S.S.R.?
2)Who is the acting Secretary General of the UN at this time?
3)What role is U Thant playing in negotiations?
4)Who will supervise the removal of missile sites in Cuba?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
In this newsreel story, U Thant returns to NY from meeting with Castro regarding Cuban Missile Crisis. He speaks to press about his meeting and his findings there.
Attached Document
Included here is the newsreel of Thant's discussion with Castro.
Questions to consider:
1)From where is U Thant returning?
2)What does he predict about the dismantling of missile bases in Cuba?
3)When will the process be complete?
4)What will happen to the missiles there?
5)What does the Whitehouse announce about the Naval Quarantine?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Back To Module List Back to Sections |
