President John F. Kennedy responded to the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles being placed in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. The crisis was a 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
When U.S. intelligence confirmed the presence of Soviet medium-range ballistic missiles in Cuba capable of reaching major U.S. cities, Kennedy faced a critical decision on how to respond. He convened a group of advisors known as the ExComm (Executive Committee of the National Security Council) to discuss possible courses of action.
Initially, some of Kennedy's advisors, including military leaders, pushed for immediate military action to destroy the missiles in Cuba. However, Kennedy was cautious about the potential escalation into a full-scale nuclear conflict. He sought alternatives that could resolve the crisis peacefully without resorting to direct military confrontation.
Kennedy's response was a combination of several measures:
Public Address: On October 22, 1962, President Kennedy addressed the nation on television and announced the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba. He made it clear that the missiles represented a serious threat to the United States, and he demanded their removal.
Naval Blockade: Kennedy ordered a naval "quarantine" (a term used to avoid the term "blockade" and its implications of an act of war) around Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments of military equipment to the island. The U.S. Navy was instructed to intercept any ships carrying offensive weapons.
Diplomacy: Despite the military measures, Kennedy also pursued diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis peacefully. He sent a private letter to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, suggesting a potential way to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution.
Private Communication: Through backchannel communications, Kennedy and Khrushchev exchanged letters and messages to explore possible ways to defuse tensions without publicly escalating the situation.
Public and Private Assurance: Kennedy assured the Soviet Union that the U.S. would not invade Cuba if the missiles were removed. He also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution.
Heightened Readiness: While seeking a peaceful resolution, Kennedy ordered the U.S. military to be on high alert, prepared for any potential military response from the Soviet Union.
United Nations Involvement: Kennedy brought the matter before the United Nations, presenting photographic evidence of the missile sites in Cuba to the international community.
Ultimately, the combination of firmness, diplomacy, and willingness to explore peaceful options led to a resolution of the crisis. After tense negotiations and an agreement between Kennedy and Khrushchev, the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba, while the U.S. pledged not to invade the island and secretly agreed to remove some of its missiles from Turkey.
Kennedy's response to the Cuban Missile Crisis is widely regarded as a successful example of crisis management and restraint, preventing a nuclear confrontation and easing tensions between the two superpowers.