Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1962-10-23
KENNEDY
KENNEDY
/ u. S. Course Called
4 Full of Hazards

both medium and intermediate
range ballistic missiles are be-
ing prepared in Cuba, and jet
bombers capable of carrying
nuclear weapons are being I'M
Grated there. The purpose can
only be to provide q Soviet nu-
clear strike capability against
the Western Hemisphere. he
added.
Deliberately Provocative
"This urgent transformation
Of Cuba into an important stra-
tegic base" for the Soviet was
described by the President as
a reckless and deliberately
provocative" threat to the
peace and security Of all the
Americas.
He declared that such a
threat cannot be accepted by
this country If our courage and
commitments are ever to be
trusted again by either friend
or foe"
In announcing the initial
steps" he has taken to meet
the Communist threat, Mr..
Kennedy put heavy stress on
the word initial" and the word
was underlined in the text OF
his speech distributed to re-
porters.
Effective Later
state Department officials
said later that the "quaran-
tine" or blockade of Cuba will
not become effective until the
President issues a formal proc
lamation, expected tonight. list
ing the specific items Of mill |
tary equipment considered Of
2ensive.
After his grave report to the
country, the White House an
nounced that both President
Kennedy and Vice President
johnson will not participate
any further in this years cleo
ton campaign.
Press Secretary Pierre Salin-
ger also said a group Of Demo-
cratic and Republican congress
sional leaders, summoned back
to Washington for conference
with the President late yester-
day, had agreed to remain in
Washington for an indefinite
period to be readily available
for further conferences.
Senate Republican Leader
Dirksen of Illinois said the
congressional leaders to meet
with him tomorrow to review
world reaction.
Ex-Presidents Informed
Mr.. Salinger disclosed that
Mr.. Kennedy gave advance no
tice, by telephone to former
Presidents Eisenhower, Truman
and Hoover of the steps he an
nounced last night and that
Gen. Eisenhower had received
O special briefing on the Cuban
situation by CHA Director John
A. McCone Sunday.
Mr.. Salinger said that more
than 1000 kilograms running
about IL to ! in favor of the
Presidents action, had been
received at the White House by
noon today. He said they were
still coming in at a great rate.
The quarantine" on all ship
ments of offensive military
equipment to Cuba announced
by the President could bring a
direct conformation between
American and Soviet arms.
Still unanswered is what So
Wet reaction would be when
Russian ship is stopped and
searched by an American war
ship. The nearest Soviet ships
to Cuba repeatedly would ar
rive in the islands vicinity to-
night.
The President called upon
Soviet Premier Khrushchev to
"halt and eliminate this clan
destine, reckless and provoca-
tive threat to world peace" in
volved in the extension Of So
Wet missile bases to Cuba.
Hints at Meeting
limiting at readiness to dis
cuss the situation personally
with the Soviet Premier, Mr..
Kennedy said the United States
is prepared to present its case
at any time and in any form
Gin the GAS, in the United Ma
tons, or in any other meeting
that could be useful"
But the President left no
doubt of his determination to
stdb the Soviet military build
up,in Cuba by whatever action
is necessary.
Under the strict quaran-
tine" he said, "all ships of any
kind bound for Cuba, from
whatever Nation or port, will,
If found to contain cargoes OF
offensive weapons, be turned
back"
He added that "this quaran-
tire will be extended, if need
edt to other types of cargo and
carriers"
includes Planes
The reference to other types
of Carriers" officials said lat
er, was meant to include planes
If there should be an effort to
fly over the naval blockade.
The President emphasized,
however, that so far the United
States will not try to blockade
Cuba against shipments Of
"the necessities of life"
Directing increased surveil-
lance Of Communist Cuba. the
President said further action
will be justified" if offensive
military preparations there
continue.
Directing part of his speech
"to the captive people of Cuba,
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