Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1962-10-22
Troop, Ship Action
Hints Cuba Move

President Kennedy will speak to the Nation by eevision
and radio at pm tonight for minutes subject of
the highest national urgency" believed to be Cuba
The President conferred during the morning with key
military and diplomatic advisers He called the National
Security Council the cabinet and congressional leaders OF
both parties separate meetings at the White House this
afternoon.
White House Press Secretary sanger announced
these to crowded press conference in his office
shortly after noon.
Subject of highest national urgency that occupying
President Kennedy But informed speculation indicated it
involved the Communist regime of Fidel Castro in Cuba
u S. Military Activity
Speculation that the focus the admnistra
ons activity heightened by United States military
activity in the Caribbean About 40 ships 10000
and carrerbased aircraft assembled for Navy
Puerto Rico.
Salngers briefing followed weekend furry of
tvity at high military and diplomatic levels
The that those comforting with Kennedy during
the morning including Martin Henbrand. who heads the
State Departments Berlin force led to Specua
ton that the crisis involved Communist threat against
Berlin.
Mr. sainger was asked if it was true United States
troops in Berlin special alert He replied that he
could not answer that question.
Observers pointed out however that any American mill
tary action against Cuba probably would involve planning
to Soviet counter thrust in Berlin elsewhere be-
cause of Rusas deep commitments to aid Of Cubas Conn
mun Premier Fde Castro event of any American attack
Statement Possible
Mr. Salnger told questioner that statement the
White Presidents pm report to the
try tonight was possible"
Asked if Mr.. Kennedy planned to appear before the
United Nations General Assembly send it special
age Mr. Sanger said IT can't that at the moment
The a the moment" phrase indicated that such action
might be under consideration.
In response another question Mr. Sainger said the
President not had any Communication from Soviet
Premier Khrushchev since Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko
was at the White House last Thursday evening.
a When Mr. Salinger asked the Subject Of the
highest national urgency" broader than country
he said, II would not answer that question"
Lists Conferees
Mr. Sanger said those comforting with the President
during morning included Secretary of State Rusk Secre
tary of Defense Mcnamara Attorney General Robert F.
Kennedy Lleweyn Thompson recently American ambas
Sador and special adviser Soviet affairs
Mr. Hllenbrand and others whom he did not identify
He announced that Kennedy had called the National
Security Council special meeting at the White House at
BIS pm and the Cabinet to meet at 43O pm
Eighteen congressional leaders of both parties spread
out over the country the election campaign asked by
the President return to Washington for meeting with
him at pm.
u Air Force Sends Planes
Mr. Salinger said Air Force planes bringing back
most of the congressional leaders involved.
Those asked to the pm meeting included the chairman
and ranking Republican members of the Foreign Relations
and Armed Services Committees of the Senate and House.
Mr. Salinger said those involved Vice President
Johnson who already had flown back here from Hawaii,
House Speaker Mccormack Senate Majority Leader Mans
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