Although the activity of the Soviets on Cuba was obvious the United States government held this information in secret until October 21 and 22. Until then only fourteen top officials of the executive committee were advised of this activity.
One Photo Speaks Many Words
Photographs taken by flights had made it plain that Russia was installing ballistic missiles on the island of Cuba. President John F. Kennedy had now determined that, by one means or another, this dire threat to the eastern seaboard of the United States must, and would, be removed. These missiles not only placed the nation's capital and the eastern portion of the United States in jeopardy but almost all major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, within range of nuclear attack. The photographs also showed evidence of nuclear-capable bombers.
The Attack Choices
Two means of removing or annihilating this threat were suggested, a naval blockade of the island or an air strike. There was also a third choice-do nothing. Although a meeting of select top officials would lay out all of the pros and cons of either choice, the final decision would be made by one solitary man, John F. Kennedy, the President of the United States. Any one of those three choices could result in an all-out nuclear war between the United States of America and Russia that would include various allies.
Perhaps in readiness, or hopefully anticipating that an air strike would be decided upon, Secretary Robert McNamara ordered four tactical air squadrons to be placed at readiness.
A Meeting of the Minds
The President was away from Washington on a trip and was in Chicago, Illinois. Even prior to the Presidents return to Washington meetings were being held concerning the issue. At 10 o'clock on Saturday his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, telephoned the President at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. The Attorney General advised the President that they were ready to meet with him. After all discussions had been completed only one man, alone, would make the final decision, the President of the United States.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: Attack by Air or Sea, continues with: A Presidential Decision: The Cuban Missile Crisis.
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