The Caribbean Crisis - Essay Example

Chair of Executive Committee of National Security Council, Robert Kennedy Member of Executive Committee of National Security Council October 1962 SUBJECT: Cuban Missile Crisis Advocacy for Negotiations After reading the reports and seeing the slides from KGB Colonel Oleg Penkovsky, I am recommending a blockade when dealing with the Russians over the issue of missiles in Cuba (Archive of Nuclear Data). Colonel Penkovsky has given evidence that our government has more nuclear warheads than the Russians. I believe that they would be interested in negotiations to save face, only if a blockade is first enforced. I have prepared this memo with some valid points in favor of a blockade as a viable option for this situation. I must make clear that although I would usually be advocating negotiation, measures such as a blockade can be used to enforce the negotiations. The Russians have been deceptive on the Cuban issue, as you well know (BBC). Only days after assuring you that no offensive or nuclear missiles were being completed in Cuba: US spy planes discovered a fairly sizeable sub pen being constructed under the guise of a fishing village. The USSR, on 11 September, stated publicly that there was no need for the distribution of nuclear weapons to anywhere outside the Soviet Union including Cuba. That same day, a personal communiqué was received from Khrushchev to the President stating in no uncertain terms that there would be no offensive weapons placed in Cuba. (BBC) Thus, a blockade is the only option to force the Russians to negotiate. Another reason for the blockade is to find proof, other than pictures, to force the Russians to admit what is really going on in Cuba. Mr. President, your brother might have reported, “Gromyko, upon arriving in the Oval Office, immediately told the President that the USA should stop threatening Cuba and that all the Soviets were doing was helping with food and land development” (BBC). Despite all of the photo evidence, the Russians are going to keep on lying until we find proof. Under no circumstances should we believe the Russians. If they can come in and bold face lie, when we have proof of their activities in Cuba, they are not trustworthy. However, if we could intercept a Russian ship with incriminating evidence, the Russians would have to admit their guilt. That would force them to the negotiating table. They would have no other choice, except to fight a war they cannot win, whether it is nuclear or classical warfare. Another plus for a blockade is the seizure of all illegal nuclear missile components. By using our might, we would prevent Russia from getting the necessary materials into Cuba. No materials, no nuclear weapons. The crisis would be solved if no more parts are taken into Cuba. Our intelligence shows that although nuclear missiles are being built, none are functional (BBC). In order to maintain this situation, a blockade is necessary. Even if the Russians already have enough material to finish the nuclear missiles, it would not hurt the situation to prevent more components from entering Cuba. Another plus to the blockade is the Russians weakness to fight against it. The Russians do not have the capability to resist the blockade zone. Without speaking of the threat of nuclear missiles, only conventional navy power, the US has more sophisticated equipment. Our naval capabilities would force the Russians hand at the least; at the best the Russians would not get nuclear components into Cuba. Their naval capabilities do not have the capacity to outrun, outgun, or outman our ships. Cuba does not have the natural resources to complete nuclear missiles without the shipments from Russia. This means that the nuclear components must come from Russia. Since flights would be unfeasible, due to the massive tonnage needed to complete their mission, naval ships is the only way for Russia to complete this mission. A naval blockade would stop the problem at the source; illegal shipments from Russia. If a blockade is put into place, certain items must be put on a list to confiscate. The US Navy cannot and will not confiscate medical or food supplies. The list should include offensive weapons, but nothing else. While offensive weapons should be confiscated, we should reserve the right to confiscate oil, metal, or other components that could be converted into offensive weapons. If the US gets help from other Latin American countries, then the blockade would be legal under RIO. I have received reports that that: Latin American participation in the quarantine now involved two Argentine destroyers which were to report to the U.S. Commander South Atlantic [COMSOLANT] at Trinidad on November 9. An Argentine submarine and a Marine battalion with lift were available if required. In addition, two Venezuelan destroyers and one submarine had reported to COMSOLANT, ready for sea by 2 November. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago offered the use of Chaguaramas Naval Base to warships of any OAS nation for the duration of the quarantine. The Dominican Republic had made available one escort ship. Colombia was reported ready to furnish units and had sent military officers to the U.S. to discuss this assistance. The Argentine Air Force informally offered three SA-16 aircraft in addition to forces already committed to the quarantine operation. (Anderson) By having other Latin countries help us; it does not look like the US is ganging up on Russia. In performing this operation together, then united we stand for our countries against Russian aggression. A blockade would also show that the US is not going to back down on the issue of nuclear bases so close to our shore. Hopefully this show of strength will avert nuclear war. While I do not believe the US should be aggressive in their military options, unless forced, we should not back down from a nuclear threat. A blockade is the perfect balance of force. It shows that the US is only policing our waters, not forcing Cuba to bend to our will. Although I am advocating a blockade, I am only doing so in order to force the Russians to negotiate honestly. If I thought the Russians would negotiate honestly, the blockade would not be necessary. I think if we negotiated today, the Russians would tell us what we wanted to hear, while slipping in shipments of nuclear missile parts. A blockade will stop the problem now, instead of waiting on the Russians to do the right thing. I believe that a blockade could solve this problem, but only if done right. The US will only confiscate listed items as mentioned above, but moreover during searches US Naval Officers should treat the Russians with respect. If we act arrogantly in this delicate situation, the one thing we hope to avoid could become a reality. The Russians should be treaty firmly, but in a manner we would want to be treated during a search in their waters. If we mistreat the Russians, the next time one of our citizens or soldiers is confronted by a Russian force, they will be treated ten times worse. We do not want to back the Russians into a corner. A cornered adversary is more dangerous, than one that has a little room to maneuver. A blockade is the only option that can be followed at this time. It will make the Russians confess to what is really going on in Cuba. A blockade will also stop nuclear components from going to Russia. Hopefully, a blockade will also force the Russians to negotiate a deal in our favor. I do not see any other viable option other than a blockade at this time. A blockade will give us more options as well as the Russians. References Anderson, G.W. Jr. (Chief of Naval Operations), "Introduction", The Naval Quarantine of Cuba, 1962, U.S. Naval Historical Center, Report on the Naval Quarantine of Cuba, Operational Archives Branch, Post 46 Command File, Box 10, Washington, DC, Retrieved 20 April 2008 from http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq90-5.htm. Archive of Nuclear Data. (n.d.). National Resources Defense Council. Retrieved 20 April 2008 from . The Cuban Missile Crisis. (2001). BBC. Retrieved 20 April 2008 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A563852 Wood, F. "Latin American-United States Quarantine Task Force, 12 Nov, 1962", 1962 - Cuban Missile Crisis. Retrieved 20 April 2008 from http://www.ussmullinnix.org/1962Cruise.html. Read More