The news as it happened.
The Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban missile crisis, October 1962, day by day: Kennedy’s address revealing the missiles, the naval quarantine, the ships at sea, the UN confrontation, Black Saturday’s U-2 shootdown, Khrushchev’s announcement that the missiles will be removed, and the first day after
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One issue each morning, starting with Monday, October 22, 1962.
- Monday, October 22, 1962Kennedy says missile bases are being built in Cuba, orders quarantinePresident Kennedy tells America that Soviet missile bases are being built in Cuba and orders a naval quarantine; in New Delhi, Mr Nehru tells India its freedom is menaced as Chinese tanks press on for a third day.
- Tuesday, October 23, 1962Kennedy signs quarantine order; the Americas back him 19 to 0President Kennedy signs the quarantine order with the Americas behind him 19 to 0, and Moscow warns of thermonuclear war; in the Himalayas the Chinese threaten Towang as Peking offers talks.
- Wednesday, October 24, 1962Quarantine in force; some Soviet ships appear to alter courseThe quarantine of Cuba is in force and some Soviet ships appear to have changed course, as U Thant appeals for a standstill; in the Himalayas Towang falls and India rejects Peking’s terms.
- Thursday, October 25, 1962Stevenson demands yes or no from Zorin on Cuba missilesMr Stevenson demands a yes or no from Mr Zorin and shows the Security Council his photographs, as Mr Khrushchev accepts U Thant’s plan and Mr Kennedy says the weapons must go; at sea a Soviet tanker is let through and a dozen ships turn back.
- Friday, October 26, 1962White House says Cuba missile work goes on at rapid paceThe White House says the Russians are pressing on with the Cuban missile sites and Washington weighs further action, as the Navy boards its first ship and Mr Khrushchev orders his ships to keep clear; in New Delhi the President proclaims a state of emergency.
- Saturday, October 27, 1962Air Force pilot missing after Cuba flight; planes fired upon, reserves calledAn American reconnaissance pilot is missing after a flight over Cuba after planes were fired upon, and Washington calls up Air Force reservists; Mr Khrushchev publicly offers to take his weapons out of Cuba if the United States takes its rockets out of Turkey, and the White House says the work in Cuba must stop first.
- Sunday, October 28, 1962Khrushchev orders rockets in Cuba dismantled and shipped homeMr Khrushchev tells President Kennedy over Moscow Radio that he has ordered the weapons in Cuba dismantled, crated and returned to the Soviet Union, and is ready to let the United Nations verify it; Mr Kennedy welcomes the decision, while Dr Castro sets conditions of his own.
- Monday, October 29, 1962Quarantine of Cuba to be suspended for Thant’s Havana visitThe United States will suspend its quarantine of Cuba for two days at U Thant’s request as he prepares to fly to Havana, and President Kennedy names a committee to settle the details; in New Delhi, India asks America for arms.