…Aggressive conduct, if allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged ultimately leads to war.
On October 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced an air and naval blockade of Cuba, following the discovery of Soviet missile bases on the island. This is the New York Times report of the speech.
President John F. Kennedy (1961)
“Radio and Television Report to the American People on the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba” (October 22, 1962)
The 1930’s taught us a clear lesson: aggressive conduct, if allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged ultimately leads to war. This nation is opposed to war. We are also true to our word. Our unswerving objective, therefore, must be to prevent the use of these missiles against this or any other country, and to secure their withdrawal or elimination from the Western Hemisphere.
Audio recording and complete transcript: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
The Kennedy Library and Museum offered a special exhibit called “To the Brink” with more details of this dangerous moment in Cold War history.
