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Day 1
In the morning, President JF Kennedy is informed that Soviet Union is constructing nuclear missile bases on the island of Cuba. Later that morning at 11:45am, Excomm meets for first time to discuss how US gov should respond. Kennedy concludes the meeting, by stating 'We're going to take out these missiles". That evening at 6:30pm, Excomm meets again. No decision is reached on how to respond. Rapid air strike is the most favourable option at this stage; Robert McNamara presents idea of blockade. -
Day 2
Excomm meets throughout da to consider best response; air strike option still has majority of support -
Day 3
New U-2 reconnaissance photos show >32 nuclear missiles on Cuba capable of striking most cities in the US. At 5pm, Kennedy meets with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko. Kennedy doesn't mention he's aware of the missiles. Gromyko reiterates Soviet government's statement that no missiles are, or will be, installed on Cuba. That evening at 9:15pm, Excomm gives its recommendations to President Kennedy. Unhappy with lack of consensus in grp, must reconvene to get response they agree with -
Day 4
Morning - Kennedy meets with top military officers and they exert considerable pressure on him to launch air strike in prep for invasion of Cuba to destroy missiles and oust Castro -
Day 5
US armed forces around world put on high alert. Excomm meetings continue throughout morning. Kennedy cuts his trip short to Chicago and returns to Washington. The CIA