Feb. 7, 1963 - JFK Speaks on Soviet Threat in Cuba

Feb. 7, 1963 - President Kennedy warned the Soviet Union today that if offensive weapons are again found on Cuba, it “will produce the greatest crisis the world has faced in its history.” Mr. Kennedy said: “If there were offensive missiles found in Cuba contrary to Mr. Khrushchev’s pledge, it would raise the greatest risks, much greater in my opinion than we faced in October, and we faced great risks in October.” But the President told a nationally televised press conference that he is convinced the Kremlin has withdrawn all offensive weapons, both missiles and bombers, from Fidel Castro’s Communist-controlled island. In a token agreement with his critics, Mr. Kennedy conceded it is possible some missiles could be hidden in Cuba. But he insisted they would be spotted before they could be fired. The President indicated a conviction that Premier Khrushchev understands the great risk and will act with caution. In absence of “hard information” that offensive weapons are in Cuba, the Chief Executive soberly counseled against panicking over rumors. “We cannot base the issue of war and peace on a rumor or report, which is not substantiated, or which some member of Congress refused to tell where he heard it,” the President said.

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