:25:00
We're asking all of you to
exercise caution and discretion.
:25:03
The President is particularly anxious,
:25:05
and this is background,
that we avoid the impression
:25:07
that we're trying to
patronize Khrushchev,
:25:10
or that we're claiming victory.
:25:13
Now as for the present situation
on the blockade line,
:25:16
the Department of Defense
will release such information
:25:18
as we feel to be consistent with
the national interest.
:25:21
The crucial fact is that
the Soviet ships have changed course.
:25:25
The Joint Chiefs suspect that the Soviets
:25:28
turned back to rendezvous with
their submarines.
:25:31
The thinking is that they are regrouping
to run the blockade.
:25:37
Is there any specific evidence on that?
:25:40
No.
:25:41
No.
:25:45
The Navy has the Soviet ships and subs
:25:50
under continuous surveillance?
:25:52
Yes, sir.
:25:53
Tomorrow morning there will be new ships
:25:55
reaching the quarantine zone.
:25:57
The military can't automatically
and rigidly treat
:26:00
every damn boat like an enemy.
:26:05
I want you to make absolutely certain
:26:07
that the Navy understands my
policy in full.
:26:12
Yes, sir.
:26:16
Whas that ship doing out there
by itself, Admiral?
:26:18
Is on patrol, Mr. Secretary.
:26:20
I don't understand her position.
:26:22
Is a security matter, sir.
:26:25
Copy Admiral Ward on this immediately.
:26:28
Admiral?
:26:30
Yes, sir.
:26:30
Could you step outside for a moment,
please.
:26:32
Very well, sir.
:26:35
Admiral, we know we have ample power
:26:39
to defeat the Soviets in the Caribbean,
:26:41
but they might react someplace else
in a spasm,
:26:44
with nuclear weapons.
:26:45
The President does not want
to push Khrushchev
:26:47
to those extremes.
:26:49
Mr. Secretary, by any standards,
:26:50
a blockade is an act of war.
:26:53
I know the Soviets understand as much,
:26:54
and I think we should, sir.
:26:56
We can't view this as
a conventional blockade.
:26:59
I have my procedures.