Minutes of Ex Comm meeting of October 21
As the Ex Comm meets one day before Kennedy's announcement of the Cuban blockade, much attention is given to the exact wording of his speech. Military and diplomatic steps also receive attention.

Kennedy proclaims plan for quarantine
President Kennedy issues a statement on October 23 outlining details of the planned blockade around Cuba.

CIA reports activity among the Soviet, Cuban militaries
The Central Intelligence Agency reports that it sees no evidence of a big military alert in the Soviet Union or Cuba.

Harriman believes Khrushchev is seeking help
In a discussion with UN Ambassador Adlai Stevenson, Averell Harriman reports that he believes Khrushchev is desperately seeking U.S. assistance in his effort to end the crisis without starting a war.

Planners look ahead to possible U.S. airstrike
As part of a larger document that examines future steps against Cuba, including an economic blockade and political negotiations, this draft report provides a scenario for an airstrike.

Lyndon Johnson's notes on the October 26 Ex Comm meeting
Vice President Johnson's scribbled account of an Ex Comm meeting says something about the scattering of incomplete information and confusion that dominate discussions at this pivotal point in the confrontation.

Soviet leader raises issue of possible missile swap
Writing on October 27, Khrushchev for the first time suggests that he will remove Soviet missiles from Cuba if Kennedy withdraws U.S. missiles from Turkey.

Report outlines journalist's meeting with Soviet operative
A report from FBI Chief J. Edgar Hoover to Robert Kennedy on October 27 details the encounter between journalist John Scali and a distressed Soviet operative, Aleksandr Feklisov.

U.S. official attempts to anticipate likely Soviet response
Intelligence analyst Thomas Hughes tries to predict the likely Soviet reaction if the United States destroys the SAM site that shot down a U-2, killing the pilot.

Khrushchev, Castro communicate frustrations
In a series of letters, Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro attempt to hash out their differences as the crisis comes to an end.

Khrushchev, Castro communicate frustrations
In a series of letters, Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro attempt to hash out their differences as the crisis comes to an end.