Phone Conversation between Kennedy & Eisenhower
Source:
Kennedy, J.F., and Eisenhower, D. D. (1962). Telephone recordings: Dictation belt 30.2. Cuban Missile Crisis update [Audio file]. Retrieved from http://www.jfklibrary.org/Asset-Viewer/Archives/JFKPOF-TPH-30-2.aspx |
In 2012, Time magazine featured a cover story on "The Most Exclusive Club" in reference to the fraternity of living American presidents. Although the sitting president often has differing political views than his predecessor, there is generally a greater respect for them after seeing the pressures of the job first hand. Records show a noticeable tension between Eisenhower and Kennedy prior to Kennedy's inauguration, but in the heat of the Cold War, the younger Kennedy turned to the former general for advice.
In this conversation, Eisenhower references the three options before the president. He claims the first option - a limited airstrike on missile sites in Cuba - has no merit because it creates instability. The other two options were a full invasion or a quarantine. They discuss the advantage to the quarantine is it buys time, but an invasion may be inevitable. There are many striking elements to the conversation, including some nervous laughter towards the end. At the end of this tape reel, Kennedy has a separate phone conversation regarding that evening's televised address outlining the quarantine. |