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The thirteen days marking the most dangerous period of the Cuban missile crisis begin. President Kennedy and principal foreign policy and national defense officials are briefed on the U-2 findings. Discussions begin on how to respond to the challenge.
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American military units begin moving to bases in the Southeastern U.S. as intelligence photos from another U-2 flight show additional sites; and 16 to 32 missiles.
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President Kennedy is visited by Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, who asserts that Soviet aid to Cuba is purely defensive and does not represent a threat to the United States.
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President Kennedy leaves for a scheduled campaign trip to Ohio and Illinois. In Washington, his advisers continue the debate over the necessary and appropriate course of action.
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President Kennedy returns suddenly to Washington and after five hours of discussion with top advisers decides on the quarantine.
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After attending Mass at St. Stephen's Church with Mrs. Kennedy, the President meets with General Walter Sweeney of the Tactical Air Command who tells him that an air strike could not guarantee 100% destruction of the missiles.
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President Kennedy phones former Presidents Hoover, Truman and Eisenhower to brief them on the situation. Meetings to coordinate all actions continue
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Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Edwin Martin seeks a resolution of support from the Organization of American States
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Chairman Khrushchev replies indignantly to President Kennedy's October 23 letter stating in part:
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Knowing that some missiles in Cuba were now operational, the president personally drafts a letter to Premier Khrushchev, again urging him to change the course of events.
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A Soviet-chartered freighter is stopped at the quarantine line and searched for contraband military supplies.
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A second letter from Moscow demanding tougher terms, including the removal of obsolete Jupiter missiles from Turkey, is received in Washington
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The thirteen days marking the most dangerous period of the Cuban missile crisis end
