October 29, 1962

This page includes diplomatic cables from October 29th, after disaster had been averted. While Western leaders pressed Khrushchev on the possibility of future disarmament as a resolution to tensions (CDNW12326, CDNW12584), continued negative international reactions from countries like Sri Lanka and Turkey indicated that there were still problems ahead (CDNW12328, CDNW12293).  

Conversations on Disarmament  

The day after the Cuban Missile Crisis was resolved, both US President John F. Kennedy and UK Prime Minister Harold Macmillan sent Khrushchev messages indicating they hoped for future disarmament. Kennedy offered a degree of conciliation in his message, and indicated that he understood Khrushchev’s “heavy responsibilities for the maintenance of peace” and praised the Soviet leader’s actions (CDNW12584). Macmillan, for his part, viewed the possibility of discernment as “an opportunity which we should seize” (CDNW12326). 

Other Issues 

The Canadian Ambassador to the UN indicated what came next was dependent on the UN Secretary General’s ongoing discussions with Castro to allow a dismantlement team into Cuba, which was an issue of contention (CDNW12259). Discussions that took place in NATO indicated that Turkey was upset at how its allies were willing to support “the sacrifice of Turkish interest” with the removal of missiles from Turkey (CDNW12293).  

The quarantine of Cuba caused significant economic headaches for Norway, which had two ships in Cuban waters and worried about the precedent the US blockade would have. Norway received assurance that inspection of their ships would still protect their financial interests (CDNW12365).  

In Sri Lanka, the blockade led to a left-wing demonstration outside the American embassy. The protestors blocked roads, and a “police baton charge” resulted in the hospitalization of fourteen protestors including “two senators and two MPs.” The use of force in the name of protecting the American embassy further angered the Sri Lankans (CDNW12328).