October 31, 1962

This page includes diplomatic cables from October 31st, 1962. Telegrams from this day debate Soviet motives and the next steps required to resolve the crisis. International reactions to the crisis, including from Nigeria, are also included. 

Soviet Motivations in Cuba 

In the days following the "resolution" of the Cuban crisis, international speculation abounded regarding Khrushchev's motivation for agreeing to withdraw Soviet missiles from Cuba. In a telegram detailing a meeting of NATO ambassadors (CDNW12381), various representatives provided analyses of Soviet actions. Some suggested that the removal of the missiles was a result of the threat of U.S. military action in Cuba. Perhaps Khrushchev simply realized that a "limited objective was not worth a nuclear war."  

A report prepared in Ottawa and sent to Canadian missions abroad also discussed Khrushchev's motivations, focusing on strategic and psychological factors involved in "creating conditions for the Cuban crisis" (CDNW12322). This assessment cited the Soviet leader's "impatient" character and the need to reduce U.S. power as key factors precipitating the crisis.  

A document detailing the position of French ambassador Emmanuel de Margerie also explored the motives and lessons learned by the Soviets following the crisis (CDNW12287). De Margerie suggested that the motives were more related to gaining strategic advantage and defending a socialist state.

Cuban Attitudes Post-Crisis 

Telegram CDNW12389 provides insight into the Cuban government's stance following the withdrawal of Soviet missiles. Paul Roa, the Cuban ambassador to the UN, repeatedly asserted that continued U.S. aggression was the greatest problem facing Cuba and outlined the need for the UN to agree to terms proposed by Castro.

An International Perspective 

The Canadian mission in Lagos passed on a letter to Diefenbaker from the Nigerian Prime Minister, and the letter included a text sent to Kennedy. In this text, the Prime Minister detailed Nigeria's decision to send a government representative to the UN to cooperate and expressed a desire to be continually updated regarding the Cuban crisis.