319. Editorial Note
The Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 had an impact on U.S. export control policy. On October 23, President Kennedy proclaimed U.S. interdiction of offensive weapons to Cuba, effective October 24. The Department of Commerce continued to allow shipments only of nonsubsidized foodstuffs, medicines, and medical supplies on humanitarian grounds as well as gift parcels of limited value to Cuba, but held up, for the time being, approval of all licenses for shipment to Soviet bloc countries and Yugoslavia, except general licenses for moving goods of no strategic value and gifts. It did nothing about licenses already issued, all of which were valid for 6 months. (Memorandum from Edward Gudeman, Under Secretary of Commerce, to Kaysen, October 23; Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Trade Policy, East-West Trade)
President Kennedy lifted the naval quarantine of Cuba on November 20, but the policy in effect since October 1960 discouraged all shipments to Cuba other than specified food and medical supplies, and from [Page 706] September 6, the cargoes of American vessels and planes going to Cuba were subject to the same regulation and control that applied to American vessels and planes going to European Soviet bloc countries. (Revision of Transportation Order T-1 to include Cuba, signed by Secretary of Commerce Hodges, September 6; Washington National Records Center, RG 40, Department of Commerce, Executive Secretariat Files: FRC 69 A 6828, Office of the Secretary, Export Control (Sept. through Dec.))
President Kennedy had prohibited imports from Cuba from February 7, under authority of Section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. (Department of State Bulletin, February 19, 1962, pages 283-284) Documentation on U.S. discouragement of international trade, shipping, and aviation to Cuba, is scheduled for publication in volume XI.