362. Telegram 221822Z to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, October 221
From: Pres US The White House
To: Secretary of State
(CINCNAVEUR NOT ADD PASS TO GEN NORSTAD EXCLUSIVE). CITE CAP 5492–62 JCS PASS TO USCINCEUR FOR GENERAL NORSTAD.
Dear General Norstad: By this time you have full information on the situation confronting us in Cuba. As this situation has developed, I have given much thought to its impact upon NATO and your tasks as SACEUR. I have regretted the inability to widen the circle of discussion during this period and particularly to enlist the support of NATO governments for the course of action which the United States has been obliged to take. While I know that our action creates a difficult situation for you, both in your role of SACEUR and CINCEUR, I have every confidence in your leadership and experience to help us over this critical period in our NATO relationships. Undoubtedly, a Soviet objective in undertaking to create a military base on Cuba has been his long time desire to split the NATO alliance. This we must not allow him to do and I know that your persuasive voice will carry great weight with our allies in presenting the logic and necessity of the American action. With warm personal regards, sincerely, John F. Kennedy.
- Transmits letter from the President to General Norstad explaining U.S. actions in Cuban missile crisis and importance of NATO alliance. Secret. 1 p. DOS, CF, 611.3722/10–2262.↩