Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, American Republics; Cuba 1961–1962; Cuban Missile Crisis and Aftermath, Volumes X/XI/XII, Microfiche Supplement

519. Memorandum of Executive Committee meeting by McCone, November 12¹

November 12, 1962, 4 p.m.

All members were present and in addition Ambassador Stevenson, John McCloy and Clyde Yost from the UN.

Mr. McCone reported briefly on intelligence matters summarizing the Intelligence Memorandum of 12 November, calling specific attention to the fact that assembly of Beagles was continuing and the differing interrelationships and the report [less than 1 line not declassified] concerning statements made by Fidel Castro. The DCI also called particular attention to SNIE 85–6–62, noting Annex B listing the military equipment delivered to Cuba since August 1st; that which was there prior to August 1st, and the total, and stated that [illegible in the original] million of equipment and spares had been delivered since August 1st.

DCI then emphasized that as a result of those deliveries Castro had in his hands capability to supply insurgency groups operating against any of the Caribbean and Central American countries, Mexico, and the northern tier of Latin American countries. He stated that delivery of maritime equipment, while insufficient to support an invasion force, was sufficient to support insurgency forces to a far greater extent than Castro had heretofore.

During the exchange of discussion concerning aerial surveillance, McCone pointed out that if the Soviets lit up the SAM sites, which they were capable of doing, then we can only proceed with aerial surveillance at great hazard, and probably this means of inspection would not be affective.

During the meeting, the President was advised that a Cuban had appeared on “TODAY”, an NBC show, and stated he knew positively there were 82 missiles in Cuba; that only 42 had been removed, and that the balance had been hidden in caves. The President asked for a report, and also for continuing surveillance of this type of report which is presumably based on rumor and gossip. The DCI reviewed discussions with AP-UP and the Washington Star and said this particular report would be handled immediately.

The remainder of the meeting is covered by hand-written notes attached.

John A. McCone

Director

1. Military equipment in Cuba; aerial surveillance; Cuban refugee report re number of missiles in Cuba. Top Secret. 1 p. CIA, DCI (McCone) Files: Job 80–B01285A, Box 6, DCI Meetings with the President, 1 July 1962–31 December 1961.