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

541. NSC Executive Committee record of action, November 19¹

Meeting No. 27

November 19, 1962, 10 a.m.

1. Director McCone summarized the weekend intelligence and commented on Cuban orders to their antiaircraft units to fire on reconnaissance planes.

2. Secretary Rusk reported on yesterday’s McCloy-Kuznetsov talk.

3. Following a general discussion of the need for overflights and the effect of such flights on the Cubans and the Russians, the President authorized high-level reconnaissance missions today but no low-level sorties.

4. There was a discussion of the President’s press statement for tomorrow. The President asked that two drafts be ready this afternoon; one for use if the Russians have replied on the IL–28 bombers and another if no reply has been received or if the reply is ambivalent.

5. The President reviewed the political and military actions which may have to be taken this week. He requested that recommended courses of action be presented later today for his consideration.

McGeorge Bundy

1. Summary of weekend intelligence; McCloy-Kuznetsov latest talk; high-level reconnaissance flights; Presidential press statements; review of political and military actions. Top Secret. 1 p. Kennedy Library, NSF, Meetings and Memoranda Series, Executive Committee, Meetings, Vol. III, 25–32A.