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

619. Memorandum from McGeorge Bundy to General Taylor, February 19¹

February 19, 1963

The President notes in a Cuban Task Force report on contingency planning for Cuba that it would take 18 days from the moment of alert to make an invasion of the island, and he told me to ask you for a comment on this delay and on the ways and means which might be available for shortening it. His impression is that the principal problem is shipping, but he would be glad to have an up-to-date account from you.

McGeorge Bundy

1. Transmits the President’s request for ways and means to shorten the 18-day lead time in contingency planning for an invasion of Cuba. Top Secret. 1 p. Kennedy Library, NSF, Countries Series, Cuba, General, vol. VII(B), 2/63.