Question 2
Khrushchev responded to Kennedy's letter the following day. Read the translated text of his letter, dated October 23,
1962. Then, answer the following question.
Department of State
Division of Language Services
Moscow, October 23, 1962
Mr. President.
I have just received your letter, and have also acquainted myself with the text of your speech of October 22 regarding
Cuba.
I must say frankly that measures indicated in your statement constitute a serious threat to peace and to the security
of nations. The United States has openly taken the path of grossly violating the United Nations Charter, path of
violating international norms of freedom of navigation on the high seas, the path of aggressive actions both against
Cuba and against the Soviet Union.
The statement by the Government of the United States of America can only be regarded as undisguised interference
in the internal of the Republic of Cuba, the Soviet Union, and other states. The United Nations Charter and
international norms give no right to any state to institute in international waters the inspection of vessels bound for
the shores of the Republic of Cuba.
And naturally, neither can we recognize the right of the United States to establish control over armaments which are
necessary for the Republic of Cuba to strengthen of its defense capability.
We affirm that the armaments which are in Cuba, regardless of the classification to which they may belong, are
intended solely for defensive purposes, in order to secure the Republic of Cuba against the attack of an aggressor.
I hope that the United States Government will display wisdom and renounce the actions pursued by you, which may
lead to catastrophic consequences for world peace.
The viewpoint of the Soviet Government with regard to your statement of October 22 is set forth in statement of the
Soviet Government, which is being transmitted to you through your Ambassador at Moscow.
Part A
What message was Khrushchev trying send to Kennedy in this letter? List at least three pieces of evidence from the letter
in your response.
