Sept. 19, 1962
The CIA states that missile deployment to Cuba would be "incompatible with Soviet practice."
However, another CIA report cites reasons for suspicion:
Soviet ships heading to Cuba appear to be "riding high in the water" -- suggesting that they are carrying light, military cargo.
Evidence of elaborate surface-to-air defense systems being constructed.
Reports come through Fidel Castro's private pilot boasting after a night drinking in Havana, that "we can win because we have everything, including atomic weapons."
Sept. 20, 1962
In Moscow, Premier Khrushchev is worried by the possible American reaction to a Soviet submarine base on Cuba and sends only four submarines to Cuban waters, cancelling plans for stationing an entire fleet in Cuba. The photograph above shows one of the Foxtrot class submarines sent from the Soviet Union.
In Washington, the U.S. Senate passes a resolution on sanctioning the use of force in Cuba if necessary by a vote of 86 to one. This will "prevent creation or use of externally supported offensive military capability endangering security of the U.S."
National Archives
