THE PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been
briefed by the National Security Advisor on the shooting down today in
broad daylight of two American civilian airplanes by Cuban military
aircraft. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the
incident, including the airplane's flight plan and the flight route and
what, if any, warnings were given.
This afternoon I ordered the following actions: First, I
directed the United States Coast Guard units in the area to conduct
search and rescue operations. That is now underway in the waters off
Cuba. Second, I have ordered United States military forces in the area
to provide support for the search and rescue operations and to ensure
that it is fully protected. Third, I have instructed our interest
section in Havana to seek an immediate explanation for this incident
from the Cuban government.
I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. And
as events unfold and we know more we will do our best to answer your
questions.
I'd like now to ask Mr. McCurry to come up and either now
or immediately, I think, when I leave here to do his best to answer
whatever other questions you have. Obviously, we will be getting
further information throughout the night and we'll let you know when we
have it.
