Statement Announcing the End of the Cuban Naval Quarantine
November 20, 1962

[The first three sentences of a statement to be made by President Kennedy at his Press Conference at 6:00 p.m. on November 20, 1962.]

I have today been informed by Chairman Khrushchev that all of the IL-28 bombers now in Cuba will be withdrawn within 30 days. He also agrees that these planes can be observed and counted as they leave. Inasmuch as this goes a long way toward reducing the danger which faced this Hemisphere four weeks ago, I have this afternoon instructed the Secretary of Defense to lift our naval quarantine.

Return to Primary Sources >>