Thirteen Days, pgs. 63-88 Summary and Analysis

Friday morning, JFK orders the State Department to prepare for establishing civil government, should Cuba have to be invaded and occupied. McNamara predicts very heavy casualties. JFK warns Ex Comm that the missiles could fire before invading forces reach them. McCone warns how well equipped the enemy is and conditions are as adverse as in Korea. JFK follows up on details as they await Khrushchev's answer. It comes at 6 PM. Much has been written about it, including allegations that the author is incoherent. It is long and emotional, pleading that they not succumb to "petty passions" or "transient things." Khrushchev has been in two wars and knows where it leads. Soviet missiles will not be used offensively; only lunatics or suicides could do what the Americans charge. The USSR wants to peaceful competition. Soviet ships...