Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, American Republics; Cuba 1961–1962; Cuban Missile Crisis and Aftermath, Volumes X/XI/XII, Microfiche Supplement

385. Memorandum from McGeorge Bundy to the President, October 24¹

October 24, 1962

David Ormsby-Gore came in to tell me what will be on the Prime Minister’s mind when he talks to you at 7 PM our time. It is not his speech tomorrow but the question of possible next steps on the political track.

1. At what point should there be an initiative for political conversation? At some point there will clearly have to be a conference if there is not going to be a war. Whose initiative would be helpful here—US? Secretary General? or some other power, perhaps the UK?

2. What should be the framework of discussion? The discussion might be framed in terms of exchange of military bases, but the Prime Minister and Lord Home think that is not too good. It would look like a rather cynical exchange and a weak ending to the U.S. beginning.

Therefore he thinks the preferred course is to get discussion on disarmament (with the recognition that something about bases might come up along the way).

1. In this context would the President see value in a Kennedy-Khrushchev summons to a meeting aimed at agreement on stage 1 of the general disarmament program. (David thinks this is not a good idea because the two sides are too far apart and because it leaves no room for the French.

2. Before such a conference there might have to be a standstill involving no import of arms and no blockade. (David thinks you should make it very plain to the PM that this is not an acceptable position and that the US cannot stand down its blockade without progress toward the removal of the missiles.

In summary, what is on the Prime Minister’s mind is when and in what context conversations can be started.

David and I agreed that you would also want to bring him up to date on the present situation and on your own view of the immediate future.

McG.B.

1. Briefing information for a call to the President from Macmillian; possible next steps on the political track. No classification marking. 2 pp. Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Cuba, General, Vol. IV (A).