U.S. blockade against Soviet ships around Cuba begins 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: October 24, 1962 (at 0:00)

(Wednesday, October 24, 1962, 10:00 a.m. EDT, day nine of the Cuban missile crisis, part of the Cold War) — A naval quarantine of Cuba ordered by U.S. President John F. Kennedy went into effect today, aimed at interdicting the delivery of offensive weapons to the island.

Some of the Cuban-bound Soviet freighters altered their courses to avoid the confrontation, while others proceeded.

In a telegram from Soviet Premier Khrushchev to U.S. President Kennedy, which was received at 10:52 pm EDT, Khrushchev said the Soviet Union viewed the blockade as “an act of aggression” and their ships will be instructed to ignore it.


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Video: October 24, 1962 (at 8:04)


Video: October 24, 1962 (at 58:57)