28 October 1962: Missile Withdrawal Agreement

Khrushchev agrees to remove the Soviet missiles from Cuba. Castro demands that the USA evacuate Cuba's Guantanamo naval base.

Castro issued five demands for a broader settlement and rejected foreign inspection on Cuban territory.

Castro learned that Khrushchev had agreed to remove the missiles without first securing Cuban approval of the settlement.

Raul Castro helped manage Cuban military readiness after Moscow announced that the strategic missiles would be withdrawn.

Biryuzov's missile forces received orders to dismantle the Cuban launch sites and prepare the strategic missiles for return shipment.

Dobrynin reported American reactions to Moscow as the Soviet government announced acceptance of the missile-withdrawal settlement.

Gromyko participated in implementing the diplomatic settlement after Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the offensive missiles.

Khrushchev agrees to remove the Soviet missiles from Cuba. Khruschev removes the missiles but on the understanding the USA does not invade Cuba.

Khrushchev ordered the offensive missiles dismantled and returned to the Soviet Union under the emerging settlement.

Malinovsky transmitted orders connected with dismantling and returning the offensive missile systems after the political settlement.

Bundy helped coordinate immediate follow-up after the Soviet decision to dismantle and remove the offensive missiles.

Kennedy welcomed Khrushchev's decision as an important contribution to peace.

Kennedy directed officials to continue verification and quarantine measures until Soviet offensive weapons were actually removed.

Robert Kennedy participated in discussions on implementing the agreement while maintaining secrecy around the private Turkish missile understanding.

McCone advised that surveillance must continue to verify dismantling and removal after Khrushchev accepted the settlement.

McNamara directed the military to maintain pressure and surveillance while Soviet forces began preparing the missiles for removal.

Rusk directed diplomatic work on verification and implementation after Moscow announced that the missiles would be removed.

Sorensen assisted with Kennedy's public response welcoming the Soviet decision to remove the missiles from Cuba.

Taylor kept United States forces at high readiness while officials awaited evidence that Soviet dismantling had begun.

Thompson helped assess Khrushchev's acceptance message and advised continued attention to Soviet implementation.