Serhii Plokhy describes how on October 26-27, Khrushchev sent conflicting messages: a private letter offering a non-invasion pledge and a public demand to remove U.S. Jupiters in Turkey. This caused chaos in the White House, with officials fearing Khrushc

Season 8 Episode 979  ·  Jun 08, 12:55 AM
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Serhii Plokhy describes how on October 26-27, Khrushchev sent conflicting messages: a private letter offering a non-invasion pledge and a public demand to remove U.S. Jupiters in Turkey. This caused chaos in the White House, with officials fearing Khrushchev had been ousted by his military. Kennedy believed a missile swap was the only logical solution but could not agree publicly without undermining NATO credibility. Khrushchev's failure to consult Fidel Castro on these terms sowed deep resentment, creating a secondary crisis between the Soviet Union and its Cuban ally. (6)
1956