Thirteen Days2000

Robert Kennedy:
At this moment in time the United States is accepting the terms of Secretary Khrushchev's letter of Friday night. If the Soviet Union halts construction immediately, removes the missiles, and submits to UN inspection, the United States will pledge to never invade Cuba, or to aid others in that enterprise.

Anatoly Dobrynin:
If your Jupiter missiles in Turkey were removed also, such an accommodation could be reached.

RFK:
That's not possible. The United States cannot agree to such terms under threat. Any belief to the contrary was in error.

Dobrynin:
You want war?

RFK:
[RFK makes a frustrated gesture; Dobrynin reaches for his briefcase as if to leave] However...while there can be no quid pro quo on this matter, the United States can offer a private assurance. Now our Jupiter missiles in Turkey are obsolete, and have been scheduled for withdrawal for some time. This withdrawal should take place within, say, six months. Of course any public disclosure of this assurance would negate the deal, and produce the most stringent denials from our government.

Dobrynin:
This private assurance, represents the word of the highest authority?

RFK:
Yes.

Dobrynin:
And it can be relayed beyond Comrade Khrushchev ears, to the top circles of my government?

RFK:
Our pledge can be relayed to any government official Secretary Khrushchev sees fit to satisfy. With the caveat that it is not to be made public in any way, shape, or form. And we must have an answer tomorrow. I cannot stress this point enough.

Dobrynin:
Tomorrow?

RFK:
[firmly] Tomorrow.

Dobrynin:
Then, you must excuse me, [stands to leave] and permit me to relay the substance of our discussion to my superiors.

RFK:
Of course.

Dobrynin:
We have heard stories that some of your military men wish for war. [Puts his hand on RFK's shoulder] You are a good man. Your brother is a good man. I assure you there are other good men. Let us hope the will of good men is enough to counter the terrible strength of this thing that was put in motion.