Khrushchev Response

Listen to Khrushchev and dismantle the blockade.

You've made your point. You've shown what the United States can do and is willing to do. You have told the world that we mean business. Yet, it is not worth risking a war over. You pull the U.S. ships back and allow Soviet ships to travel to and from Cuba. Your expectation is that Khrushchev, seeing this sign of good faith, will take the missiles on the island back to the U.S.S.R. as his own sign of good faith.

Continue the Blockade

You send word to Khrushchev that you've made your decision and you're sticking to it. You've told Khrushchev that the blockade will stand until he agrees to dismantle and remove the missiles. If he wants war, it's not going to be your fault. The ball is in his court.