SOVIET RESPONSE TO BLOCKADE COULD BE KNOWN BY NIGHTFALL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 24, 1962, The Evening Star reports "a quick test of Soviet response to President (John F.) Kennedy's order to American armed forces to bar delivery of Russian offensive weapons to Cuba was near today."
The quarantine (naval blockade) went into effect at 10 a.m. with twenty-five Soviet vessels bound for Cuba.
The Star says the extend of the Soviet's response to the blockade could be known "before nightfall."
If a Russian ship is stopped, it will be searched and if missiles are found will be directed to proceed to another destination.
JFK+50 NOTE
Fidel Castro said,,,
"Our arms are defensive. Anyone who tries an arms inspection in Cuba had better come ready for combat."
SOURCES
"Act of Piracy, Castro Asserts," by George Arfeld, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 24, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"Cuban Quarantine Test Near As Russian Ship Approaches," by Garnett D. Horner, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 24, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
