JFK DISCUSSES GOLDWATER'S COMMENTS ON AERIAL SURVEILLANCE OVER CUBA
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 2, 1963, President John F. Kennedy spoke with Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara about a news report on United States aerial surveillance over Cuba in the aftermath of the missile crisis.
The President read the report which said that the United States had suspended low-level flights over the island and had resorted to the use of "special electronic gear" which would make possible "listening outside Cuban territory." The statement was made by Senator Barry Goldwater* (R-Arizona), a member of the Armed Services Committee.
JFK followed up by saying..."I don't know how much truth there is to it."
The Defense secretary responded that he didn't think there was any truth to it and added that Goldwater should not be talking about it. McNamara offered the suggestion that they should "run a low-level flight... just to refute" the Arizona senator.
The President also inquired as to the existence of "special electronic gear." Mr. McNamara responded that he was not aware of any but that he would "look into it."
*Barry Morris Goldwater (1909-1998) was born in Phoenix. His father founded "Goldwaters", the leading upscale department store in the city. After attending the University of Arizona, BMG took over the family business.
Goldwater was a USAAF pilot during WWII & served in the U.S. Senate for 5 terms. He was the Republican nominee for POTUS in 1964 losing in the general election to LBJ.
President Reagan & Senator Goldwater
The Oval Office (1984)
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Photo
