NAVY INTERCEPTS SOVIET TANKER AT QUARANTINE LINE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 25, 1962, the United States Navy "intercepted" a Soviet tanker bound for Cuba but allowed it to pass the quarantine line because its cargo was only petroleum*.
According to the Department of Defense, the incident occurred shortly after 8 o'clock this morning.
Twelve other Soviet vessels have turned back according to Assistant Secretary of Defense Arthur Sylvester**.
*Petroleum was not included on the list of prohibited materials under U.S. quarantine provisions.
**Arthur Sylvester (1901-1979) was Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs 1961-1967.
SOURCE
"U.S. Intercepts Soviet Tanker, 12 Other Red Ships Turn Back," by Jerry O'Leary, Jr., The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 25, 1962, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
