◆ SpookStack

52. (Continued) Shiploads of boxes of unknown purpose reported by Lundaht to DCI on October 14th. 28 Soviet ships en route to Cuba at the present time. Sited at Havana, mysterious excavations, revetments, covered buildings, railroad tracks through tunnels, etc., might be nuclear storage site. ‘ Other facts should be developed today. Note: McCone responded by reading numbered paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of attached memorandum dated October 17th. 5. General Taylor and Thompson discussed political nature of problem including possibility of forcing settlement in Berlin and elsewhere - Khrushchev wished show down on Berlin and this gives a show down issue. Believes Khrushchev would be surprised to find we know about MRBMg j Thompson emphasized Khrushchev wants Berlih settlement but on his terms. And will probably deny knowledge of Cuban situation bet at any event would: / justify actions because of our missiles in Italy and Turkey. Also Khrushchev recognizes that action by us would be devisive among our allies. 6. McCone emphasized his views on political objectives as stated in paragraph 5 of the attached memorandum, ari also repeated paragraph 2-C. Also made the point in paragraph 6. 7. McNamara discussed many operational questions concerning the use of Soviet nuclear warheads in Cuba; how communications could be arranged; what authority was in the field. Thompson believes Soviet nuclear warheads was under very tight control. McCone reviewed recent Chicadee reports, indicated considerable automony in hands of field commanders much more so than we have. 8. Bundy and McCone left for meeting with the President.