◆ SpookStack

84. McCone, Memorandum for the File, “Meetings with Senaior Russell, Senator Hickenlooper, and Chairman Vinson,” 23 October 1962 Ag MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILE SUBJECT: Meetings with Senator R: and Chairman Vinson q of the leadgrship of the Congress « meeting on Ateest 23rd, Senator Russe attitude toward Administration policy than was evident at the plan of actions, indicating strong reservations conce effectiveness and the utility of the blockade, expressed serious concern over the Soviet/U.S. confrontation which would result from the blockade, and accepted the course of action only because it would lead to the next phase which would be that of taking the missiles and offensive weapons out of Cuba at a time and by means of our own determination. Russell favored more positive action against Cuba which would involve not only air strike but invasion. In the initial part of the discussion he elt the President's speech had not established a clear-cut right for military action; however, by careful reference to the speech (a copy of which I had with me) he agreed that the wording did give the President right of action without further not m. In general, Russell's attitude was considerably different than the leadership meeting and might be summed up as reserved approval. I During the conversation, I outlined my feelings that our purposes must be to remove the missiles and also to remove Castro as is outlined in a separate memorandum, 2. Senator Hickenlooper approved the speech, the action, and the anticipated further action without expressed confidence in the President as serious reservations concerning some of who he £