Synthesized answer
The passages do not provide a direct explanation of the "balance of power" concept for a layperson. However, Stevenson asserts that the Soviet Union "has upset the balance of power in the world" by sending weapons to Cuba [1]. This implies that the balance of power refers to a stable distribution of military strength between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, where neither side could gain a decisive advantage.
The placement of missiles in Cuba was considered a profound disruption because it introduced medium- and intermediate-range missiles close to U.S. territory, as shown in the photographic evidence Stevenson presents [2]. He emphasizes that these weapons are part of a "much larger weapons complex" and that the Soviet Union sent thousands of military personnel to operate them [2]. This shift allowed the Soviet Union to threaten the U.S. directly, altering the previous strategic equilibrium. Stevenson also accuses the Soviet Union of "nuclear deceit" for breaking a test moratorium and lying about the missiles [4], underscoring that the secret deployment was seen as a dangerous and dishonest act that destabilized the existing power balance.
The passages do not…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
e it, and it is clear and it is incontrovertible. And let me say something else—those weapons must be taken out of Cuba. Next, let me say to you that, if I understood you, with a trespass on credibility that excels your best, you said that our position had changed since I spoke here the other day because of the pressures of world opinion and the majority of the United Nations. Well, let me say to you, sir, you are wrong again. We have had no pressure from anyone whatsoever. We came in here today to indicate our willingness to discuss Mr. U Thant's proposals, and that is the only change that…
which we have illustrated only a fragment—are a part of a much larger weapons complex, what is called a weapons system. To support this build-up, to operate these advanced weapons systems, the Soviet Union has sent a large number of military personnel to Cuba—a force now amounting to several thousand men. These photographs, as I say, are available to members for detailed examination in the Trusteeship Council room following this meeting. There I will have one of my aides who will gladly explain them to you in such detail as you may require. I have nothing further to say at this time. (After…
sador Zorin, deny that the U.S.S.R. has placed and is placing medium- and intermediate-range missiles and sites in Cuba? Yes or no—don't wait for the translation—yes or no? (The Soviet representative waited for translation, then responded.) "This is not a court of law, I do not need to provide a yes or no answer..." (was cut off by Mr. Stevenson at this point) *Source United Nations Assembly video archives. You can answer yes or no. You have denied they exist. I want to know if I understood you correctly. I am prepared to wait for my answer until hell freezes over, if that's your decision.…
t Mr. Gromyko was blandly denying to the President that the U.S.S.R. was placing such weapons on sites in the new world. Well, I will tell you why—because we were assembling the evidence, and perhaps it would be instructive to the world to see how a Soviet official—how far he would go in perfidy. Perhaps we wanted to know if this country faced another example of nuclear deceit like that one a year ago, when in stealth, the Soviet Union broke the nuclear test moratorium. And while we are asking questions, let me ask you why your Government—your Foreign Minister—deliberately, cynically deceived…
← Cuban Missile Crisis speech to the United Nations Security Council ( 1962 ) by Adlai Stevenson → information about this edition related portals : Speeches US Ambassador Adlai Stevenson addresses the UN Security Council and his Soviet counterpart Valerian Zorin on 25 October 1962 68468 Cuban Missile Crisis speech to the United Nations Security Council 1962 Adlai Stevenson I want to say to you, Mr. Zorin, that I do not have your talent for obfuscation, for distortion, for confusing language, and for doubletalk. And I must confess to you that I am glad that I do not! But if I understood what…
More questions about this book
- Explain Stevenson's core argument against the Soviet Union's actions and rhetoric in Cuba. How does he use the contrast between his communication style and Zorin's to bolster his credibility and message?
- Stevenson repeatedly claims the US possesses "clear and incontrovertible" evidence of missiles in Cuba. If you were tasked with explaining the significance of this evidence to someone unfamiliar with the crisis, what aspects would you emphasize, and why would it compel immediate action?
- Stevenson highlights the shifting Soviet positions on the missiles, from calling them "defensive weapons" to denying their existence entirely. How does he strategically use these inconsistencies to undermine the Soviet Union's credibility and strengthen his own accusations of "perfidy"?
- Stevenson explains the US delayed revealing its evidence to observe "how far he would go in perfidy." Beyond simply gathering more proof, what does this decision reveal about the US's strategic objectives and their assessment of Soviet trustworthiness and intentions during the crisis?