Synthesized answer
Stevenson strategically highlights the Soviet Union's shifting positions to expose their dishonesty and undermine their credibility. He points out that Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko "was blandly denying to the President that the U.S.S.R. was placing such weapons on sites in the new world" [1], yet later Ambassador Zorin first called the weapons "defensive" and then denied their existence entirely [1]. By forcing Zorin to answer a simple yes-or-no question—"Do you, Ambassador Zorin, deny that the U.S.S.R. has placed and is placing medium- and intermediate-range missiles and sites in Cuba?" [1]—Stevenson traps him in a contradiction, as Zorin refuses to give a direct answer [2]. This refusal, Stevenson implies, confirms the Soviet "perfidy" [1].
Stevenson then strengthens his accusation by presenting photographic evidence of the missile sites, contrasting the "peaceful countryside" of August with the "facilities for a medium-range missile battalion" installed later [5]. He uses this to argue that the Soviet Union "deliberately, cynically deceived us" [1] and that their denials are a "trespass on credibility" [4]. By juxtaposing the Soviet Union's verbal inconsistencies with…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
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…
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.…
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…
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…
ut the facts. But in view of his statements and the statements of the Soviet Government up until last Thursday, when Mr. Gromyko denied the existence or any intention of installing such weapons in Cuba, I am going to make a portion of the evidence available right now. If you will indulge me for a moment, we will set up an easel here in the back of the room where I hope it will be visible to everyone. The first of these exhibits shows an area north of the village of Candelaria, near San Cristóbal, southwest of Habana. A map, together with a small photograph, shows precisely where the area is…
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 asserts that the Soviet Union "has upset the balance of power in the world." How would you explain the concept of the "balance of power" in the context of the Cold War to a layperson, and why was the placement of missiles in Cuba considered such a profound disruption to it?
- 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?