PM Transcripts

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER
in the
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Tuesda 23rd October, 1962
Honourable Members will bi aware of President
Kennedy's broadcast in relation to Cuba,
It is a declaration of historic importance.
He has demonstrated that offensive nuclear weapons are
being installed by the Soviet Union in Cuba and that the
Americas are therefore being submitted to a very grave threat.
at close quarters, The President has demonstrated the decei
practised by the Soviet Union, and its determination by threat
of qgression to terrorise nations whose only wish is for
peace. We commend the President's statement. Though
inevitably dramatic, it was in essence defensive. We
appreciate his reference to tihe vital importance of regional
defensive agreements agreements which are authorised by the
United Nations Charter and which are necessary for the common
safety of those living within the region, We welcome the
readiness of the U. S. A. to bring the matter promptly before
the United Nations. Both in his broadcast and in a personal communication
to me this morning, the President has indicated that
he is requesting an urgent meeting of the United Nations
Security Council at which the American Ambassador would
present, on behalf of the United States, a resolution calling
for the withdrawal of missile bases and other offensive
weapons in Cuba under the supervision of United Nations
observers. We have instructed our own Ambassador to the
United Nations to do all in his power to support the passing
of this resolution, We do not under-estimate the gravity of the
situation, a gravity profoundly demonstrated by both the
tone and substance of the President's broadcast, We hope
that his statement and the steps to be taken pursuant t it
will bring home to tho Soviet Union the nature of the
consequences which may flow from its overseas policies,,
Indeed the whole matter will serve to test whether the Soviet
Union's constant advocacy of poace possesses either shoarity
or substance.