Source A: Excerpt from President Kennedy's Speech, October 22, 1962

'The presence of these Soviet missiles in Cuba constitutes a direct threat to the security of the United States. We are prepared to respond with all necessary means to defend our nation and our allies.'

Provenance: Transcription of a televised speech by President John F. Kennedy during the crisis.

Source B: Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's Letter to President Kennedy, October 26, 1962

'The missiles in Cuba are purely defensive and serve to balance the strategic situation. We seek peaceful coexistence and are willing to negotiate.'

Provenance: Official letter from Khrushchev to Kennedy during the crisis.

Source C: Report on the Naval Blockade, October 24, 1962

'U.S. ships have established a naval quarantine around Cuba to prevent Soviet ships from delivering additional missiles. Tensions are high as both sides await further developments.'

Provenance: Official U.S. military report during the crisis.

Source D: Excerpt from the Secret Agreement, October 28, 1962

'The Soviet Union will withdraw its missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. promise not to invade Cuba and the removal of US missiles from Turkey.'

Provenance: Official secret agreement between the USA and USSR after the crisis.