4. The President is informed of the Soviet buildup
The photos taken by U-2 on October 14 were delivered to the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) the following day, and by midday, using analytical techniques and the information previously provided by HERO, were identified as Soviet offensive nuclear regiments. The CIA sent the information to the State Department and the Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, that evening. The President’s National Security Advisor, McGeorge Bundy, was informed that evening as well, and Bundy decided to wait to inform President Kennedy, who had already retired, until the following day. For the remainder of the night various options were prepared to present to the president along with the news that nuclear missiles were less than 100 miles from America’s shores.
At the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis the United States arsenal of nuclear capable missiles outnumbered that of the Soviets in both ICBMs and shorter range nuclear capable Jupiter missiles deployed in Turkey, where they could strike Soviet targets before they had time to react. The United States also had a weapon which the Soviets had yet to develop, the submarine launched ballistic missile, with Polaris submarines operating undetected beneath the surface of the sea, from whence they could strike with near impunity. Thus the president would have the opportunity to operate from a position of strength, though most of that advantage would be lost the moment that Soviet missiles in Cuba became operational, rendering most of the American south and east coast within range of a nuclear attack in a matter of minutes.