Enquiry Sent!

Thanks for getting in touch. We’ll get back to you very soon.

Go Back to Homepage

1961 - President Kennedy: Press Conference on Cuba. 12Apr61 Card 2 of 2

Reel Number: 250102-05-P2

Color: Black and White

Sound: SD

Year / Date: 1962,1960s

Country: USA

Location: DC,Washington

TC Begins: 10:24:13

TC Ends: 10:30:23

Duration: 00:06:10

NOTE: FOR ORDERING See: www.footagefarm.co.uk or contact us at: Info@Footagefarm.co.uk 1961 - President Kennedy: Press Conference on Cuba. 12Apr61 Card 2 of 2 10:27:48 Continued... Reporter: “Last night in the broadcast you said, "I think Latin America is in a more critical period in its relations with us. Therefore, if we don't move now, Mr. Castro may become a much greater danger than he is to us today." Can you explore, sir, what we can or are doing in the line of that now?” JFK “Well, I think that we attempted to indicate some of the areas where I hoped we could take affirmative action in the speech I made to the ambassadors in March. Mr. Dillon is in Rio at the meeting of the Inter-American Bank. And we are, in the months of April & May & June, going to attempt in other ways to implement the concept behind alianza para progresso. I hope that the Congress will appropriate as quickly as possible the $500 million suggested by the Act of Bogota. That would be at least an important start. We will have other proposals to make, but I think that it's important that we seize the initiative & do not permit those who are not friends of freedom to become the spokesmen for the material aspirations of the people of Latin America. So that I hope we identify ourselves w/ both the social, political or the social & the material aspirations of the people of Latin America.” Reporter: “Mr. President, in that same question, you said that--you pointed out that this Government has indicted a pro-Batista Cuban. But I am not clear from your answer, sir, whether this Government will oppose any attempt to mount an offensive against Castro from this country. Could • you clarify that?” JFK If your phrase "to mount an offensive" is as I understand it, I would be opposed to mounting an offensive. Reporter “Are we barred by our own neutrality acts or by the OAS treaty from giving any aid or arms to anti-Castro elements in the country?” JFK “Well, there are, of course, as I stated--there is a revolutionary committee here which is, of course, extremely anxious to see a change in government in that country. I am sure that they have-that they are very interested in associating with all those who feel the same way. Mr. Castro enjoyed some support here in the United States and received some assistance when he was attempting to carry out his revolution. In fact, some Americans were involved in the military actions with him. That latter is what we are particularly anxious..edit Cold War; Pre-Bay of Pigs Invasion; 1960s; NOTE: 10:24:13 - 10:30:23 described on two cards sold at per reel rate. NOTE: FOR ORDERING See: www.footagefarm.co.uk or contact us at: Info@Footagefarm.co.uk

Show more