October 31, 1962militaryarms controlnational securitydiplomacyverificationcold warinspection conflict
Soviet crews begin removing launch equipment as inspection disputes block a cleaner resolution
Evidence grows that Soviet missile launch equipment is being taken apart and prepared for shipment out of Cuba. At the same time, Fidel Castro rejects on-site U.N. inspections, making it harder to prove compliance in the way Washington wants. The crisis eases, but distrust still shapes every next step.