I share the deep concern of other Arizonans about the serious situation in Cuba. Forceful action should, and will, be taken, but only a very few members of Congress are urging an immediate American invasion; most of my colleagues believe that for the present we should take stronger actions short of war. I am presently inclined to this view.

I have no doubt that we can invade and conquer Cuba anytime we are willing to pay the price. The price would include according to my information an estimated 500 to 5,000 American lives, the lives of perhaps 20,000 Cubans, higher taxes and several billions of dollars in defense funds, the loss of considerable influence in Latin America and the United Nations, and the destruction of the Organization of American States through which we have pledged ourselves to solve inter-American problems for the last 30 years.

This is a heavy price, but I will watch Cuban developments closely, and shall not shrink from direct, unilateral, military action if it appears necessary for the safety of our country.

I have asked the President and the State Department to consider the desirability and effectiveness of immediate steps along these lines:
 

Finally I intend to support the President in any constructive action he proposes toward ending Castro's enslavement of Cuba. I subscribe to former President Eisenhower's recent statement: