Proclamation 3504 Signing Pen, Interdiction of the Delivery of Offensive Weapons to Cuba
Artifact IDMO 63.3694
Object Type
Pen
Date
20th century
Maker
Esterbrook Pen Company
(English, Founded 1856)
Place MadeNew Jersey, United States, North America
Medium
plastic, steel
DimensionsOverall L 6 1/4 in (15.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionSteel nib pen with black plastic grip and translucent plastic handle.
Historical NoteThis pen was used by President Kennedy on October 23, 1962 at 7:05 p.m. to sign Proclamation 3504: Interdiction of the Delivery of Offensive Weapons to Cuba, in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In signing, the President authorized US Navy ships to surround the island to prevent the arrival of Soviet ships carrying offensive weapons. Kennedy carefully called the action a quarantine, rather than a blockade. His choice of words was meant to avoid possible violations of international law but also, in the opinion of some historians, allowed Kennedy to demonstrate U.S. resolve while at the same time leaving the door open to bilateral diplomacy to find solutions to the crisis.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.Not on view