U Thant and His Cold War

U THANT AND HIS COLD WAR

he Cold War was a political battle that could of lead to dramatic nuclear war between two super power countries known as The United States of America and the Soviet Union (Russia). The United States developed a suspicion that Cuba was holding an alarming amount of nuclear missiles; that were believed to be property of the Soviet Union. With several probing flights over Cuba, the United States had photos and proof that Cuba was building missiles. President Kennedy wanted to keep this information secret for a few days, only few people knew about this information. One person that was let in on the information was a member of the United Nations who would prove to be a major reason why the Cold War never turned into blood and tears. U Thant, who was representing the United Nations as their secretary general, successfully avoided through his mediation a war between the two super powers.

U Thant would do anything to avoid the war and the death of many. He offered himself to both sides for anything they needed. He sent messages, offered appeals and proposals all to aid the “non-invasion of missiles” formula. He even travelled to Cuba to foresee the disposal of the missiles and to talk to Premier Fidel Castro. Many believed, including the President of the United States John F. Kennedy, that through U Thant and his mediating he saved many lives. He did this through a few different tactics and messages to both sides.

President Kennedy announced on October 22nd that the United States Navy will be instituting a quarantine of all sea shipments into Cuba beginning on October 24th. The President of the Soviet Union Khrushchev was not happy about the statement from President Kennedy. He called on President Kennedy to recall his statements about the quarantine or it would lead to an unavoidable sea battle. This is where U Thant started his first step in resolving the conflict. He sent messages to both parties asking for the retreat of the...