Diplomatic Dialogue Lessons: Letter from President Kennedy to Nikita Khrushchev October 23,1962

 

Draft of President Kennedy's Letter to Chairman Khrushchev, October 23, 1962

(Source: https://microsites.jfklibrary.org/cmc/oct23/doc5.html)

Dear Mr. Chairman:

I have received your letter of October twenty-third. I think you will recognize that the step which started the current chain of events was the action of your Government in secretly furnishing long-range missiles to Cuba. We will be [handwritten "are" inserted] discussing this matter in the Security Council. In the meantime, I am concerned that we both show prudence and do nothing to allow events to make the situation more difficult to control than it already is.

With this in mind I hope you will issue instructions to your ships bound for Cuba not to challenge the quarantine legally established by the Organization of American States this afternoon

Sincerely,

Background: President Kennedy signs the Naval Proclamation 3504, authorizing the Naval Quarantine of Cuba. 

Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Edwin Martin seeks a resolution of support from the Organization of American States. Ambassador to the United Nations Adlai Stevenson lays the matter before the U.N. Security Council. The ships of the naval quarantine fleet move into place around Cuba. Soviet submarines threaten the quarantine by moving into the Caribbean area. Soviet freighters bound for Cuba with military supplies stop dead in the water, but the oil tanker Bucharest continues towards Cuba. In the evening Robert Kennedy meets with Ambassador Dobrynin at the Soviet Embassy.

Diplomatic Lessons:

1. Acknowledgment of Received Communication:

• President Kennedy acknowledges receiving Khrushchev's letter, indicating a willingness to engage in a dialogue.
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2. Commitment to Dialogue as opposed to Immediate Military Action

3. Issue Identification and Clarity:

• Kennedy clearly identifies the issue at hand, which is the furnishing of offensive weapons to Cuba by the Soviet government. This demonstrates a focus on the specific matter under discussion.

4. Avoidance of Escalation:

• By urging prudence and caution, Kennedy is attempting to avoid further escalation of the crisis. This is crucial as the Cuban Missile Crisis was a moment when the world was on the brink of nuclear conflict.

        
            "In the meantime, I am concerned that we both show prudence and do nothing to allow events to make the situation more difficult to control than it already is."

5. Use of International Institutions - Multilateral Approach:

• Kennedy mentions the intention to discuss the matter in the Security Council, emphasizing a multilateral approach to address the crisis. This aligns with the negotiation principle of involving relevant parties in finding a resolution.

• The reference to discussing the matter in the Security Council and the Organization of American States reflects a reliance on international institutions to address and resolve conflicts, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based approach.

6. Establishment of a Naval Quarantine:

• The letter announces the establishment of a naval quarantine around Cuba. This action is a significant diplomatic and strategic move, demonstrating a resolve to address the threat posed by Soviet missiles in Cuba without immediately resorting to military force.
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7. Communication as a Tool of Diplomacy:

• The exchange of letters between Kennedy and Khrushchev during the Cuban Missile Crisis is an example of how diplomatic communication, even in written form, can play a crucial role in preventing a full-blown conflict and seeking peaceful resolutions to crises.

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The Italian Job - Wit & Ingenuity

 

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting"- Sun Tzu

Weapons are instruments of fear; they are not a wise man's tools. He uses them only when he has no choice. - Lao Tzu

A few days before, I was chatting with Radhika, as she expressed her skepticism over vedic astrological works as opposed to exercising free will and taking charge of one's own destiny. 

I couldn't agree more. 

As we spoke, I shared my observations on exploring divisional charts as key to -unlocking realms or pathways. 

So what's all this got to do the above quotes. 

As I was analogically trying to explain her dimensions of existence & UNLOCKING LAYERS. I was brought to the scene of Chalize Theron in 'The Italian Job'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=V7PvWTv3Jic

What's Lao Tzu got to do with the Italian Job?

The 2003 version of Italian Job is based on the 1969 version written by Troy Kennedy Martin. 

Undoubtedly, the 'Heist genre' focusing on wit and ingenuity over brute force, is what brought this to my mind as I slept thinking about these quotes.   

Boundaries and Relationships: Part 2

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHMX69jMGBs)

The above is a clip from 'Hamaari Shadi'. Indrani Haldar, as the bride, says that, "Marriage is culmination of not just our happiness but of all....."

EXERCISE OF BOUNDARIES

Relationships, whether they are personal or diplomatic, the exercise of boundaries is crucial.

It involves recognizing and respecting the autonomy of each party while also clearly communicating one's own limits and expectations.

The key lies in finding a balance where individuals can coexist harmoniously without compromising their autonomy. 

Egsample: 

Radha came from a joint family. She came from a patriarchal system, where the men of the house made all important financial, relationship or any vital long-term decision. 

A key member was her father's eldest brother, who, had contributed towards contributed to entire family and who was next in line of seniority after the death of her late grand father. 

Radha, had utmost respect despite the shor-comings on the patriarchal system owing to the contributions of her family members. 

Issue at hand: Radha's marriage decison, the most impactful decision is seemingly made my her Uncle with no - regard to her thoughts, wishes of feelings. 

Options: 

Option 1: Radha has an option to lash out at her Uncle, for having sheer disregard to her feelings.

Option 2: Radha recognizes the importance of family - and the contributions, yet asserts her boundary and exercises the same. 

Lets see how she does it......

(Loosely Based on the novel: The Sari Shop Widow)

Eureka Moments: The Lakshman Rekha & The Blockade (Part 1)

Autonomy & Balance in relationships

In a conflict, the core relational challenge is to figure out how to satisfy your desire to be simultaneously one with the other party (affiliation) and one apart from the other party (autonomy). 

Fundamentally, how can you coexist as both two ones and one set of two?

In the Spirituality context - what came to my mind was the  the 'Lakshman Rekha'. 

What is the 'Lakshman Rekha'

Rama's brother, Lakshmana draws the line (Lakshmana-rekha) along the perimeter of the hut or the parnashala they were staying in. Here Lakshmana is telling Sita that whoever dares to cross this line, his head will break into a thousand pieces. (*The Lakshman rekha doesnt precisely feature in the Valmiki Ramayana, yet it features in other versions) 

https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/questions/11834/if-lakshmana-rekha-is-not-in-valmikis-ramayana-then-where-is-it-mentioned

BOUNDARIES AND WHAT ONE CONSIDERS 'SACRED' 

As I was pondering on the application of the same, I was brought to sight by an egsample from a friend. My friend, Kaveri had an unusual dilemma.

Background: Kaveri lived in a gated community, where the walls, where the houses were are, not split by boundaries. Thus, the neighbors lived in harmony by respecting the boundaries of each one. 

This meant a very fundamental excise of integrity of not trespassing etc. 

Kaveri had a garden which she considered extremely sacred. Though, certain neighbors did not mind their flowers being plucked by another. Kaveri had strict reservations and made sure she communicated the same, intricately and carefully to her neighbors. Her neighbors understood the same. 

Issue: There was a new neighbor, who happens to seek to challenge this sacredness, not with a a deliberate intention but who doesn't necessarily see Kaveri's  rationale. 

During an early morning hour, she noticed, this neighbor, treading her plants to pluck the flowers she considered sacred. 

Kaveri, waited for a while and she took a 2 red hibiscus and 2 white flowers, walked to her neighbour;'s house  - and spoke to the lady. She said, "It seems you needed some flowers, please have these. But, as a policy, we don't encourage - plucking of flowers by anyone other than ourselves, we consider them very sacred. I hope you understand the same." 

The lady, responded in affirmation to the same and with a smile. 

BOUNDARIES - ASSERT YOUR BOUNDARIES & RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOR'S

Boundaries - and the exercise of the same, hold much relevance in the context of MAPS and DIPLOMATIC DIALOGUE. 

Though the above allegorical egsample is to illustrate the of IMPORTANCE TO SACREDNESS and exercising and communicating the importance with Civility and promptness. 

It is when we exercise our boundaries and when we respect our neighbor's boundaries, can there be harmony. 

More thoughts as we move on ......

The Art of Diplomacy

"A man with outer courage dares to die

 A man with inner courage dares to live."

I'm not sure if the quote is by, Lao Tzu or the Japanese Martial Artist Morihei Ueshiba.

As I read through the pages of '13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crises of 1962', written by JF Kennedy's brother Robbert Kennedy, I cant help wonder, on how he exercised the virtues of restraint, prudence and his consultative decision making as he navigated the 13 days. 

 His hybrid strategy of military readiness coupled with exercise of diplomatic measures with prompt communication channels, are key lessons in the Cuban Missile Crises. 

As time goes, by, this section of history has far more lessons to be learnt from. 

Robert Kennedy points out, "Our situation was made more difficult by the fact that there was no obvious or simple solution. A dogmatism, a certainty of viewpoint, was simply not possible. For every position there were inherent weaknesses; and those opposed would point them out, often with devastating effects."

Case Study: Negotiating Work Arrangements for an Employee with Parkinson's Disease

Background:

Mark, a skilled manager at an automobile manufacturing company, faces challenges due to Parkinson's disease affecting his communication and balance.

Mark suspected that the leadership wanted him to take early retirement due to his impaired ability to communicate with employees. Mark wanted to semiretire. He loved his job, but wanted to spend winters with his wife at a home near the beach.

He certainly did not want senior management to dictate unilaterally the terms of his departure. Rather than making demands of the senior management and risk turning the situation into an adversarial battle, Mark used the power of appreciation.

Mark writes to SAM, the Senior Management, a friend of his:

Sam, thanks for taking the time to meet. I’ve been thinking about how to manage my work life now that this disease is starting to make communication more of a challenge. We’ve been good friends for a long time, and I’m sure this is hard for you to see the disease affect me as it has. I know you want to look out for my best interest and to make sure that I don’t put too much stress on myself. I also assume that, as regional president, you need to look out for the company’s best interests. You want people to satisfy their daily responsibilities efficiently. So I’d imagine that this situation is hard for you. I wanted to sit down with you and, without committing to anything, just think through some options we have.

Through these statements, Mark demonstrates an understanding of Sam’s point of view without conceding anything. Rather, he recognizes that Sam cares about him and that Sam also has professional responsibilities to uphold. These statements promote a positive tone to their conversation and increase the likelihood that an outcome will satisfy the interests of Mark, Sam, and the company.

Case 1: Part 2 Informal Diplomacy - Initiate dialogue - Understand Counter-party needs - MENTION LACK OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE BINDING COMMITMENTS

 The case illustrates Roger's efforts to engage with Iranian officials, particularly Ayatollah Beheshti, in an attempt to find a resolution. Roger, described as a freewheeling professor working through a non-profit organization, sought to generate a proposal that could be recommended to both the United States and Iran.

During the conversation with Beheshti, various issues and interests of Iran are discussed. These include concerns about financial claims in New York courts, the desire for arbitration at the Hague, and the demand for the end of sanctions. Beheshti provides arguments to support lifting sanctions, citing the perceived punishment Iran has already endured and the potential destabilization of the region due to bribery associated with smuggling in violation of sanctions.

It's a glimpse into the diplomatic efforts undertaken by individuals outside official government channels, highlighting the challenges and complexities involved in negotiations during a tense geopolitical situation.

1. Background:

   • In 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was seized, leading to the Iran hostage crisis.
   • In 1980, President Carter attempted a failed rescue mission.

2. Roger's Role:

   • Roger, described as a freewheeling professor, was asked by White House Counsel Lloyd Cutler to explore options regarding the hostages.
   • Roger had no authority to make binding commitments but could recommend solutions.

3. Contacting Ayatollah Beheshti:

   • Roger contacted Ayatollah Beheshti, head of the Islamic Republican Party, through a student in Iran.

4. Issues Discussed:

   • Financial Claims: Iran didn't want New York courts involved. Proposed arbitration at the Hague.
   • Sanctions: Iran wanted sanctions lifted.
   • Roger sought arguments to convince the U.S. government to end sanctions.

5. Arguments for Ending Sanctions:

   • Beheshti argued that Iran had been punished enough.
   • Sanctions risked destabilizing the region due to bribery associated with smuggling across borders.
   • Ending sanctions after the hostages' release would provide a favorable excuse for the U.S.

6. Conclusion:

   • Roger expressed interest in using the arguments provided by Beheshti to recommend a resolution to the White House.

In summary, Roger, a non-governmental actor, engaged in informal diplomacy to explore potential solutions to the Iran hostage crisis. The conversation focused on addressing Iranian concerns, particularly financial claims and the lifting of sanctions, with Beheshti providing arguments to support the latter. The goal was to generate recommendations for the U.S. government, even though Roger lacked the authority to make binding commitments.

Part 1: Hostage Negotiation: Case Study: Iran Hostage Crises (Extracts from Rogers attempt to negotiate with Ayatollah Beheshti)

In the fall of 1979, the United States Embassy in Teheran was seized. Most of the diplomats and other members of the Ameri­can staff were held hostage for many months. In the spring of 1980, President Carter tried to rescue them by helicopter. The attempt failed.

"Shortly thereafter, White House Counsel Lloyd Cutler phoned me and asked me to see what I could do about the hostages. Cutler made it clear that I had no authority to make a binding commitment of any kind. Cutler would be available twenty-four hours a day through the White House switchboard. He obviously recognized that a government official who tried to brainstorm with Iranians would likely be heard as disclosing what the U.S. government was willing to do. Whatever was said by an official could then be interpreted as a bargaining pro­posal, to which the Iranians could be expected to ask for more.

 As a freewheeling professor working through a small, non­profit, nongovernmental organization, I saw my purpose as try­ing to generate a package that I might recommend to both sides.Through a student in Iran, I got in touch by telephone with the Ayatollah Beheshti, head of the Islamic Republican Party, who spoke English fairly well. Beheshti had apparently learned something about me. His manner was surprisingly genial. The conversation was roughly as follows:

 

ROGER: “What are Iran’s interests? What do you want?”

BEHESHTI: “I’ll tell you what we don’t want. We don’t want the New York courts to have anything to do with our fi­nancial claims.”

    ROGER: “Who do you want to decide any financial dispute? The Iranian courts?” BEHESHTI, laughing: “No, not that. How about arbitration at the Hague?” ROGER: “Do you think Iran will accept arbitration?” 

   BEHESHTI: “Right now, I will commit Iran to accept arbitration at the Hague. Will you commit the United States to do so?”

    ROGER: “As I told you, I have no authority of any kind to commit the United States. If we can            work something out, I am prepared to recommend it to the White House. What else does Iran want?”

 Beheshti outlined a number of issues that would have been difficult subjects for a U.S. diplomat to discuss without the usual rhetoric. In talking with me, however, the real interests beneath the positions came out.

BEHESHTI: “Sanctions must be ended.”

ROGER: “Ouch. Give me some good arguments that I can use with the U.S. government to recommend ending sanc­tions.”

BEHESHTI: “First, we have been punished enough.”

ROGER: “Well. President Carter could say that, but there is no clear standard for how much punishment would be ‘enough’ in this case. I will need more arguments.”

    BEHESHTI: “Well, to continue sanctions risks destabilizing the whole area.”

 

    ROGER: “Please explain that point. Why is that so?” 

    BEHESHTI: “Don’t you understand? Doesn’t your government understand?”

    ROGER: “I don’t know what the United States understands, but I don’t understand. Why do            sanctions risk destabiliz­ing the region?”

    BEHESHTI: “To import or export items contrary to the sanc­tions, officials on one or both sides     of the border have to be bribed. And the longer bribery of officials goes on, the more we and our     neighboring governments lose control over the boundary areas.”    

    ROGER: “That’s a good argument. Give me one more.”

    BEHESHTI: “Let me think. Oh, if the United States fails to end sanctions when the hostages are     released, it will never have a better excuse for doing so.”

    ROGER: “I like that point. I will certainly use it with the White House.”

The Convergence of Spirituality and Diplomacy

                                             

"If there is light in the soul, 

There will be beauty in the person.

If there is beauty in the person,

There will be harmony in the house.

If there is harmony in the house,

There will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

There will be peace in the world."

As I start this blog on 2 December 2023, a few key themes are what this blog is based on. 

1. Within the context of Global relations, there are very few select global leaders, who exemplify the convergence of spirituality and diplomacy. As time goes by, and history reminds us that, the ethos to international diplomatic relations stand on principles of COMPASSION (karunya), UNDERSTANDING, SHARED HUMANITY & UNIVERSAL LOVE. My obeisance to the Goddess Kamakshi who is 'Comapassion' personified. 

2. Popular discourse has shaped -diplomacy as primarily a Political affair. On the contrary, International relations goes far beyond the games of politics. 

3. As a woman, women at Negotiation table, have in the past and in the future are key instruments as we negotiate in everyday life. (p.s not to mention we are the beholders of justice, and an emblem of patience & virtue). A women's perspective to negotiation and diplomacy is undoubtedly, path-breaking, when it comes to innovative solutions - be it dealing with your in-laws, your children, a business negotiation or a long-standing international dispute.  

4. Spirituality - Any one even moderately close to me, knows I have been a spiritual person. All thanks to my mother for this path that she has shown me and my brother. Generally Spirituality, is often dismissed as a private matter. We never discussed our faiths in school in the 90s. Yet, at this juncture it emerges as a powerful force in shaping diplomatic landscapes. In a world rife with political differences, the common ground of shared spiritual principles becomes a sanctified space for dialogue and conflict resolution. Ethical leadership, guided by moral responsibilities derived from spiritual insights, charts a course for diplomats navigating the tumultuous waters of international relations. (More so, on this later)

5. Moreover, humanitarian diplomacy, rooted in compassion and empathy, takes center stage as nations collaborate to address the pressing needs of communities. The soft power of cultural diplomacy, infused with spiritual exchanges, not only fosters goodwill but also nurtures an understanding that transcends geopolitical boundaries.

6. Interfaith dialogue becomes a diplomatic beacon, shining light on the path to tolerance and harmony.  As crises unfold, spirituality emerges as a wellspring of resilience, infusing diplomatic efforts with strength and fortitude. In this intricate link between the sacred and the worldly, diplomacy finds not just a partner but a guiding light towards a more interconnected, compassionate, and harmonious world.

So I decided to write on the same, one fine day......