In the Ex-Comm meetings, advisors weighed the alternatives for and against each so that the scope of possible options diminished and resulted in the question, whether an invasion or a blockade would ensure the nation’s safety. Secretary McNamara uttered much in favor of a blockade, arguing that, “it was limited pressure, which could be increased as the circumstances warranted. Further, it was dramatic and forceful pressure, which would be understood yet, most importantly, still leave [the U.S.] in control of events” . Moreover, a military attack “would erode if not destroy the moral position of the United States throughout the world” . Finally, this argument provokes JFK’s decision of imposing the blockade and thus, deciding in favor of the