Thirteen Days (2000)

Jack Blessing: John Scali

Quotes 

• Alexander Fomin : So I understand you correctly, if the missiles in Cuba were dismantled - returned to the Soviet Union - and a guarantee was made not to reintroduce them, the United States would be prepared to guarantee that it would never invade Cuba.

  John Scali : That is correct.

  Alexander Fomin : And this is from the highest authority?

  John Scali : Yes - *the* highest authority. There are two conditions. The UN must be allowed to inspect the removal of the missiles.

  Alexander Fomin : Of course, the UN must also be allowed to observe the redeployment of forces from the American Southeast.

  John Scali : I can't speak to that.

  [Fomin smirks] 

  Alexander Fomin : What's the second condition, John?

  John Scali : Time is of the essence.

  Alexander Fomin : How much time?

  John Scali : Forty-eight hours. In forty-eight hours, there can be no deals.