NORTH KOREA SEIZES USS PUEBLO
The American intelligence-gathering ship, USS Pueblo, has been captured today by North Korea.
This action, under protest by the US, is allegedly because the ship was in violation of North Korean waters & in the process of an espionage mission.
In December 1968, the Pueblo's commander, Captain Lloyd Bucher, will sign a confession & his ship will be returned to the United States.
January 23, 1973
PEACE COMES TO VIETNAM
President Nixon announced today that his Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, & North Vietnamese envoy, Le Duc Tho, have agreed to "end the war & bring peace with honor..."
This settlement, known as "The Paris Peace Accords", sets January 27, 1973, 7 pm (EST) for a "cease-fire" to begin.
All POWs are to be released & all American & foreign troops are to be removed in 60 days.
January 23, 1957
WHAM-O INTRODUCES THE "FRISBEE"
Today the Wham-O Toy Company introduces the Frisbee. The toy's name comes from the Frisbie Pie Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut (1871).
College students enjoyed throwing empty pie tins at one another & they would yell "Frisbie". *
*The "modern" Frisbee disc will be patented by Wham-O in December 1967 & will sell over 100 million by 1977
January 23, 1920
THE DUTCH REFUSE TO EXTRADITE THE KAISER
Today the government of the Netherlands refused to extradite the former leader of Germany during the recent world war, Wilhelm II.
The Kaiser will remain in Doorn where his son, Joachim, will later commit suicide. In his memoirs, Wilhelm will deny any guilt in promoting the start of the war.
January 23, 1941
THE LONE EAGLE CALLS FOR NEGOTIATIONS
Charles A. Lindbergh who made the 1st solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927, has testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that, in his view, the United States should negotiate with Adolf Hitler.
In addition, "Lucky Lindy" also was critical of FDR's Lend Lease program to assist the allies in the war against Germany.*
*Despite his stand almost a year before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Lindbergh will fly 50 combat missions over the Pacific during WWII.
January 23, 1775
LONDON MERCHANTS WANT RELIEF
Today merchants in London petition Parliament for relief from the hardships that have resulted from the government's policies restricting trade with the American colonies.
The merchants want the mercantile system of trade which existed before 1764 reinstated by the Parliament.
January 23, 1571
ROYAL EXCHANGE OPENS
Queen Elizabeth I today officially opened the British Royal Exchange.
The Exchange was founded in 1565 by Sir Thomas Gresham to act as a center of commerce for the city of London.
The weather vane atop the Exchange represents the founder's family crest: The grasshopper.
