CAPTURED US PILOT RELEASED
US U2 pilot, Francis Gary Powers, who was shot down over Soviet air space on May 1, 1960, was exchanged today for Russian spy Rudolf Abel & CIA agent, Frederic L. Pryor.
The exchange, part of a desire on the part of President Kennedy & Premier Khrushchev for better relations between the superpowers, was made on the Gilenicker Bridge linking East & West Berlin.
Powers had managed to deploy his parachute when shot down in 1960 but was captured by the Soviets. At the time of his release, he was serving a 10 year sentence for spying.
February 10, 1965
US BARRACKS EXPLODES IN SOUTH VIETNAM
The US Army base at Qui Nhon, South Vietnam, was destroyed today by explosives set by the Viet Cong. 23 Americans were killed in the blast.
President Johnson has ordered an air strike on North Vietnam as a response to the action by the VC in the hope of stopping future attacks in the south.
February 10, 1966
RALPH NADER APPEARS BEFORE CONGRESS
Consumer rights activist, Ralph Nader, testified before a Congressional committee today about the "unsafe practices" of the US automobile manufacturers.
Nader, who published the best-selling book Unsafe at Any Speed: The Designed-In Dangers of the American Automobile, is critical of the lack of controls by the government on what, in his opinion, is the manufacturing of automobiles where profit is more important than safety.*
*Nader's efforts will lead to the passage of the National Traffic & Motor Vehicle Safety Act which will set "safety standards" which American automobile manufacturers will be required to meet.
February 10, 1916
SECRETARY OF WAR RESIGNS
President Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of War, Lindley M. Garrison, submitted his resignation today as a result of disagreement with the President's national defense policy.
Garrison has expressed the belief that a "full-time reserve army" should be created. President Wilson, however, has steadfastly advocated a policy of "strict neutrality".
Newton D. Baker, who will replace Garrison, is a known "pacifist" whose ideas will more likely coincide with the President's.*
*Ironically, Secretary of War Baker will oversea the mobilization of American forces to fight in World War I.
February 10, 1763
PEACE TREATY SIGNED IN PARIS
The Treaty of Paris was signed today by representatives of France, Great Britain & Spain. The treaty brings the end of the Seven Years' War.*
As a result of the treaty, France will give up her claims to Canada to the British & French claims to Louisiana to the Spanish.
*The part of the 7 Years War fought in America is known as the French & Indian War.
