JFK MEETS WITH SOVIETS WHILE CONSIDERING RESPONSE TO MISSILES IN CUBA
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy met with Soviet Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Dobrynin, & Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrei Gromkyo, today at the White House.
Behind the scenes, JFK has been involved in daily meetings with his National Security advisers to determine the best course of action in response to the placing of nuclear missile sites in Cuba by the USSR.
During the meeting today with the President, Gromkyo assured JFK that Soviet aid to Cuba is strictly peaceful.*
*In his "Conversation With the President" later in December 1962, JFK said that during his meeting with the Soviets on October 18, he had U2 photographs in his desk which revealed Soviet nuclear missile bases under construction in Cuba but didn't mention this to the Russians because his information was incomplete & he didn't want to "tip his hand" & give them an advantage.
Dobrynin, Gromyko & JFK
Oval Office, The White House
October 18, 1962
Photo by Harvey Georges (AP)
October 18, 1961
AMERICAN FACT-FINDERS ARRIVE IN SAIGON
Saigon, South Vietnam (JFK+50) General Maxwell Taylor & a contingent of 11 Americans arrived here in Saigon today to gather information on the status of South Vietnam.
The group includes military advisers, diplomats & economists.
The contingent will spent about a week in Southeast Asia before reporting back to the President.
October 18, 1931
THOMAS ALVA EDISON DIES IN WEST ORANGE
West Orange, New Jersey (JFK+50) The world's greatest inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, died at his home today here in West Orange, New Jersey of complications of diabetes.
Edison Commemorative Medal
Because he set up his invention laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, he was known as "The Wizard of Menlo Park".
Edison, who had 1039 patents registered with the United States Patent Office, invented the electric light, the phonograph, & the storage battery.
He also developed a complete electrical distribution system for light & power.
Edison set up the 1st power plant in New York City.
Thomas A. Edison Battery Exhibit
US Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Edison National Historic Site
October 18, 1898
PUERTO RICO OFFICIALLY BECOMES US TERRITORY
San Juan, Puerto Rico (JFK+50) United States troops raised the American flag here in Puerto Rico today officially marking the country's addition to the territory of the United States.
Puerto Rico came under U.S. Control following the Spanish-American War.
U.S. General John R. Brooke served as Military Governor.
1st Company of Puerto Ricans
in the United States Army
Photo by Strohmeyer & Wyman (1899)
October 18, 1867
US TAKES POSSESSION OF ALASKA
Juneau, Alaska Territory (JFK+50) The United States took formal possession today of the territory of Alaska.
This follows the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.
The purchase was negotiated by Secretary of State William Seward who has come under criticism by references to "Seward's Folly" & "Seward's Ice Box".*
*In 1896, gold was discovered in Alaska's Klondike River. Alaska became the 49th State on January 3, 1959. 25% of America's oil supply today comes from Alaska.
Alaska Purchase Check
