December 12, 2013
USS PANAY SUNK 76 YEARS AGO
Nanking, China (JFK+50) The gunboat USS Panay was attacked and sunk 76 years ago today, December 12, 1937, by warplanes of the Japanese empire.
The Japanese had invaded China in the summer of 1937 and the Panay, part of the Asiatic Fleet patrolling the Yangtze River in protection of American lives and property, had evacuated the remaining American citizens living in Nanking the previous day.
The USS Panay was hit by 2 bombs dropped from Japanese fighter planes.
Three American sailors were killed and 43 sailors and civilians were wounded in the attack.
The Japanese government, which accepted full responsibility for the attack, claimed it was unintentional.
A letter of apology arrived in Washington on December 24, 1937, and later the Japanese agreed to pay $2 million in reparations.
JFK MET WITH CHILE'S PRESIDENT 51 YEARS AGO
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Kennedy concluded two days of discussions 51 years ago today, December 12, 1962, with President Jorge Alessandri Rodriguez* of Chile.
The discussions included the Alliance for Progress program and the economic development of Chile.
After attending a Christmas party in the East Room at the White House, President and Mrs. Kennedy enjoyed an evening performance of the American Ballet Theater.
*Jorge Alessandri Rodriquez (1896-1966) served as President of Chile from 1958 to 1964. He was born in Santiago and graduated from the University of Chile in 1919.
He was president of a bank and later ran a paper and carton manufacturing business. As Chile's president, JAR unleashed a series of progressive tax and agricultural reforms as part of JFK's Alliance for Progress.
Jorge Alessandri Rodriguez
President of Chile
Photo by Desconocido
Bibloteca del Congreso Nacional
USS PANAY SUNK 76 YEARS AGO
Nanking, China (JFK+50) The gunboat USS Panay was attacked and sunk 76 years ago today, December 12, 1937, by warplanes of the Japanese empire.
The Japanese had invaded China in the summer of 1937 and the Panay, part of the Asiatic Fleet patrolling the Yangtze River in protection of American lives and property, had evacuated the remaining American citizens living in Nanking the previous day.
The USS Panay was hit by 2 bombs dropped from Japanese fighter planes.
Three American sailors were killed and 43 sailors and civilians were wounded in the attack.
The Japanese government, which accepted full responsibility for the attack, claimed it was unintentional.
A letter of apology arrived in Washington on December 24, 1937, and later the Japanese agreed to pay $2 million in reparations.
USS Panay
NARA Photo
JFK MET WITH CHILE'S PRESIDENT 51 YEARS AGO
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Kennedy concluded two days of discussions 51 years ago today, December 12, 1962, with President Jorge Alessandri Rodriguez* of Chile.
The discussions included the Alliance for Progress program and the economic development of Chile.
After attending a Christmas party in the East Room at the White House, President and Mrs. Kennedy enjoyed an evening performance of the American Ballet Theater.
*Jorge Alessandri Rodriquez (1896-1966) served as President of Chile from 1958 to 1964. He was born in Santiago and graduated from the University of Chile in 1919.
He was president of a bank and later ran a paper and carton manufacturing business. As Chile's president, JAR unleashed a series of progressive tax and agricultural reforms as part of JFK's Alliance for Progress.
Jorge Alessandri Rodriguez
President of Chile
Photo by Desconocido
Bibloteca del Congreso Nacional
