Brooklyn Boro

September 4: ON THIS DAY in 1954, U.S. to fight ‘automatically’ if Reds attack Philippines

September 4, 2020 Brooklyn Eagle History
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ON THIS DAY IN 1931, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “New infantile paralysis cases in New York City have reached a new low in the last 24 hours, according to figures made public today by the Health Department. The total number of cases reported since yesterday is 47, the lowest since the peak of the epidemic, which was reached Aug. 5 with 111 cases. The Bronx has taken the lead away from Brooklyn with 15 new cases. Brooklyn has 13, Queens 11, Manhattan 7 and Richmond 1. Three deaths have occurred in the last 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities to 341. Two Brooklyn hospitals today were using emergency methods to fight the disease. The United Israel-Zion Hospital announced that it is using blood transfusions between victims and those cured of the disease instead of the serum treatment. Joseph J. Baker, president of the Jewish Hospital, said his institution is conducting a study of the disease in conjunction with the Harvard Infantile Paralysis Commission of Harvard University. An analysis of the cases in New York City shows that 54 percent of the afflicted are children under 5 years of age, according to Health Commissioner Wynne.” 

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ON THIS DAY IN 1939, the Eagle reported, “Washington (AP) — President Roosevelt wrestled today with the weighty problems of American neutrality after making a solemn personal pledge to try to prevent a ‘blackout of peace in the United States.’ It was generally expected that he would hold up formal invocation of the Neutrality Act at least until after the cabinet has held a special meeting at 3 p.m. The president made his neutrality plea to the nation in a radio address on the same Sunday that Great Britain and France joined Poland in war against Germany. His brief mid-evening talk was heard by millions of persons, both in this and other countries, who have been eagerly seeking light on the question: Can the United States keep out of a conflict in which four European powers already have become embroiled? Pausing between words for emphasis, Mr. Roosevelt said: ‘I hope the United States will keep out of this war. I believe that it will and I give you assurance that every effort of your government will be directed toward that end.’”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1946, the Eagle reported, “CONVENTION HALL, ALBANY — The Democratic State Convention, at its final session today, adopted a platform plank condemning the British government’s policy in Palestine and demanded establishment there of a free, autonomous and democratic Jewish homeland. Declaring the State Democratic party’s position in foreign affairs, the platform came out in favor of a just peace, and not a punitive one, for a Democratic Italy, in recognition of the Italian people’s assistance to the Allies’ cause. The platform pledged uncompromising opposition to ‘the forces of Fascism and Communism.’ The convention commended President Truman’s foreign policy as forthright and vigorous. After urging adoption of Mr. Truman’s proposals for the reception of displaced and stateless people all over the world, regardless of race, religion or previous political belief, the plank declared, ‘We condemn the policy and acts of the British Government in Palestine and its resort to brutal repressions of the Jewish inhabitants, whose historic and promised rights to a Jewish national home are continually being violated by the mandatory power.’”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1954, the Eagle reported, “MANILA (U.P.) — Secretary of State John Foster Dulles assured the Philippines today that the United States would fight should this country ever be attacked by Communists. Dulles gave this assurance as a series of military talks between the United States and the Philippines opened this morning, two days before the start of the Southeast Asia Defense Conference on Monday. ‘I wish to state in the most emphatic terms that the U.S. will honor fully its commitment under the mutual defense treaty,’ Dulles said. ‘If the Philippines were attacked, the United States would act immediately. The President of the United States has ordered the fleet to protect Formosa [Taiwan] from invasion by Communist aggressors. In the case of the Philippines, no specific orders are required. Our forces would automatically react.’”

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