21 Oct 1969
Page 1
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Newspaper
Aiken Standard
Location
Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
Date
Oct 21, 1969
Page
1
A propane gas explosion and fire hit the American USO club in downtown Saigon early Tuesday, causing extensive damage and sending scores fleeing from nearby apartments. No deaths or injuries were reported. the blast shook the city, drawing hundreds to the streets despite a curfew as flames rose and firefighters were called.
Bahgat Youseff Hamdan was sentenced to death by a Egyptian military tribunal on espionage charges. Two West Germans Alber Pfizer and Ralf Dryer were each given fifteen years in prison with Dryer sentenced in absentia.
President Nixon signed a measure boosting federal pensions for federal employees including members of Congress. The plan bases pensions on the top three years of earnings, raises employee contributions matched by the treasury, and sets an 80 percent maximum. Congress members with 30 years service would receive about $34,000 at a $42,500 salary starting January 1972.
Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird distances himself from Rep. Rivers push to add 1 billion dollars for Navy ships this year. Laird forecasts a definite slowdown in defense industry and will not seek formal appropriation to back Rivers's authorization, effectively stalling the higher ship program.
Senate Republicans say the next draft will come by lottery after President Nixon pressure. Senator Hugh Scott notes the plan was dead until Nixon put heat on Congress. The House Armed Services Committee approves the lottery method to induct 19-year-olds and is poised to pass in the House this week.
Maj. Gen. Georgi Beregovoi and Konstantin Feoktistov arrived in New York from Moscow for a two week visit to U S space facilities at Cape Kennedy and Houston. They were greeted at Kennedy Airport by Frank Borman and his wife. Mayor Lindsay welcomed them at Gracie Mansion.
Secretary Finch ordered cyclamates removed from the market amid the wide spread artificial sweetener controversy. Retailers report slow shelf turnover as manufacturers adjust formulas and distribute notices. HEW cites animal cancer studies but finds no human cancer evidence as stores await guidance.
Lt Gov John C West addressed the Aiken Lions detailing South Carolina’s economic plans. He praised reverse investments as a key driver, citing a 14 member committee’s European tour to attract foreign industry. He highlighted education as a major asset and contrasted training times between Germany and the Palmetto State.
Medical examiner and two chemists testified that blood was present on Mary Jo Kopechne and on her clothing when her body was recovered from Edward Kennedy's car. An exhumation autopsy was requested to determine cause, with defense emphasizing drowning and possible internal injuries.
South Vietnamese forces probing the U Minh Forest in the Mekong Delta killed 116 enemy troops in two battles. One fight yielded 96 North Vietnamese regulars. US gunships supported as a Cobra helicopter was shot down. Marines and infantry found rifles and a German-made machine gun, with intel suggesting key regiments moving toward the delta from Cambodia.
Deputies investigate after Millbrook Elementary suffered egg splashes and ice cream theft over the weekend. No forced entry found. one and a half cases of eggs broken and four cartons of ice cream taken. Discovery occurred after Monday morning opening.
President Nixon defended Supreme Court nominee Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. calling criticism vicious character assassination and pledged to stand behind him until confirmation. Senator Birch Bayh condemned the move as partisan and said the president’s stance targets him personally.
AP survey shows boards favor open public meetings but reserve private sessions for personnel issues and tough matters. Aiken County holds monthly public meetings with study sessions. Spartanburg districts rarely close meetings. Greenville and others mix open sessions with executive talks. News coverage welcomed, officials say open discussions improve transparency though some reserve privacy for certain topics.
In a dictated statement Bayh says he did not call Haynsworth dishonest but that the judge has not conducted himself to avoid appearances of impropriety. Senators Hruska and Cook voiced agreement and support for Nixon's strong stance.
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