24 Dec 1953
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Montana Standard
Location
Butte, Montana, United States of America
Date
Dec 24, 1953
Page
1
President Eisenhower publicly presses France to clear the path for the European Defense Community, warning that failure would force a reassessment of U.S. policy and risking withdrawal of NATO troops from West Germany. The move follows France's presidential election of René Coty and signals a deepening U.S. push amid Western Europe defense tensions.
Montana and U S Agriculture Departments estimate 1954 winter wheat production at 25 504 000 bushels, about 11 percent below 1953's 28.5 million and 9 percent under the 1942-51 average. The report cites dry fall weather, poor plant development, and limited soil moisture as causes, with seedings at 1 594 million acres, five percent below last year.
Police rushed onto the waterfront as rival unions clashed amid a federal bargaining election for 22,000 New York New Jersey longshoremen. Three dockers were knifed and four beaten. injuries were not serious. Voting had begun and would shape East Coast labor outcomes.
Britain and Iran formally resumed diplomatic ties in a brief ceremony as police clashed with Communist led demonstrators protesting the return. Twelve ring leaders were arrested as similar protests erupted a day earlier over Mossadegh treason sentence. British Charge d Affaires Denis Wright presented credentials to Foreign Minister Abdullah Entezam to officialize the renewal.
Vice President Nixon returned from a Far East tour to defend Ambassador Arthur Dean against agreeing to a Communist political conference in Korea. He warned that pressing surrender at the table would betray soldiers who died in Korea and praised Eisenhower leadership, while noting Communist willingness to bargain on any terms. Nixon reported his 45000 mile trip during a network broadcast as his 75-year-old father lay ill in Phoenix.
Thousands prepare for Christmas Eve services as Butte churches announce mass times from midnight to morning hours. St Patrick, St Ann, Sacred Heart, St John the Evangelist and others list multiple masses with carols, Gregorian chants, and solo performances by Pietro Yon and Montani.
Kalispell Montana shows William Zweck a former Polish Army officer who has played Santa for three years. He cannot unite with his wife and 13 year old daughter because of Communist Poland. Zweck arrived in 1947 and became a U.S. citizen this summer while working at the Conrad National Bank.
The Gift-Spotter in the Want Ad section offers simple home selections with no walking, riding, or waiting. T. V. Sales and Service advertises in the Gift-Spotter as one of Santa's favored stores this year.
MOSCOW Lavrenty Pavlovich Beria and six associates have been executed by firing squad after a five day trial, ending Berias nearly fifteen year leadership of the Soviet secret police. The government announced the executions Thursday.
A concise timeline of Lavrenty Beria's downfall from Stalin's death through his 1953 execution. March 5 Stalin dies Malenkov Beria Molotov group formed. July 9 Beria arrested ousted from party. Aug 10 Moscow radio reports court action. Dec 16 prosecutor says case ready for trial. Dec 23 Beria executed by firing squad at 54 amid treason charges.
In Versailles Sen Rene Coty a 71 year old independent Republican won the French presidency on the 13th ballot. He defeated Marcel-Edmond Naegelen by 477 to 329 as Parliament ended a week of wrangling. Coty will lead postwar France from the Elysee Palace as the second president of the Fourth Republic amid questions on the European Defense Community.
Twenty two Americans who converted to communism in the Korean DMZ prison camp would not attend a planned news conference with allied and Communist reporters. The Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission denied another request for face to face explanations to prisoners who declined repatriation. The future status of the group remained undecided with Army open service through January 22 and possible desistance options.
Harry Holmes a postal inspector with 29 years service mailed Christmas cards without stamps. He bought stamps and mailed the cards but left them unstamped. Some cards are returning and friends are paying three cents due.
A heavy earthquake struck southern Colombia at midnight near the Ecuador border. Initial reports say many injured and widespread damage, with Narino state official Sergio Antonio Ruano noting almost every community was affected, especially Guitarillas where injuries and heavy destruction were reported.
The final two of 13 escapees were recaptured after 30 hours hiding near bread loaves and were returned in handcuffs to Southern Michigan Prison in Jackson. They join eight others already back in solitary confinement. three more were to be sent from Detroit.
Vienna and Belgrade announced that Austria and Yugoslavia will upgrade their legations in Vienna and Belgrade to full embassies. The decision aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations amid ongoing regional developments.
Washington government workers favored caroling over drinking with strict liquor enforcement in federal buildings. The Labor Department hosted its first annual Christmas party with 82 voices, a playlet, and door prizes, while Agriculture head Benson shunned alcohol, tea, and coffee.
Pilgrims from distant lands converge on Bethlehem to support holy sites in a poor town, aiming for a prosperous Christmas despite snow, weather, and regional tension. Airlift resumes as Beirut to Bethlehem flights resume with 42 chartered planes plus 35 scheduled, while others travel by land from Beirut through Damascus and Amman. Some groups stay in Damascus and drive eight hours for midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
Partly cloudy with little temperature change expected Thursday and Friday. Highs near 30, some 30 to 40 in west and east Divide areas. Lows near zero at night, wind remains locally strong from the west in west portions Thursday, easing later. Periods include 12 midnight Tuesday to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday with max 22 and min -2.
Washington officials and two Republican senators rejected Sen. Paul Douglas’s claim that a real recession is underway. They argued the downturn is a normal readjustment from high stocks and output. They warned against predicting a full slump while stressing vigilance for soft spots.
Butte city offices will close Thursday at noon for the Christmas holiday and reopen Monday morning. Police court sessions will resume Monday morning with a special 10 am session before the holiday.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.