Defecting Spies, Domino States, and a Noble Prince.

This week (April 1-7th) in 1954…

Vladimir Mikhaylovich Petrov this week filed for political asylum in Australia. Petrov was a member of the Soviet “State Political Directorate” and recruited spies to keep watch on Soviet citizens, primarily to protect against defections. This is a great victory for the free world: Even one of their trusted, important spies sees the error of his ways.

I like Ike and I cannot lie.
In related news, President Dwight D. Eisenhower has presented a domino theory in regards to communism in Indochina. This theory states that, if one nation falls to communism, others around it will quickly fall to the Soviet Union.

Eisenhower also signed into law on April 1 legislation to begin construction on an Air Force Academy. An advistory committee will determine the location of the new academy, which will be the third service academy. Charles Lindbergh will join others on this committee…

In entertainment news, Casanova’s Big Night opened on the 7th, starring Bob Hope and Joan Fontain. This witty spoof of the swashbuckling genre was directed by Norman Z. McLeod. Hope will play a man impersonating Giacomo Casanova.

Also this week in film, Prince Valiant opened on April 5th, starring James Mason, Janet Leigh, and Robert Wagner. Based on the popular comic strip, in this adventure Prince Valiant faces many foes and troubles while questing to become a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table.

Miscellanea:
– ABC-United Paramount purchased WLS-Chicago from Sears, Roebuck and Co.
– Charles and Lee-Lee Chan, refugees from the Chinese Civil War, welcomed a baby boy on April 7th. “Jackie” Chan has reportedly already shown considerable martial arts ability and timing…