Cable Briefs (Press, 11 June 1985)

On 11 June 1985, several significant events made headlines around the world. In Beirut, Thomas Southerland, the Acting Dean of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen as he was driving from the airport. The police were unable to identify the assailants or determine the reason for Southerland's abduction. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the government expressed strong discontent towards Japan for inviting Son Sann, the leader of the Kampuchean resistance, for an official visit to Tokyo. Vietnamese officials described this invitation as "illegal and immoral," reflecting ongoing tensions in the region. In California, the tragic news emerged concerning the Frustaci septuplets. Bonnie Marie, the fourth child out of the seven, died after a prolonged battle for survival. Her father described it as a "long and hard fight." The three remaining septuplets, who were delivered on 21 May, were reported to be improving each day. Bonnie Marie's death resulted from cardiopulmonary failure linked to hyaline membrane disease. In Peking, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping officially announced a significant reduction in the country’s military forces, stating that the armed forces would see a cut of 1 million personnel over the next two years. This announcement marked a substantial shift in Chinese military policy. Across the pond in London, Prince Philip attended a parade commemorating the Dunkirk evacuation of 1939. During the event, he took notice of Regimental Sergeant Major Linda Brown among the 2,500 men present. In a moment of surprising realisation, the Prince inquired whether she had served in the Women's Royal Army Corps. R.S.M. Brown responded that she had undergone a sex change operation in 1971, highlighting a change in societal perceptions regarding gender identity. Additionally, it was reported that Peter Sutcliffe, known as the Yorkshire Ripper, was receiving special privileges at Broadmoor prison. He had been moved to a private room equipped with colour television, video, and stereo equipment. Sutcliffe was allowed to attend social activities like disco dances and bingo. Furthermore, he could walk unsupervised in the hospital grounds with his wife and order takeaway food. Lastly, in Johannesburg, rescuers at the Western Deep Levels mine confirmed the unfortunate recovery of the body of a ninth miner who had died following a rock burst 3.5 kilometres underground. This incident highlighted ongoing safety concerns in the mining industry. Each of these stories reflects a range of social, political, and personal issues impacting various parts of the world in 1985.

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