You don't have Javascript enabled. To view this site requires Javascript to be enabled.
MjIxMi0tLTU1NC0tLTE=.jpg
If you can't access speech audio, click here to get Real Player
sponsored by peru

7th September

251---Image_large

1977: Panama to control canal


On 7th September 1977, the United States signs a treaty with Panama agreeing to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama in 2000. In 1903, America’s desire to build a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, then controlled by Colombia, led U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to support a Panamanian revolt against Colombian rule. Panama won independence and immediately signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the United States, which gave the U.S. the right to build, protect and administer indefinitely a canal that would cut through the centre of the Republic of Panama. In 1914, the 40-mile Panama Canal was opened, strategically connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Panama later pushed to revoke the treaty and in 1977 U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian dictator Omar Torrijos signed a treaty to turn over the canal in 2000. A peaceful transfer occurred on 15th December 1999.

2006

In Britain, Labour Prime Minister announces that he will resign within the next year.

2005

The people of Egypt vote in their first ever contested Presidential election - Hosni Mubarak, the incumbent, wins.

1992

24 people are killed by South African soldiers at an ANC demonstration at the border of Ciskei in South Africa.

1986

Bishop Desmond Tutu is appointed Archbishop of Cape Town becoming the first black man to become the head of South Africa’s Anglican Church.

1978

The British Prime Minister James Callaghan announces that there will be a general election in the autumn of 1979. 

1978

In England, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov is assassinated by the Bulgarian secret police in London. Markov, who died on 11th September, was shot with a poisoned pellet from a modified umbrella.  

1952

A military coup in Egypt overthrows Prime Minister Aly Maher and replaces him with General Muhammad Neguib.

1940

The Second World War: Germany begins regular bombing of London, commonly known as The Blitz.

1911

French poet Guillaume Apollinaire is arrested and jailed on suspicion of stealing Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris. He is later released without charge.

1901

The signing of the Boxer Protocol formally ends the Boxer Rebellion, which attempted to drive all foreigners out of China.

1860

In America, the steamship Lady Elgin sinks on Lake Michigan in gale force winds after having been knocked by the schooner Augusta. It is thought that approximately 400 died.

1822

Brazil declares independence from Brazil.

1812

After marching towards Moscow, the French Army of Napoleon Bonaparte defeats the Russians at the Battle of Borodino.

1776

American Revolution: The American submarine Turtle attempts to attach a time bomb to the hull of the British flagship Eagle in New York Harbour. It is the first use of a submarine in warfare.

1191

During the Third Crusade Richard I of England defeats Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf.

1949

American singer Gloria Gaynor born in New Jersey. Bcomes poplar disco singer with songs such as 'I Will Survive'.

1942

American actor Richard Rowntree. Becomes famous in the title role of the film 'Shaft' in 1960s.

1936

American rock singer, songwriter and guitarist Buddy Holly - real name Charles Hardin - born Lubbock, Texas. Despite a recording career lasting less than two years (dies in an aircrash in 1959 aged 23) is regarded as one of the most influential pioneers of Rock and Roll with many of records becoming bigger hits after his death such as 'That'll Be The Day'; 'Peggy Sue' and 'Oh Boy'.

1925

Welsh fashion designer Laura Ashley. Dies in 1985.

1917

Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC. Becomes an RAF pilot during World War II and awarded the Victoria Cross after completing 100 bombing missions.

1913

British actor Sir Anthony Quayle born in Lancashire. Joins the eare Memorial Theatre in Stratford in 1946 and becomes Theatre Director (1948-1956) - credited with transforming it into an theatre of international standing.

1895

Lt General Sir Brian Horrocks born in India. Joins the British army at the outbreak of World War I and rises to become a Corps Commander against German Field Marshall Rommel in North Africa during World War II.

1887

English poet Dame Edith Sitwell born in Scarborough, Yorkshire.

1836

British Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman. is born in Glasgow. Liberal prime minister 1905-1908, he resigns from ill-health seven days before his death.

1735

Scottish banker Thomas Coutts. Along with his brother James, founds the London banking house, Coutts & Co.

1533

Queen Elizabeth I of England born at Greenwich Palace in London - daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Reigns for 45 years after succeeeding to the throne in 1558.

1998

Legendary Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa dies at his home aged 88.

1990

English historian A.J.P.Taylor. One of Britain's leading authorities on 19th and 20th century history.

1978

Keith Moon, manic drummer with the British rock groug 'The Who' dies in London from a drug overdose.

1815

French General Michel Ney is executed for treason for aiding Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo.

1548

Catherine Parr. Married King Henry VIII in 1543 - his sixth and final wife.