THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Dean Inge, of St Paul’s Cathedral, speaking at a meeting of the World Alliance for Promoting International Friendship Throughout the Churches, said the sword could be sheathed tomorrow if the nations were not so much afraid of each other. “We were told the war would not be ended until German militarism was destroyed. The programme was always hopeless and we now see it was absurd,” he said. “We could not defeat the spirit of a nation by destroying its troops.

50 years ago

Soviet astro-physicists believe most flying saucers are enormous pearly bodies with centres like spheres and could become almost invisible. The newspaper Sovetskaya Latvia quoted the head of a space-tracking station as saying that the red-to-blue colour changes that appeared in the UFOS apparently depended on their altitude. Because the objects apparently had the ability to absorb electro-magnetic waves, they could become practically invisible.

25 years ago

A potential bidder for part of a privatised British Rail has named two lines which could be targeted for closure. The disclosure from Sir James Sherwood, the man who revived the Orient Express, comes as Government plans to privatise BR are questioned by two former Cabinet ministers. Former deputy Prime Minister Lord Whitelaw and ex-transport Secretary Lord Ridley warn of the problems caused by loss-making lines. Sir James has said he would want scope for rationalisation.

One year ago

Plans for a Fife festival are in disarray because Fife Council booked its venue for a wedding. Popular Crail Festival traditionally bows out with a concert at which Eddi Reader and Barbara Dickson have headlined. But organisers were astounded to learn the show had been scuppered as the only hall capable of hosting it had been reserved more than a year ago. Fife Council has apologised for the error, saying a member of staff had been unaware of the long-standing, unofficial agreement.