THIS WEEK

SEPTEMBER 25, 1942 During the Second World War, the “Swiss Police Instruction” saw Jews being prevented from entering Switzerland.

Political refugees would still be allowed in by frontier guards, but they were told: “Refugees for racial reasons only, for instance Jews, do not count as political refugees.”

As reports of Nazi atrocities continued, pressure would mount on the Swiss Government to change the law.

SEPTEMBER 26, 1969 The Beatles’ 11th studio album, Abbey Road, was released – it was to be the final one recorded by the band.

The picture of all four band members on the zebra crossing on the cover of Abbey Road has become a musical icon in its own right.

SEPTEMBER 28, 1951 CBS, RCA and Color Television Inc had been in a race to produce the first colour TV, and CBS won.

The losers took out an injunction, however, and the case went to the US Supreme Court, meaning the first colour sets were soon removed from shops.

SEPTEMBER 29, 1978 John Paul (above), the new Pope, died just 33 days after beginning his reign, the shortest-ever.

Aged 65, he had expressed a desire not to be elected, but felt obliged to serve once it happened.

SEPTEMBER 30, 1949 The Berlin Airlift ended, after a crisis that began the previous summer when the Russian blockaded railways, roads and water access to Berlin’s Allied zones.

The Allies had one plane landing every 45 seconds at its peak, bringing West Berliners crucial supplies.