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May 20, 1954

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

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Headlines from May 20, 1954

LATIN ARMS CARGO UPSETS PRESIDENT; Eisenhower Sees 'Disturbing' Aspect in Guatemala Aid From Communist Source LATIN ARMS CARGO UPSETS PRESIDENT

By Walter H. Waggonerspecial To the New York Times

Eisenhower calls shipment 'disturbing,' press conf; says it highlights background of US resolution; warns of 'terrible' effect of Communist outpost in hemisphere; State Dept silent; seen prepared to let a Latin-Amer repub take initial move for joint action; some see Honduras making good case

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3 French Generals In Hanoi for Study; FRENCH GENERALS IN HANOI ON STUDY

By Henry R. Liebermanspecial To the New York Times

Ely, staff and Navarre survey situation; Huard continues talks in Dienbienphu; Geneva talks on wounded resume; 5 escaped French Dienbienphu survivors reach Laos; nurse, offered freedom, chooses to stay with wounded; rebels take Thuchoa; again cut Hanoi-Haipong lines; French bombers cut Route 41 in 5 places; map

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Notable Births

David Paterson

1954David Paterson, American lawyer and politician, 55th Governor of New York[†]

David Alexander Paterson is an American politician and attorney who served as the 55th governor of New York, succeeding Eliot Spitzer, who resigned, and serving out nearly three years of Spitzer's term from March 2008 to December 2010. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first legally blind person to be sworn in as governor of a U.S. state, and the first African-American governor of New York.

Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway

1954Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway, Scottish lawyer and judge[†]

Colin John MacLean Sutherland, Lord Carloway PC FRSE is a Scottish advocate and judge who served as the Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General from 2015 until his retirement in February 2025. He was previously Lord Justice Clerk from 2012 to 2015 and was a Senator of the College of Justice from February 2000 until his retirement. On 4 June 2024, Lord Carloway announced his intention to retire from judicial office in early 2025.

Historical Context for May 20, 1954

In 1954, the world population was approximately 2,685,894,860 people[†]