The U2 plane was shot down before Kennedy. It was a very embarrassing event for Eisenhower because he was warming up to the Russians at the time. Yes, this was an unfortunate circumstance by the United States, but we must remember December 7th in U.S. history (anniversary is today, as a matter of fact).

It is really better off to let the 'spying game' continue while not letting incidents like KAL or the Chinese incident earlier this year. Unfortunately many nations take spying more personally.

I don't know if that KAL airliner was spying. I think it is unlikely only because the voice recorders did not notice any tension in the cockpit. If you thought you were flying over Soviet airspace taking reconnaissance photos you certainly wouldn't be acting like you are on a routine international flight.

If you read the account that I posted, I think it gives a plausible account as to what happened and why the Japan flight controllers did not know their location. Besides, are you suggesting a conspiracy which included the civilian Japanese air controllers? Really, Alex.

Warm regards, Harv

• No, I did not say that Japan was included. - alexander - December 7, 2001 - 20:28 UTC
  • it was easy to be "on the ground" spying in USA back then - carefuluniverse - December 16, 2001 - 07:34 UTC