September 2, 1960: GM Thinks Small, Iranian Resignations, Castro Recognizes Red China, US Sees Soviet Meddling in Congo, Khrushchev Coming to NY

General Motors unveiled its newest compact car, it was reported on this day in 1960. The Olds F-85 is based on the Corvair economy car, but is seven inches longer and five inches wider. It will have a water-cooled aluminum V-8 engine in the front that produces 155 horsepower. The F-85, at 188 inches long, is 20 inches shorter than GM's standard-sized cars in the popular-price field. ... In Iran, newly elected Deputies to the lower house of Parliament resigned at the request of Shah Mohammed Riza Pahlevi in advance of new elections. Elections last month were marked by bribery and intimidation. The Shah had promised they would be free, apart from the exclusion of Communists and followers of Mohammed Mossadegh, the former prime minister overthrown in a CIA plot assisted by the Shah seven years earlier. ... In Cold War news for this day in 1960, Cuban Premier Fidel Castro said he was breaking diplomatic relations with the Nationalist Chinese on Taiwan and would officialy recognize Communist China. It was also reported today that Cuba had seized three US-owned tire plants. ... In Washington, the Commerce Department imposed limits on exports to Cuba. It banned Jeeps and auto parts that could be used in military vehicles. ... In Washington, Secretary of State Christian Herter said the Soviet Union was stirring up trouble for the United Nations in the Congo. Herter said the Reds were seeking control of the Congo. ... It was also reported on this day in 1960 that Sen. John F. Kennedy had pledged that if elected he would meet with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Meanwhile, in Moscow, Khrushchev said he would lead a delegation of Eastern European nations to the United Nations for the opening of the General Assembly session on September 20. Khrushchev was silent on the possibility of meeting with President Eisenhower during his visit to New York. White House officials said the president would travel to New York for the session but would
not meet with Khrushchev