1953 review: Malenkov jails Beria; Hillary and Norgay reach Everest summit; White testifies in DC; Dulles at NATO; Times

The transcript covers significant historical events, including Russia's political changes post-Stalin, the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norki, and the controversy surrounding Harry Dexter White's promotion despite FBI reports. It also discusses the Soviet spy issue, J. Edgar Hoover's testimony, year-end reflections on foreign relations, and a call for a European army by NATO.

Who was Lavrenty P. Beria, and what happened to him in Russia?

• He was a U.S. Secretary of State.

• He was a mountaineer who climbed Everest.

• He was a Soviet leader who was executed.

• He was a Soviet leader who was promoted.

Who were the first individuals to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest?

• Anatoli Boukreev and Scott Fischer

• Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norki

• Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler

• George Mallory and Andrew Irvine

What was the controversy involving Harry Dexter White about?

• His leadership in the United Nations

• His promotion despite derogatory FBI reports

• His involvement in the Watergate scandal

• His role in the Cuban Missile Crisis

Which U.S. official brought attention to the Soviet spy problem?

• Harry Dexter White

• Edmund Hillary

• J. Edgar Hoover

• Herbert Brownell, Jr.

What was the United States' position regarding the European army at the end of the year?

• It should focus on economic rather than military goals.

• It should be expanded to include more nations.

• It must be created soon or U.S. policy will be reassessed.

• It should be disbanded immediately.