crater in Sikhote-Alin, in the Soviet Union. In Burma, the Panglong Agreement is reached between the Burmese government under its leader, General Aung San, and the Shan, Kachin, and Chin ethnic peoples at the Panglong Conference. U Aung Zan Wai, Pe Khin, Major Aung, Sir Maung Gyi, Dr. Sein Mya Maung and Myoma U Than Kywe are among the negotiators. February 17 – Cold War: The Voice of America begins to transmit radio broadcasts into Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. February 20 An explosion at the O'Connor Electro-Plating Company in Los Angeles leaves 17 dead, 100 buildings damaged, and a crater in the ground. The U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hermes program V-2 rocket Blossom I is launched into space, carrying plant material and fruitflies, the first living things to enter space. February 21 – In New York City, Edwin Land demonstrates the first "instant camera", his Polaroid Land Camera, to a meeting of the Optical Society of America. February 22 – The Tom and Jerry cartoon Cat Fishin' is released. February 23 – The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is founded. February 25 The German state of Prussia is officially abolished, by the Allied Control Council. Hachikō Line derailment: The worst-ever train accident in Japan kills 184 people. John C. Hennessy, Jr. brings the first Volkswagen Beetle to the United States. He purchased the 1946 automobile from the U.S. Army Post Exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, while serving in the U.S. Army. The Beetle is shipped from Bremerhaven, arriving in New York this day. February 28 The United States grants France a military base in Casablanca. In Taiwan, civil disorder is put down, with large loss of civilian lives. March March 1 The International Monetary Fund begins to operate. German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun marries his first cousin, 18-year-old Maria von Quirstorp. March 4 – The Treaty of Dunkirk (effective September 8) is signed between the United Kingdom and France, providing for mutual assistance in the event of attack. March 12 – The Cold War begins: The Truman Doctrine is proclaimed, to help stem the spread of Communism. March 14 – The Thames flood and other widespread flooding occurs, as the exceptionally harsh British winter of 1946–1947 ends in a thaw. March 15 – Hindus and Muslims clash in Punjab. March 19 – The 19th Academy Awards Ceremony is held. The movie The Best Years of Our Lives wins