SOVIET LEGATION AT WELLINGTON

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26985, 10 March 1953, Page 9

SOVIET LEGATION AT WELLINGTON

MANY EXPRESSIONS OF CONDOLENCE (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 9. During the week-end there has been a steady stream of callers at the Soviet Legation to sign the visitors’ book. The Minister of External Affairs (Mr T. C. Webb) conveyed the condolences of 1 the Government in the death of Mr Stalin, and this morning he was followed by the American Ambassador (Mr R. M. Scotten).. who is dean pt the Diplomatic Corps. An impressive setting has been arranged by the legation staff. A portrait of Mr Stalin hangs above a table covered in black on which is placed the visitors’ book. The table is surrounded by flowers, including pot plants, and red and black colours are protninently displayed. The national colours are also attached to the portrait. Nearby is a portrait of Mr Malenkov, the successor to Mr Stalin. The legation’s flag is at half-mast, and above the entrance is still another portrait of Mr Stalin, surrounded by greenery and decorated with black and red ribbons. The Charge d’Affaires (Mr V. D. Kalistratov), who received visitors today, wore a red band on his arm.