Jugoslavs Await Visit Of Russia’s Leaders

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27669, 27 May 1955, Page 13

Jugoslavs Await Visit Of Russia’s Leaders

(N.Z. Press Associate onr—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) BELGRADE, May 26. The Soviet Communist Party First Secretary, Mr Nikita Khrushchev, with the Soviet Prime Minister, Marshal Nikola Bulganin, will arrive in Belgrade today for talks with the Jugoslav President, Marshal Tito—the “outcast of the Cominform.” The delegation has been described as the most powerful ever to leave Russia. The talks, which are being held at the Soviet’s suggestion as a move to “normalise” the relationship between the two countries, are expected to end in a declaration of mutual aims for a settlement of world problems. Marshal Tito has stated publicly that Jugoslavia will not go back to the Eastern bloc and that the West will not be affected by the outcome of the talks.

A proclamation has called on the people of Belgrade to line the streets to welcome the visitors. It is expected that there will be a series of diplomatic receptions and a gala performance at the State Opera.

The Russians are expected to tour the countryside after the talks, gnd perhaps will visit Marshal Tito’s secluded island residence at Brionu, off the northern Adriatic Coast.

The delegation is likely to stay in Jugoslavia for a week. The Jugoslav foreign ministry announced that a press conference would be held later today when the first information ory the talks would be given. Foreign observers believe the talks will end with the signature of a document setting forth principles of active coexistence.

Usually reliable sources said the Russians would travel in Jugoslavia, as other foreign delegations have done recently, in addition to their talks with President Tito.

By showing the world that they would treat the Russians as any other distinguished foreign visitors, the Jugoslavs were anxious to emphasise that their latest guests had come as statesmen and not as Communists, these sources said.

Jugoslav and Russian receptions and a gala opera performance are believed to be on the official programme for the week’s visit.

News of the visit has evoked unfavourable comments from some private citizens, who still feel that the Russians are not to be trusted.

President Tito received birthday telegrams from all over Jugoslavia and a relay of runners from the six republics converged on Belgrade to present gift batons. President Tito, replying to birthday greetings received from Marshal Voroshilov, the Soviet president said: “I most warmly thank you for your birthday greetings. I take this occasion to express to you my best wishes for your personal well-being and for the progress of the peoples of the Soviet Union.”