RUSSIAN DELEGATION IN JUGOSLAVIA

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27670, 28 May 1955, Page 7

RUSSIAN DELEGATION IN JUGOSLAVIA

(Rec. 11 p.m.) , BELGRADE, May 27. Leaders of Russia, who arrived in Belgrade yesterday for their first visit to Jugoslavia since the breach between Marshal Tito and the Cominform in 1948, will today plunge into a full programme of official talks interspersed with formal luncheons and receptions.

The Russians are staying at a Byzantine-style* palace in the Belgrade suburb of Dedinje. The palace, built by King Alexander, has a spacious park and private swimming pool, and is kept for visiting heads of state, or for leaders of Jugoslavia’s Government. A few hours before the Russians arrived yesterday, it was disclosed that Jugoslavia had accepted an invitation to send a Parliamentary/ delegation to Russia, at a date not yet fixed. Mr Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet Communist Party first secretary, who is leading the Soviet delegation, said when he arrived at the airport that Russia was ready to do everything necessary to remove obstacles to complete normal relations with Jugoslavia.

i President Tito shaken the hands of the , Soviet rulers since IMS. Mr Khrushchev said he was “sincerely regretful of the division that took place between Jugoslavia and the Soviet Union."

He blamed thp executed secret police chief. Mr Lavrenti Beria, for the “darkened relations” between Russia and Jugoslavia in the last seven years, and said Russia “fully appreciated” Jugoslavia’s Hood relations with both Eastern and Western blocs. Plans for the Soviet leaders’ stay in Jugoslavia are being kept secret. The press will be briefed on the programme each day, but never more than one day in advance. It is expected, however, -.that the talks will take place in a large reception room in the old palace, furnished with rich crystal chandeliers and a heavy green carpet. Subjects for Talks They are expected to deal with the details of unsolved problems between the two governments, such as possible Soviet compensation for damage inflicted by the Soviet bloc’s economic blockade of Jugoslavia. Then in a second phase, the two nations’ leaders will review the international situation, particularly Germany. '

The Jugoslavs are understood to be ready to draw up a joint document setting forth the principles of active coexistence. After a few days to Belgrade the Soviet leaders are expected to visit other places of industrial and cultural interest.

It is believed that they will remain in Jugoslavia for seven or eight days. The delegates also included the Russian Prime Minister, Marshal Nikolai Bulganin.

Marshal Tito was at the airport to welcome them as Mr Khrushchev, first to leave the plane bringing the delegation from Moscow, stepped down on to the tarmac. The Jugoslav President then greeted Marshal Bulganin, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Anastas Mikoyan, and other members of the delegation. President Tito exchanged a few words with the Soviet leaders as the National Anthems of the two countries were played. The Soviet National Anthem had not been played in Belgrade, nor had