RUSSIANS IN AFRICA

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27896, 18 February 1956, Page 9

RUSSIANS IN AFRICA

Spying Charge “Rubbish” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 16 The Russian Consul-General in South Africa (Mr Nikolai Ivanov) today described as “absolute rubbish” accusations that his staff had been spying. The South African Government recently ordered the closure of the consulate on the ground that it was contrary to the interests of South Africa for it to continue. The Minister of External Affairs (Mr Eric Louw) told the Government recently there was evidence that the Soviet ConsulateGeneral. through members of its staff, had cultivated “subversive elements” in Soutn Africa. Mr Ivanov said he came to South Africa to improve trade relations, not to spy “I had great plans for better relationships between our countries," he said. “I had almost completed arrangements to invite a party of South African members of Parliament to visit Russia and see the country for themselves.” He said he had also hoped to arrange an exchange of scientists and mining engineers. “We could learn such a lot from each other,” he said. “Now all my plans have gone up in smoke. “I am accused of being a spy—not me. personally, but members of my staff. This is absolute rubbish. I appreciate that every country must take security precautions, but there is no evidence of Russian spying in this country.” The decision to close the consulate, he said, was a “tragedy for both countries—particularly South Africa.” He said he and his wife would leave Cape Town for London in the liner Kenya Castle on February 29. Five Russian families from Pretoria and Cape Town would be in the same ship, he said.