ADMISSION OF MISTAKES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28425, 4 November 1957, Page 11

ADMISSION OF MISTAKES

Account Given In “Pravda”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MOSCOW, November 3.

Marshal Zhukov admitted his mistakes in the leadership of the Soviet , armed forces during a recent meeting of Soviet Communist Party Plenum, at which he was expelled from the party Presidium and Central Committee. This was said today in a leading article in the official party newspaper. “Pravda.” The leading article, and an article by Marshal Koniev said Marshal Zhukov’s claim to success in World War II did not correspond to historical facts. Marshal Koniev said Marshal Zhukov tried to hush up some of the mistakes he made in the assault on Berlin in the closing stages of the European war. Marshal Zhukov said, according to the “Pravda” article, “The criticism directed against me at the Plenum is correct. I admit my mistakes.”

“Pravda” said that eight marshals. one admiral and three generals who had known Marshal Zhukov for many years unanimously condemned his erroneous, unparty behaviour. Marshal Zhukov admitted he had been expelled once before from the Central Committee—in 1946, during Stalin’s rule. “Then, comrades, I could not and would not admit my expulsion from the Central Committee was correct.” This appeared to be the first official confirmation that when Marshal Zhukov was exiled to Odessa after World War II he had also, in fact, been removed from the Central Committee.

Marshal Koniev said Marshal Zhukov must bear a great part of the responsibility for the Soviet Union’s unpreparedness when the German armies attacked in 1941.

“Incorrect evaluation by Stalin on the eve of the war was a sign of serious shortcomings in the preparation of the country to repel an invasion. “Serious responsibility also lies with Marshal Zhukov for conditions of unpreparedness about our border troops in the face of the sudden attack by Fascist armies.”

Marshal Koniev is commander-in-chief of the East European Joint Military Command, and a former commander of the all Red Army ground forces. He was succeeded by Marshal Zhukov in the latter post in 1946. “Marshal Zhukov down graded, party organisation inside the armed forces to the level of purely educational forums. He overestimated himself and his capabilities.

“Comrade Zhukov’s mistakes became more serious due to his unfounded personal assertions on questions of Soviet military science and new army grouping.” Marshal Koniev said Marshal Zhukov’s claim never to have suffered defeat in battle during World War IT was incorrect. He charged that Marshal Zhukov failed to eliminate the enemy forces after the victory of Stalingrad.

Mill Strike Over.— The week’s strike at Lautoka sugar mill ended today with agreement that charges against two overseers be investigated by a senior mill manager. Mr J. M. Aitken, with two observers nominated by the union and legal assistance made available to any worker wishing to make complaints against sirdars. Sirdars will meanwhile be suspended without demotion. Complaints against sirdars were not made until after the unofficial strike began last Sunday—Suva. November 3.