Khrushchev In Merry Mood At Reception

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28435, 15 November 1957, Page 8

Khrushchev In Merry Mood At Reception

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

MOSCOW, November 13. Mr Nikita Khrushchev, in lighthearted mood at a reception tonight, said he would be glad to see Mr Macmillan at Moscow, and would welcome President Eisenhower and Mr Dulles as “dear friends.” The Soviet Communist Party chief, a guest at an Egyptian Embassy reception, broke away from the other Soviet leaders . and joked with a group of 30 or 40 newspaper correspondents and diplomats. Grinning and gesturing, he exchanged quips and talked of his visit to Britain in April, 1956, and of the recently dismissed Defence Minister (Marshal Georgi Zhukov), who, he said, was “on leave. ’ ’ Asked about a new job for the marshal. Mr Khrushchev said: “Why does that worry you so much? Zhukov is in Moscow. He can go anywhere he likes. He can go hunting—he likes hunting.” A correspondent: “What kind?” Mr Khrushchev: “Tigers, perhaps. We have everything in the Soviet Union except lions.” He said that when he visited Britain with the Prime Minister, Marshal Nikolai Bulganin, the Government “did everything possible to stop us seeing the people.” Mr Khrushchev said the invitation for the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) to visit Russia was still in force. “It seems Mr Macmillan’s time does not permit of him coming. But, we have time to wait,” the Soviet: leader added. The reception was given by the

Egyptian Ambassador, Mohammed el Kouni, to honour the Egyptian War Minister, Major-General Abdel Hakim Amer, who is in Moscow for celebrations of the October Revolution anniversary, and talks.

A correspondent jammed beside Mr Khrushchev pointed out that the British Labour Party might return to power at the next general election and asked: “If it does, will you forget the hard feelings and hard words at the House of Commons dinner party?” (at which Mr George Brown, M.P.. attacked Mr Khrushchev to his face).

Mr Khrushchev: “Political leaders must not harbour grievances—we would greet the Labour Party leaders if they came to power.” The correspondent: * ‘Even George’ Brown?” Mr Khrushchev: “Even George Brown. We have strong stomachs —we can stomach even him.’’ When asked about Marshal Zhukov, Mr Khrushchev replied:

“I have not seen Zhukov today or yesterday. He is resting. He asked for leave and it was granted, and he deserved the leave.

“He did not turn out so well as a political figure, but as a military man he was remarkable and we shall always give him credit for that. We shall always value him as a good marshal and a good soldier.”

Milk Inspector.— The employment of a full-time inspector to the Christchurch Metropolitan Milk Board was approved at yesterday’s meeting of the board. The position will be advertised.