Little Comment In New York

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29002, 17 September 1959, Page 15

Little Comment In New York

NEW YORK, September 16. New York’s newspapers devoted pages of pictures but little comment today to the arrival of the Soviet Prime Minister, Mr Nikita Khrushchev, in Washington yesterday.

The chief theme of the headlines over the stories in the tabloids was expressed by the New York ‘Mirror” which said: “Capital Gives K Big Chill.” Both the “Mirror” and the New York “Daily News” gave separate stories to Mrs Khrushchev, with a faintly derisive note about her “plain, comfortable clothes,” as contrasted with the “trim and fashionable” American diplomats’ wives in the welcoming party.

The only editorial comment, in both newspapers, was of praise for the “dauntless dentists,” who refused to give up their WaldorfAstoria Hotel ballroom booking for a New York luncheon for the Soviet leader. This was described by the “Daily News” as “a first-class kick in the teeth” for the Russians.

The New York “Herald-Tri-bune,” in a front-page story, described Mr Khrushchev as “a showman par excellence.” In a leading article, the newspaper said: “The greeting the United States gave to . . . Khrushchev . conveyed a note of seriousness, even of gravity, which he could not have failed to grasp.” The “New York Times” gave about a third of the front page and three complete inside pages to accounts of Mr Khrushchev’s first day and related stories . . . but did not comment editorially. “President Peeved” A glum, sombre President Eisenhower. looking a little peeved as though he were faced with a visit from unwelcome in-laws and a cheerful, bouncy, impish Mr Khrushchev—this was the contrast drawn by an American Associated Press features writer today when he described the arrival in Washington. “Any unbiased observer at today’s first meeting between the leaders of the two mightiest nations on earth would have to concede that Mr K. stole the show. He would also have to say that Mr Khrushchev deliberately planned it that way.” the writer said. Once during the exchange of pleasantries, which went on so long it seemed more like a Senate filibuster, Mr Khrushchev appeared to wink jovially at reporters, he said. While Mr Eisenhower was reading his welcome, Mr Khrushchev held his black hat up to shade his eyes, thereby attracting attention away from the President. When it came time for Mr Khrushchev to read his speech, he casually tossed his hat on one of the brass posts that held up the coloured rope around the reviewing stand. ’Through it all, his eyes darted around, like the eyes of an old ham actor who can't resist counting and sizing up the house.” he wrote.

No-one knew why Mr Eisenhower appeared so glum. As an

it back and forth. Then he used it as a sunshade for his bald head. He held it a few inches above his head like an umbrella, raising it, then lowering it At one point while Mr Eisenhower talked in English—a language Mr Khrushchev does not understand —the Russian Prime Minister intently followed the flight of a butterfly that fluttered nearby. He then strode to the microphones, still grinning, and winked at reporters. But by the time he reached Blair House, he merely looked thoughtful and businesslike, the writer said.

old military man, he had always seemed willing to make the best of these formal occasions in the past. “Possibly the foul-up at the start put him in a bad mood." the writer said. The Soviet leader warmed up by planting a kiss on the cheek of a 10-year-old Russian girl who handed him a big bouquet of roses. He wrapped his arms around her and then grinned delightedly as the girl blushed and raced back to her parents. When it came time to swap welcoming speeches with Mr Eisenhower, the two men mounted a platform. While Mr Eisenhower spoke Mr Khrushchev began playing with his homburg hat, gently waving