New York Returns To Normal Again

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 13

New York Returns To Normal Again

(Rec. 11 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 14. A state of riear-siege was lifted in New York today with the departure of Mr Khrushchev.

Parts of Manhattan Island have been an armed camp in the 25 days of Mr Khrushchev’s visit to the United Nations.

The General Assembly settled back to normal today. Scores of armed police, who had ringed the world headquarters day and night, returned to other duty. The most intensive security set-up ever adopted was dropped —and 6000 people heaved sighs of relief. These were the delegates. secretariat officials, and correspondents who, for more than three weeks, had run an irritating gauntlet of identity checks and other restrictions imposed by Mr Khrushchev’s presence. Also happy at the return to normalcy were scores of thousands of New Yorkers living on the East side, whose tempers had been daily frayed by inevitable traffic snarls as Mr Khrushchev and other delegation chiefs raced between the United Nations and their residences in siren-screaming motorcades that ignored speed limits and stop signs. Mr Khrushchev’s departure signalled the end of the biggest peace-time secuiity task ever handled by the New York police. The casualties, as listed by United Press International, were: A nine-year-old girl was shot dead accidentally in a fight between friends and foes of Dr. Fidel Castro, of Cuba.

A detective died of a heart attack guarding Mr Khrushchev.

Sixteen policemen were injured on duty. Twelve civilians were injured in picketing disputes. Seventy persons were arrested during demonstrations. But no Heads of State were harmed in the massive protection by the 25,000-man police force. The cost of the operation was expected to be several million dollars. Mr Khrushchev had at least 300 policemen guarding his Park avenue residence when he was there, and many more when crowds gathered or he moved about the city. Dr. Castro required a minimum of 240 policemen and at times 500 standing shoulder-to-shoulder two deep. Sprinter Retires.— The former women’s world record sprint champion and Olympic champion. Marlene Mathews, today announced her retirement from competitive sport on her return to Sydney after the Olympic Games and a European tour. “I am married and want to settle down,” she said.—Sydney, Oct. 14.