“Kennedy Outlined Bleak Situation”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29535, 9 June 1961, Page 13

“Kennedy Outlined Bleak Situation”

(NZ.P.A-Reuter — Copyright) LONDON, June 8. Several British newspapers today dismissed hopes of any sudden change in EastWest tension after President Kennedy’s television report to the American people.

“President Kennedy’s speech on Tuesday night was an admirably lucid and honest sketch of a bleak situation,” “The Times” said. “He is. of course, something of a specialist in this line Bleakness was the burden of his election .campaign, coupled with calls for sacrifice and effort. “It is clear from his speech that he is convinced of the need to meet the Communists on all fronts—economic, political and military. His words about the uselessness of military guarantees of frontiers show that he expects little respite." the newspaper said. The “Daily Telegraph" said: “It is hard not to feel dismay at the immediate sequel to Vienna—the strong and successful attack by the Communist - sympathising

forces on the Laos Government forces' main position in the south of the Plain of Jars and the consequent cancellation of the meeting of the Laos conference in Geneva yesterday. “It is plain that neither the Russian negotiators in Geneva nor the Left-wing leaders in Laos have yet received any fresh instructions which would conduce towards peace." The “Guardian” said: "If anyone had still cherished hopes that the Vienna meeting would lead to a dramatic change in the international field. President Kennedy's broadcast address on Tuesdav night should stifle them.” On nuclear tests, the “Guardian" said: “If the talks break down completely, the fault will be theirs—(the Rtmian*)."