Neutral Leaders Hold “Summit”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29608, 2 September 1961, Page 11

Neutral Leaders Hold “Summit”

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright) BELGRADE, September 1. Twenty-four nations sitting on the cold war fence today convened their own summit meeting, the Associated Press reported.

Ten presidents, one emperor, two kings, six prime ministers, three foreign ministers and two princes assembled in the ancient Balkan capital for the uncommitted nations' biggest gathering since non-align-ment became a factor in world affairs.

Before them was an agenda that would allow them to discuss a wide range of problems: colonialism, racial discrimination, disarmament. United Nations reforms, Berlin, Bizerta, and economic and technical co-operation. Two topics dominated—the Berlin crisis and the Soviet Union's decision to resume nuclear testing. The latter had oast an air of gloom and consternation over the meetOne British newspaper, the “Daily Mall,” today described

Russia's testing announcement as a slap in the face to the delegates. Its report from Belgrade said some of the comments heard from delegates last night were: “Unbelievable. . . . This makes a mockery of our conference. . . . Lunacy."

The Indian Prime Minister (Mr Nehru) seemed to observers to reflect the feeling of all delegations when he told reporters on arrival yesterday; “I am all against nuclear tests, any time, in any place." Views expressed by the Belgrade conference on nuclear tests and other vital topics will give an idea of what stand the 24 non-aligned nations will take on these and related questions at the United Nations General Assembly's session opening in New York on September 19. Marshal Tito of Jugoslavia, as president of the host country, is to open the conference In the Belgrade Parliament building. Strict Security

Strict security precautions are being taken in and around the huge cupola-topped, Italian Renaissance - style building which is in the heart of the capital near the Marx and Engels Square. Authoritative sources said the conference would hold two sessions today—-the opening meeting in the morning and another in the afternoon. After discussing procedural questions and the agenda, the conference will turn to a review of the international situation. Diplomatic sources report that Mr Khrushchev sent personal letters to ths heads of each of the delegation*, together with copies of the Soviet announcement on nuclear tests, the Associated Press said. These sources said last night they were unable to learn exactly what Mr Khrushchev said in his letters. The Soviet Embassy would not confirm that the letters were delivered, but did say text* of the Moacow announcement were handed t<> the conference delegation leaders. The countries attending are (in order of seaUngi: The Sudan, Tunisia, the United Arab Republic, Yemen, Jugoslavia. Afghanistan. Algeria (F.L.N.), Burma. Cambodia. Ceylon, Cuba. Cyprus, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea. India, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali. Morocco, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Somalia. In addition, there are three official observers from Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil. The conference is expected to last five days.