Soviet Admiral: “Sad Lesson”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30106, 15 April 1963, Page 9

Soviet Admiral: “Sad Lesson”

(N Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) MOSCOW, April 13. A Soviet Admiral of the Fleet, Ivan Jsakov, said today that. “pursuit after propaganda results and dubious superiority (over Russia)” led to the loss of the United States atom submarine Thresher.

"Now it is clear that submarines of this type are not yet fully operational, for no' every theoretical novelty justifies itself in practice.'' he said Admiral Iskov. writing in the Government newspaper 'lzvestia.” said the inciden' was "sad but at the same time provided a lesson.” “We are sorry for the Americans and express sincere ondolences for the relatives of th.,se who perished." he said But in this particular case, the American seamen perished “senselessly " Admiral Isakov referred to American space rocket failures and 3 aid the United States had "long ago threatened the world with a huge army air force and innumerable submarines

"This is why we say that the loss of the Thresher is another proof of the complete collapse of :he position of strength policy which was compromised long ago

“The lost submarine was of a special type and embodied the aggressive spirit no* only of maritime strategic doctrine of the United States but of the whole scientific and practical conceptions which reflects this pnlicv "

The sinking of the newlycharger atomic reactor was sure to contaminate Atlantic wa'ers Admiral Isakov said

The tragedy took place in 'he northern current of >he gulf stream which moved io •he fishing area south if Newfoundland and the coun-'er-current probably would carry ’he contaminated water in the rope te direction towards Boston and New York he said

over denied the Russian charge U P.I. reported from Washington.

In a staiement issued tonight. Admiral Rickover said Soviet officials did not know what they were talking about. The Soviet statement “is inconsistent with the facts in the matter.” he said Admiral Rickover said that samples of ocean waters from the disaster area were free of contamination, along with samples of the ocean bottom

Vice-Admiral Hyman Rick