Trouble Ahead In Cold War, U.S. Officials Warn

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30143, 29 May 1963, Page 15

Trouble Ahead In Cold War, U.S. Officials Warn

(N Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, May 28.

Sombre months are ahead for the West in its t-elations with the Soviet Union and the Communist bloc, according to authoritative United States officials.

Speaking to representatives of non-Governmental organisations at a special background briefing yesterday the officials said that on balance. the cur re nt reappraisal by the Soviet Union of its foreign policy seemed likely to lead to a harder line towards the West in the immediate future Offici ’s also said that the United States Government

had no reason to believe that Mr Khrushchev's place as leader of the Soviet Union was in any danger. Mr Khrushchev was said o be facing several major problems at the present time, among them: (1) The Soviet Union’s ideological split with China had challenged Soviet leadership, threatening to divide and weaken the

Communist aim of world domination. (2) The Communist countries of Eastern Europe were becoming more insistent that their interests should be taken into account in Soviet planning These countries also wanted to re-establish ties .with Western Europe. (3) Soviet foreign policy had received • checks in Africa and the Middle East and had suffered a serious setback in last October’s Cuban crisis In his reappraisal of this situation, the United States officials said. Mr Khrushchev might lecide that the most pressing need was to achieve a reconciliation with China This would involve concessions to Peking which would almost certainly mean trouble for the West.

It seemed likely on balance that a period of frigidity and even hostility between Russia and the Wes’ was in prospect In this situation, officials said, it was important for the West to continue to seek any possibilities of common interest with the Soviet Union, such as: (1) Further co-operation in space exploration and research (2) A nuclear test ban.

(3) The prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons. (4) The cessation of hostilities in Laos.