Ivanov Pressed Summit Talks

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30155, 12 June 1963, Page 15

Ivanov Pressed Summit Talks

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, June 11.

The former Russian assistant naval attache in London, Captain Eugene Ivanov, pressed Britain to call a summit conference during last October’s Cuba crisis.

Captain Ivanov was a friend of the society osteopath. Dr Stephen Ward, and Miss Christine Keeler, who are key figures in the Profumo affair Captain Ivanovs diplomatic moves were revealed yesterday by the publication of letters exchanged between the Earl of Arran, a journalist, and Britain's Foreign Secretary, Lord Home. Arranged By Ward

According to the Earl of Arran’s letter, dated October 31, 1962, and reproduced in yesterday’s “Daily Mail,” he was told during the Cuba crisis that Captain Ivanov was trying to pass some urgent information to the British Government.

In a meeting with him—arranged by Dr Ward —Captain Ivanov suggested that the British Government call a summit meeting. According to Lord Arran, Captain Ivanov said the Soviet Government found itself in a difficult position as it could not accept United States demands over Cuba without serious loss of face.

Captain Ivanov said the Soviet Union wanted Britain to break the deadlock and by so doing Britain would gam great political credit in the world Lord Arran reported the conversation to Lord Home. "To Drive A Wedge”

In his reply to Lord Arran, Lord Home said he thought the aim of Captain Ivanov’s summit conference suggestion was twofold: — “First, it was to drive a wedge between ourselves and our American allies. “Second, it was to test our resolve and to lay a bait to our vanity. These are classic Soviet manoeuvres.” 'Lord Home wrote.

According to well-in-formed sources in London. Captain Ivanov's attempt to plant the idea of a Britishsponsored summit conference to resolve the Cuba crisis was one of many simi-

lar attempts made at the time.

The Foreign Office yesterday confirmed the text of Lord Home’s letter to Lord Arran and said that letters were also exchanged between Lord Arran and Lord Home’s private secretary.

No details of the latter ex change were given.

Lord Arran is a columnist of the London “Evening News” and is a director of Associated Newspapers, owners of the “Evening News” and the “Daily Mail.”