ALGIERS SUMMIT AS PLANNED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30783, 22 June 1965, Page 15

ALGIERS SUMMIT AS PLANNED

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

ALGIERS, June 21.

The new Algerian Government confirmed today that a summit meeting of 50 Afro-Asian leaders would begin as scheduled on June 29.

The Foreign Minister, Mi- Abdelaziz Bouteflika, said in a statement issued by the Algerian News Agency that a Foreign Ministers’ meeting on June 24 would precede the summit.

Mr Bouteflika was also Foreign Minister under the former President, Mr Ahmed ben Bella, deposed on Saturday by an army coup and reported in detention in a villa in the capital. Given Support Mr Bouteflika said the new regime under the Army chief. Colonel Houari Boumedienne, had been assured of unqualified support from several countries, including China, the United Arab Republic. Syria and Indonesia. Syria and Indonesia have

announced official recognition of the new regime. The U.A.R. Vice-president, Marshal Abdel Hakim Amer, was in Algiers for talks with the Revolutionary Council. The Chinese Premier, Mr Chou En lai, was waiting in Cairo to come to Algiers. Mr Bouteflika said that over the last 48 hours almost all the diplomatic missions had indicated their relations with Algeria were based on a policy of non-interference. He said he assured them• Algeria intended to respect l

all her international commitments. Algiers Demonstration The announcement was after a demonstration in favour of Mr ben Bella in Algiers by hundreds who marched through the streets chanting slogans last night. Travellers arriving in Algiers were reported to have said they heard shots for several hours yesterday in Oran, western Algeria. Telephone lines were cut and no more details were available.

The Cairo newspaper, “Al Goumhouria,” said Marshal Amer, of the U.A.R., went to A’giers to seek the safety of Mr ben Bella, “an Arab hero not only for all Algeria but for all Arabs and a symbol .for liberation forces in Africa.” President Nasser sent a message to Mr Bouteflika yesterday saying that personal relations —he is a friend of Mr ben Bella—did not count in this situation. EgyptianAlgerian relations were “bigger and ’’eeper.” Safety for Summit

“Al Goumhouria” said Marshal Amer would also discuss whether the Afro-Asian conference could be held and the safety of visiting Afro-Asian leaders assured, and AlgerianU.A.R. relations. President Nasser said in a speech in Cairo last night he had confidence in the Algerians and the Afro-Asian con ference must go on. Mr Chou En-lai, the chief guest, applauded his words.

Nasser-Chou talks resume today in Cairo. In London, “The Times” said the coup leaders presumably got rid of Mr ben Bella because he was about to enjoy his most spectacular tri-

umph, as host to the AfroAsian summit.

The Conservative “Daily Telegraph” said Mr ben Bella’s Government could not have been worse. The Liberal “Guardian” said the overthrow was sad; Mr ben Bella had become a landmark on the world scene.

In Paris, the Right-wing “L’Aurore” said Moscow supported Mr ben Bella and China Colonel Boumedienne —and “everything points to the threat of a Communist seizure of North Africa. . . ”

Fettlers Killed.—Five railway fettlers were killed when their trolley was run down by a coal train near Gladstone, 394 miles north of Brisbane, today.—Brisbane, June 21.