U.S. Aggressor In Russian Eyes

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31027, 5 April 1966, Page 18

U.S. Aggressor In Russian Eyes

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 4. The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Soviet Union to New Zealand, Mr B. Dorofeev, told the Hamilton Rotary Club today that the Soviet Union protested against American policy in Vietnam because it regarded the United States as an aggressor.

His comment was answered by the member of Parliament for Waipa, Sir Leslie Munro, who was detailed to thank the Speaker in the absence of the member for Hamilton, Mr L. R. Adams-Schneider. Mr Dorofeev said American presence in Vietnam was a violation of the International Agreement of 1954. He added: “It is just like the Nazi presence in the Ukraine in the Second World War.” Sir Leslie Munro said that everyone present admired the Soviet Union for its recovery from enormous losses in the last war. “But 1 must point out that we are allies of the United States. We do not believe we are parties to any aggression,” he . aid. Answering a question, Mr Dorofeev said that if the United States troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and

there was an election “it may happen there would be a Communist government.” Mr Dorofeev said earlier that, when speaking to such a group, he believed in speaking the truth. “I do not believe in flattering an audience,” he said. “I will answer all questions—even embarrassing ones.” Referring to trade, he said that last year the Soviet Union had bought £4 million of wool f rom New Zealand. “This year maybe the £4 million will be spent in Australia or the Argentine, where there is a more favourable balance of trade.”