BLAST BEFORE PODGORNY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31277, 25 January 1967, Page 13

BLAST BEFORE PODGORNY

(N.Z.P.A.-Keuter—Copyright; ROME, Jan. 24.

President Nikolai Podgorny of the Soviet Union is due in Rome today amid tight security precautions after a latenight bomb blast wrecked an office of the Communist Party headquarters.

Police said early today they would step up the already strict security checks after the dynamite explosion, which shattered cars and house windows and injured a woman hit by flying glass. The incident strongly embarrassed the Italian Government at a time when the nation is strengthening its economic ties with the Soviet Union.

President Podgorny the first Russian Head of State to visit Italy since Tsar Nicolas in 1909 and first Communist President to be invited to Italy—is bringing a strong team of trade and technology aides with him. The emphasis of the visit is on economic links—but it is expected the President also will touch on Vietnam in talks with Italian officials and with Pope Paul, who has recently stepped up peace probes. Extreme Group Leaflets protesting against the visit and carrying the name of an extreme Rightwing Monarchist youth group

were found scattered In streets near the Communist Party building. The handbills alleged Soviet aggression in Vietnam and persecution of Russian Christians and intellectuals.

They called for free elections in Russia and the release of Italians said to have been imprisoned in World War 11.

Police have not said whether they believe the leaflets were connected with the bomb blast. The Italian Communist Party chief, Mr Luigi Longo, after inspecting the damaged building, blamed “Fasc-

ist reactionaries,” and called on police to step up security measures.

The explosion was clearly aimed at disturbing the friendly atmosphere of today’s State visit, he said. Security Guard

Police outriders are expected to form a thick security guard round President Podgorny’s car as he drives in with the Italian President from Ciampino airport, about nine miles from the capital. They will also mingle with crowds along the processional route. Members of the Communist

Party, which has five million voters, will be out in force to welcome the Russian visitors, the first Soviet officials to visit Rome since the Foreign Minister, Mr Andrei Gromyko last year. The President will spend two days in Rome, then tour other Italian cities before meeting the Pope in audience at the Vatican at the end of his visit