U.S. Sixth Fleet Leaves Naples

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31379, 26 May 1967, Page 11

U.S. Sixth Fleet Leaves Naples

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NAPLES, May 25. The United States Sixth Fleet’s seven-ship amphibious force loaded a full Marine division of 3500 men early today for what a fleet spokesman called routine training manoeuvres somewhere in the Mediterranean, the Associated Press reported.

The United States Navy spokesman said the ships, led by the attack

transport Cambria, would sail early today with the last ship expected to clear the Port of Naples by mid-morning.

The spokesman would not disclose their destination. He said the United States Marines reached Naples on May 17 on a routine visit that had been arranged at least three months ago, before the Middle East crisis flared up. The British aircraft carrier Victorious was ordered to go on a state of instant readiness in Malta because of the crisis. The frigate Rhyl was also recalled to Malta. Talks Continue

Talks on the Middle East crisis were under way in Washington and Moscow. In Moscow, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr George Brown, urged the Kremlin to use its influence to cool down the seething Middle East crisis, N.Z.PA.-Reuter reported. Mr Brown, on the second day of a three-day visit, met the Soviet Foreign Minister, Mr Andrei Gromyko, for a second round of talks. He may also meet other Soviet leaders today, possibly including the Communist Party leader, Mr Leonid Brezhnev. He spent 90 minutes yesterday with the Prime

Minister, Mr Alexei Kosygin. In the talks with Mr Gromyko and Mr Kosygin, the Middle East was reported firmly in the centre of discussion with Vietnam also high on the agenda.