CZECH GOVT ATTACKED

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31862, 14 December 1968, Page 13

CZECH GOVT ATTACKED

(N.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) PRAGUE, December 13. An allegation by a leading Czechoslovak reformer now in exile that the Prague Government has been reduced to puppet level is expected to overshadow the Communist Party Central Committee economic debate today.

The resumed Prague discussions on the reform programme on Government changes follow a statement in Basle, Switzerland, yesterday by the former Deputy Premier, Professor Ota Sik, challenging the independence of the Czechoslovak leadership.

Dr Sik, one of the masterminds behind the January reforms resigned in September after the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. He told a press conference yesterday that Prague leaders could no longer do anything without Soviet approval. His statement is expected to have its chief impact on the party centre or “realists”

who are ready to accept Soviet-demanded restrictions as the only solution. They may be forced to denounce the exiled economist. Progressives have been urging Dr Sik to come home for the Central Committee meeting but the economist told journalists he was warned about possible disciplinary action if he returned. • Silence Broken Dr Sik’s press conference broke the tactful silence of progressive figures abroad who have not wished to embarrass the party leader, Mr Alexander Dubcek, or reformers still in office here. Professor Sik’s comments may have been a reflection on summit talks with Moscow leaders in Kiev last week-end when Prague presented its economic programme, and a similar Soviet-Czechoslovak consultation in Warsaw during the November Central Committee meeting. The opening session of the committee meeting on Thursday was highlighted by a speech by the Premier, Oldrich Cemik, who played down some of Professor Sik’s theories of market forces guiding the economy. Mr Cernik warned the party : against self-satisfaction and said the situation in the country was still very serious. The party would have to devote special care to convincing the people of its work, he said.