Manoeuvres In Czechoslovakia

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32053, 30 July 1969, Page 4

Manoeuvres In Czechoslovakia

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

PRAGUE, July 28.

Soviet and Czechoslovak troops will hold manoeuvres in Czechoslovakia from August 18 to August 21, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Warsaw Pact invasion, according to usually well-informed sources in Prague.

The sources said yesterday that during this period mass I movements of Czechoslovak I nationals in certain large pop-; ulation areas, such as Prague, Brno and Olomouc, would be controlled. It was not known whether the manoeuvres would be restricted to Czechoslovak soil or would spread into adjacent Warsaw Pact countries. Observers said the planned exercises reflected deep Soviet anxiety that on August 21 there might be a repetition of the violent scenes immediately after last year’s invasion,

i when Czechoslovaks filled the streets to throw stones and I yell abuse at the invading i Russian troops. Although many Czechoslovaks rule out the possibility of violent demonstrations, recent clandestine leaflets have urged non-violent commemoration of the anniversary. The concern of the regime over the anniversary has been underlined by a series of appeals to the country to remain calm, coupled with warnings of serious consequences for the whole nation if the opposite takes place.