Eulogies from East, West

Press, 6 May 1980, Page 8

Eulogies from East, West

NZPA-Reuter Washingtor

East and West have united in praise of the late Marshal . Tito of Yugoslavia, President Carter describing him as a towering world figure and the Soviet Union casting aside more than 30 years of tense relations with Belgrade to pay tribute. In China, where Tito was regarded for many years as a traitor to the Communist movement, his death was reported with black-bordered announcements ?on front pages. Flags were flown at half-mast and an official message described Tito as a great Marxist. ■ ; ' i'■. The Soviet Uniort,, in an obituary clearly sanctioned at high level, hailed Tito as an active fighter for peace and unity in the struggle against : imperialism and colonialism. Making no mention of the years of difference between Tito and the Kremlin heightened by Yugoslavia’s expulsion from the Soviet Bloc in 1948, the obituary described Tito : as “an outstanding leader of the. Communists and all workers of Yugoslavia.” The obituary also made no mention of his role in the Non-Aligned Movement, of which he was a founder member and in which he had recently led resistance to • efforts by strongly proMoscow countries to swing it into the Soviet orbit. . President Carter’s tribute made clear that the United States would do whatever was necessary to protect Yugoslavia’s independence in the post-Tito era. “I reaffirm today that America will continue its long-standing policy of support for Yugoslavia, and do what it must to provide that support,” said Mr Carter in 'a statement issued by the White House.

In the weeks leading to the death of Tito, the Soviet press has denounced as “vile slander” suggestions in the West that Yugoslavia might find itself under heavy pressure to move closer to Moscow once Tito had gone.

Most American officials believe that any Soviet military action is unlikely, although only three months ago President Carter said the United. States would go to Yugoslavia’s aid if requested to do so.

American officials believe the collective leadership that has succeeded Tito will function?smoothly and maintain Yugoslavia’s independent foreign policy and domestic economy in the short term. But they find it difficult to predict the Government’s degree of stability .in the long term. Diplomats to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation military alliance in Brussels have said recently that the West will have to be vigilant about possible internal divisions in post-Tito Yugoslavia which could give the Kremlin a chance to intervene. ,

.In Cuba, where Tito clashed with President Fidel Castro at last year’s nonaligned summit meeting, the official news agency described the Yugoslav leader as “one of the most extraordinary, meritorious men of our age” and "an outstanding antifascist struggler.” In London, the British Prime Minister (Mrs Margaret Thatcher) called President Tito a great statesman who had ensured lasting independence for Yugoslavia. The Queen said of the President: “He has Jong been admired in my country as a great patriot and as a man of outstanding courage and tenacity.” I