Cable briefs

Press, 21 August 1984, Page 10

Cable briefs

Press blamed President Ronald Reagan has blamed reporters for the adverse reaction for his recent joke that he had declared legislation “outlawing” the Soviet Union, “and we begin bombing in five minutes.” Mr Reagan, who made his remark during a microphone test before he made a radio speech from his California ranch, was criticised by the Kremlin and the West European press. — Washington. Ferry tragedy A ferry capsized in the Bay of Bengal and at least 100 of the estimated 250 people on board were feared dead, the newspaper “Sangram” reported. Navy ships saved 50 people, including five crew members, and other swam to safety or were rescued by other boats. — Dhaka.

3500 at rally About 3500 people attended a rally against elections which they say will entrench South Africa’s white supremacist racial segregation system. Speakers in Johannesburg City Hall called for boycotts of the polls to elect Coloured (mixed race) and Indian chambers of a new segregated Parliament — Johannesburg. Plea to candidate The Uruguayan National Party has decided to ask its jailed leader, Wilson Ferreira Aldunate, to remain its candidate in scheduled November Presidential elections. — Montevideo. - TWrer repaired A Panamanian-registered tanker hit by a missile in Gulf waters has undergone repairs off Dubai and will continue its voyage to Britain. — Manama.