IRON CURTAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26540, 15 August 1947, Page 4

IRON CURTAIN

M. ZIABKIN LEAVES FAREWELL IMPRESSIONS A PROFITLESS QUEST P.A. AUCKLAND, Aug. 14. It is unlikely that M. Ivan Ziabkin, the first Soviet Minister to New Zealand, who will leave with his wife and son by the Rangitiki on his return home, will ever be reprimanded by the Soviet authorities for an indiscreet utterance. Courteous and correct, he wasted no words when he was interviewed to-day. Asked if he had a farewell message for New Zealanders, he drew on his cigar and considered all the angles. “ You can convey the sincere thanks of my wife, and son and myself for your very kindly hospitality,” he said. Had he any outstanding impressions of New Zealand? , “ Yes. He thought all the towns were hilly except Palmerston North and Invercargill. Auckland reminded him of Moscow. That, too. was hilly." Did he consider that the establishment of fuller diplomatic relations between Russia and New Zealand had been worthwhile? “That is a matter for the Government,” he said. Did our standard of living compare favourably with that of other countries? Since he had been only in South Africa he could not say. “ I don't know,” replied Mr Ziabkin, when asked if he would make a personal report on New Zealand to M. Stalin. He said he was impressed with the way New Zealand dealt with the Maori people. With his wife, M. Ziabkin consented to pose for a photograph. They then turned to greet a friend with a most un-Russian salutation. “Kia Ora,” he said.