Rumanian Rally Upset

Press, Issue 31095, 25 June 1966, Page 15

Rumanian Rally Upset

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

BUCHAREST,

June 24

Chinese - Rumanian relations suffered a severe setback last evening in a rally for Chinese - Rumanian friendship, said the “New York Times.”

The rally had been billed as the public highlight of Premier Chou En-lai’s State visit to Rumania. It almost did not take place, confirming a growing belief that China and Rumania remain far apart after approximately 20 hours of toplevel talks.

About 2000 invited guests— Rumanian Cabinet Ministers, diplomats, party officials, general and worker delegates waited two hours and 10 min-

utes beyond the scheduled starting time for the rally to begin. The suspense finally was broken at 7.10 p.m. when the

delegations strode to the stage. Mr Chou looked angry.

The Rumanian Communist Party chief, Mr Nicolac Ceausescu looked tense. But they observed the eastern civility of applauding the crowd that was applauding them and shouting “hurrah." Impromptu Speech

After speeches by a locksmith, a garment worker and the vice-chairman of the Academy of Social Science, [Mr Ceausescu rose to speak. He made an apparently impromptu speech. j It was *otally devoid of political content and bore strong resemblance to a toast to Chinese-Rumanian friendship that Mr Ceausescu delivered at a dinner for the Chinese last night. It lasted only eight minutes. The Chinese Premier, too spoke without notes. The rally was over in 45 minutes, although it had been expected to last twice as long.

No Explanation Newspapers had announced this morning that the meeting would be televised and broadcast live. It was not, and no explanation was furnished to viewers and listeners.

On the available evidence, observers concluded that an argument must have arisen over the speech Mr Chou planned to deliver. While no announcement has been made on the Chou-Ceau-sescu talks, Rumanian officials indicate that they have been difficult and have not brought the two nations closer together.