OPINION

June 1, 1955

GREECE-USSR: Belgrade, 30 – Diplomatic circles here have been commenting widely on the compliments exchanged by Russian leaders, Yugoslav leader Field Marshal Josip Broz Tito and the Greek ambassador Mr Filonos Filonos during last Saturday evening’s reception for the diplomatic corps. (…) The arrival of the Greek ambassador was announced by Mr Gromyko, who was acting as interpreter. Prime Minister Bulganin made a toast with the words: «Here is another Orthodox.» Khruschev and Mikoyan spoke to the ambassador in Russian, making reference to Byzantium. The Russian prime minister reminded the Greek ambassador that Russia had accepted Orthodoxy from Greece. The ambassador replied that the Greek people had not forgotten Russia’s support in its War of Independence. Mr Khrushchev, in his own toast, mentioned the courage of the Greek soldiers during the attack by Italy. The Greek ambassador returned the compliment with a toast to the bravery of Russian soldiers during the war. He also said that in their talks with Yugoslavia, the Russians should bear in mind that they are also talking with Greece.

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