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Over 200 students jammed into Harvard Hall last night expecting that a Soviet diplomat might give them the inside word about the change of power in Moscow. They were disappointed.
Pavel Lukianov, counselor at the Russian embassy in Wasington, told his audience, "What I know is what you know." He was speaking to the Harvard-Radcliffe International Relations Council, and his announced topic was "The 'Thaw' in East-West Relations."
Lukianov stuck to his prepared speech. He mentioned Premier Khrushchev only briefly during his talk, and his attitude seemed mildly humorous, not worried. Once he referred to "the late Premier Khrushchev," then grimaced and took a hurried sip of water. The listeners laughed and applauded. Later Lukianov mentioned "first secretary, who is it now, Brezhnev," and again drew laughter and applause.
Questions Brushed Aside
But after his speech the diplomat brushed off all questions about the crisis. "Every man over 70 has the right to retire," Lukianov remarked. "I don't think there will be any change for the worse." He would not say anything more.
Reporters from United Press International, the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, WHDH-TV, and WMEX came to the meeting in search of news, and they too were disappointed. When Lukianov arrived, they pressed around him, shining television lights on him and demanding a statement. But he smiled and said, "No comment."
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