Ex-President Conant Visits In February

Former President Conant will definitely be a guest at the University during the second week in February, but contrary to earlier reports will perform no official functions at that time, William Bentinck-Smith said. "He will be staying at the University from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12 and will probably just be seeing old friends."

In Washington, the State Department yesterday confirmed the report that Conant would be in Cambridge "only for private business." Previously, Henry J. Kellerman, Public Affairs Advisor in the Office of German Affairs, had said that the former Harvard president's visit definitely would involve Harvard affairs, possibly a series of private conferences with University officials.

Visit Not Official

"The High Commissioner to Germany will be in Cambridge during the week of Feb. 7, but he has no official engagements," Kellerman stated yesterday. "Mrs. Conant will accompany him."

Mrs. Conant's mother, Mrs. Theodore William Richards, is a resident of Cambridge and it is expected that the former president and his wife will spend their time seeing her and other friends.

Kellerman earlier said he expected Conant to be in the United States for three weeks, but he reported yesterday that his stay would now be limited.

Conant's return to Cambridge will mark his third appearance here since he assumed the High Commissioner's post in 1953. On neither of his previous trips has he consulted University officials on Harvard affairs.

Bentinck-Smith said the High Commissioner to Germany and Mrs. Conant will stay in the home of a member of the faculty. He did not disclose the location. Upon leaving Cambridge, Conant will travel to Michigan to deliver an address at the Michigan State Centennial Day ceremonies on Feb. 12.