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| : | Question: "Do you still desire that President EISENHOWER come to the Soviet Union?” | - - . N. 8. KHRUSHCHEV: "What shall 1 answer? Put yourself in my place and reply for me. (Laughter) You see the arising difficulties yourselves. I am talking to you sincerely. You know my attitude toward the President of the United States; I have talked about it repeatedly. However, my hopes have been partly disappointed. I am a human being and have human sentiments and I am responsible for the guidance of the Soviet Government. You understand that we, the Russians, the Soviets, have open minds; if we enjoy ourselves we do it completely; if we persevere, likewise. How can I invite him now to our people? When they would come out to greet the honored guest they would say to me: tHave you gone crazy? What honored guest is that one who approves the flight of a plane for espionage purposes?! The North American militarists, by sending us a plane with an espionage mission, have placed me who is responsible for the preparations for the arrival of the President of the United States in the USSR, in a very embarrassing position. Speaking frankly, I believe that even the President of the United States will understand that. "Let us suppose that before my visit to the United States we had sent a plane in the same manner and they had destroyed itthere. Can you imagine how the North Americans would have received me? They would have received me, as the saying goes, according to my merits. I believe that all will understand that. "However, who can guarantee that during the visit of the President no excesses would occur. Our people are cordial, give vent to their feelings, permit what the government puts into action, and do not permit any offensive act. I believethat the journalists and North American tourists are now aware of the discretion and discipline of the Soviets. I have not heard anyone say anything offensive to a North American. This deserves praise. It shows the power of the spirit of our people." Question: "Is it possible that the problem of the plane . will be an object of study during the Summit Conference?™ __N, 8, KHRUSHCHEV: "This is already the subject of discussion throughout the world. Therefore, I consider it unnecessary -13-