PORTRAIT OF THE WEEK
Twenty years after the Prague coup d'elat and the death of Jan Masaryk, the government of Czechoslovakia was struggling once more for a measure of independence from Russian domination. The Russian army, supposedly moving out across the Czech borders, halted. Eastern Europe was split: Mr Ceaucescu, the Rumanian leader, came out strongly on Czechoslovakia's side, as did the Yugoslays; but leaders of Poland, Hungary (whose sympathies were reported to be ambivalent), Bulgaria and East Germany conferred with Russian emis- saries in Warsaw.
Britain's troubles, by comparison, were minor. The busmen seemed likely to follow the railwaymen's example and disrupt public trans- port to emphasise a wage claim. Unions and employers were agreed on a settlement, but the Government refused to sanction it, having already used the Prices and Incomes Act to 'freeze' the busmen's pay. Mr Ian Mikardo, MP, declined Mrs Castle's invitation to a party to celebrate the passing of the Act-1 must leave you to celebrate with your other guests, and I hope you all acquire a filthy hangover.' The voters of Caerphilly, one of Labour's traditionally safest seats, went to the polls. In an attempt to make its other seats less unsafe, the Government decided to pre- pare legislation to lower the voting age to eighteen.
President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia came to London, warning that the conflict of in- terests in southern Africa could 'make Vietnam look like child's play,' and asking for British missiles. The Nigerian Federal representative in London said that Federal forces 'should open up supply routes to the lbo heartland by mili- tary means.' President Arif of Iraq flew to London after he and his government had been toppled in a more or less bloodless army coup.
Sir Hugh Greene, director-general of the BBC, announced his resignation. His former em- ployee, Mr David Frost, and the corporation were rebuked by the Court of Appeal for stag- ing the 'trial by television' of Dr Emil Savundra, the insurance swindler; but the court refused the Doctor's appeal against a fine: he had recently gone bankrupt with assets of £100, but (said the judges) there were such things as numbered accounts in Switzerland. The Ameri- can Tobacco Company made an agreed take- over bid for Gallaher, the Senior Service firm, and bought £20 million of shares for a start.
The third Test match, like the second, was cut short by rain, England being unable to force home their advantage against Australia. Both captains, Mr Cowdrey and Mr Lawry, were injured and seemed doubtful starters for the vital fourth Test, at Leeds next week.
British Rail introduced a new freight service =Yellow Diamond'—guaranteeing customers' money back if the goods do not arrive on time. On occasions when customers do not get their money back, it will cost them an extra ten shillings.
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