Russian Interest In New Destroyer

AUSTRALIA’S first guided-missile destroyer, HMAS “Perth”, called ■* briefly at Suva on March 1, for refuelling during her delivery voyage to Australia from the United States. The commander, Captain 1. H. Cartwright, was the guest of the Governor of Fiji, Sir Derek Jakeway, and Lady Jakeway for afternoon tea. He also called on the Mayor, of Suva. Councillor C. A. Stinson, and the Australian Com missioner, Mr. R. N. Hamilton.

The arrival of the “Perth” in Suva harbour caused much interest among crew members of the Russian research vessel “Canopus”, which had arrived in Suva three days earlier for minor repairs and painting and to secure medical aid for the chief fishing specialist, Mr. Mandrika Vasily.

The departure of the “Canopus” from Suva was subsequently delayed several times,' and she was still in port on March 11 when four destroyers from the United States Destroyer Squadron 25 arrived in Suva to bunker overnight. The destroyers had been serving off Vietnam.

There was considerable speculation in Suva on whether the “Canopus” was in port by accident or design at the same time as the “Perth” and the four American destroyers. —Photo: Rob. Wright.