Journal and Courier Lafayette, Indiana Friday, February 11, 1972 - Page 12
Soviet Chess Group Accuses Fischer
Moscow (UPI) — The Soviet Chess Federation today accused Bobby Fischer and President Max Euwe of the World Chess Federation of misconduct in negotiations to set a place and date for the world championship chess match.
The Soviets said they might, in protest, reject Euwe's choice of a site and date for the match between Fischer and world champion Boris Spassky of Russia.
The Soviet federation called a news conference to comment on Fischer's rejection of a site —Reykjavik, Iceland — agreed upon in secret Moscow negotiations Feb. 7 between Soviet officials and Edmund B. Edmondson, executive director of the U.S. Chess Federation.
They said Euwe had broken his own world federation rules in favor of Fischer by extending the deadline for submitting preferences on site and date when Fischer failed to observe it.
After the Americans had submitted Fischer's list of preferred cities late, they said, Euwe extended the deadline another 10 days in hopes Fischer and Spassky could negotiate an agreement. None of the choices on their lists tallied.
“According to the standing procedure established by Euwe and the world federation, the Soviet side presented its documents and proposals in time, whereas the American side did not,” the Soviet federation said.
“The Soviet federation lodges an official protest against the breaching of regulations and procedures established by the World Chess Federation, demands strict fulfillment of the federation's decisions and rejects attempts on the part of the challenger (Fischer) to impose match conditions suitable only for him,” a statement said.
In response to questions by newsmen, Viktor Dr. Baturinsky, vice president of the Soviet Chess Federation, said the Russians might reject Euwe's attempt to break the stalemate.
“We think the president (Euwe) is not acting in accord with the procedures established by himself and naturally we reserve the right to make our own decision on whatever site he proposes,” Baturinsky said.
Euwe had announced he would make the choice himself if the Soviets and Americans could not reach agreement.
The Soviet officials disclosed the details of Edmondson's visit and the confidential agreement rejected by Fischer because, “We believe it is time to make the course of the negotiations public so public opinion can get the correct impression.”
The Soviets said Edmondson had signed a provisional agreement Feb. 7 to hold the match in Reykjavik in June 25 for a purse of $125,000. The winner was to get 62.5 per cent of the purse and the loser 37.5 per cent.
“At Edmondson' request, this agreement was to be made public after Feb. 10, pending approval from both contestants,” the statement said.
It then said Spassky approved the agreement and Fischer rejected it.
The statement said Spassky wanted to play “in a European country with a moderate climate,” and had submitted four choices, including Reykjavik.
“Soviet chess players have in the past taken into account Fischer's religious and other customs and habits, even though that sometimes led the breach of accustomed rhythms,” it said.
“That is why we hoped the American side and the world federation this time would show consideration for the wishes of the champion.”
