New York Times, New York, New York, Sunday, April 09, 1972 - Page 53
Soviet Chess Union Will Pay Guarantee
The Soviet Chess Federation said yesterday that it was willing to put up $35,000 to insure that Boris Spassky would compete against Bobby Fischer of the United States for the world chess championship provided that the United States did likewise.
The financial guarantees had been requested by the International Chess Federation on Thursday.
However, the United States Chess Federation said it was not sure if the international organization still wanted the money guarantee.
Edmund B. Edmondson, executive director of the American federation, said a second cable had been received on Friday asking if an agreement by Fischer to abide by the conditions for the match included a firm agreement with the financial arrangements for the players.
“The question is, does that second cable supersede the first?” Mr. Edmondson asked.
The arrangements for the match, originally set to begin in Belgrade on June 22, have been in limbo since Fischer reportedly demanded part of the proceeds in addition to his share of the $138,000 purse. The Yugoslav sponsors responded by threatening to withdraw unless both sides provide the money guarantee.
It is not known if Fischer who is scheduled in training at Grossinger's upstate, has actually dropped his demand for part of the proceeds.
