AThe Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake City, Utah Saturday, April 01, 1972 - Page 6
U.S. Chess Champion Given Ultimatum
Reuters News Agency
Amsterdam, Holland — The International Chess Federation Friday gave Bobby Fischer, American challenger for the world chess title, an ultimatum — agree to the present arrangements for the tournament or forfeit his challenge.
The federation asked the American Chess Federation to guarantee that Fischer will play the match against Russia's world champion, Boris Spassky, according to an agreement of March 20.
They were to play the first 12 games in Belgrade and the second 12 in Reykjavik.
But the Yugoslav organizers said Friday they were unable to stage the first half starting June 22 because of uncertainty following Fischer's rejection of the agreed financial arrangements.
The president of the international federation, Dr. Max Euwe, made the ultimatum in Australia after being informed by telephone of Fischer's new financial demands and about Belgrade officials stopping preparations for the match.
He said he would consider failure by the American federation to give the guarantee by April 4 or refusal by Fischer to agree with the guarantee, as denying Fischer his rights to challenge the world champion.
