ANew 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.
Daily Press Newport News, Virginia Sunday, April 09, 1972 - 58
Soviets Offer To Finance Chess Match
Moscow (UPI)—The Soviet Chess Federation said Saturday it will financially guarantee the world chess championship match if the U.S. Chess Federation does likewise.
Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union, the reigning champion, and Robert “Bobby” Fischer of Brooklyn, the challenger, are scheduled to begin title play June 22 in Belgrade, shifting to Reykjavik, Iceland, at the halfway mark.
Fischer, however, demanded additional money and the start of play was not in doubt despite agreements announced in Amsterdam by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The Soviet news agency Tass said:
“The Soviet Chess Federation is ready to give financial guarantees that it will observe the agreements reached March 20 in Amsterdam on holding the match…provided such a step is also made by the American side and all Fischer's demands that arose after March 20 are considered annulled.”
Fischer has agreed to play, but the Belgrade sponsors asked each side for a $35,000 guarantee, Tass said.
Oakland Tribune Oakland, California Sunday, April 09, 1972 - Page 12
Soviets Reply to Fischer's Demands on Chess Match
Moscow (AP) —The Soviet Chess Federation said Saturday it is willing to give financial guarantees that world champion Boris Spassky will keep his commitments to defend his title against American Bobby Fischer.
But the Russian body said in a telegram to the International Chess Federation —FIDE — that it is willing to do this only “provided such a step is also taken by the American side, and all Fischer's demands that arose after March 20 are considered annulled.”
The news agency Tass said the telegram was dispatched to the international body in response to a statement by FIDE “that the only chance to save the match is that the two sides … make a guarantee of $35,000 each.”
The telegram was the latest episode in a continuing disagreement on terms for the 24-game match.
Both Fischer and Spassky agreed March 20 that the match would begin in Belgrade June 22 and would be continued in Reykjavik, Iceland. The match had been split up because the participants could not agree on a single site for the entire match.
But on March 28, Fischer announced that he was no longer agreeable to the arrangement. He had asked for a share of any profits the organizers might accrue, and was turned down by both Belgrade and Reykjavik.
With the new demands, the Belgrade organizers also balked at getting the match under way by the agreed date. But they said Thursday they could “get the entire machine rolling again if the U.S. federation pledges $35,000 guaranteeing Fischer's appearance.
There has still been no financial guarantee from the Americans. The Russian federation apparently seeks to make a point that it is Fischer—and not Spassky—who is to blame for holding up preparations for the match.
