Some of the Soviet diplomats giving this answer may have been telling the truth.

Soviet diplomats had already sounded this issue out earlier in the year.

"He faces no threats from the street," said a Soviet diplomat who was here throughout the war.

The visit is not the first by a Soviet diplomat.

Government officials and Soviet diplomats, however, say the situations are not comparable.

Soviet diplomats in the West have been told to issue public appeals for aid.

Soviet diplomats, who were here throughout the war, say they are not surprised.

Soviet diplomats admit they have pretty much lost track of all the activity.

"Why wasn't he released upon identifying himself as a Soviet diplomat?"

A senior Soviet diplomat said that no such visit was planned now.