This week in Club history: Khrushchev

September 16, 1959: Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev begins his tour of the United States at a National Press Club luncheon, drawing the biggest crowd of the year.

He refuses to speak at all to the Club unless women journalists are admitted, and the event becomes a joint effort of the Women’s National Press Club, the National Press Club and the Overseas Press Club.

In view of the enormous interest in his appearance, Club President William Lawrence has to make elaborate plans for seating and media coverage. Khrushchev speaks about ending the Cold War, nuclear disarmament and a divided Germany.

Asked about his famous remark, “We will bury you,” the Khrushchev responds, “My life would be too short to bury every one of you if this should occur to me.” He returns to the Club on September 27 after the completion of his coast-to-coast tour for a press conference arranged by the Soviet Embassy.

This Week In National Press Club History is brought to you by the History & Heritage Committee, which is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Club’s history through displays, events, panel discussions and its oral history project.

For information about the Committee’s activities or to join the Committee, contact Gilbert Klein at [email protected].

Compiled by Elizabeth Smith Brownstein ([email protected]) with information from the Club’s archives and “Reliable Sources: 100 Years at the National Press Club.''