Half the population of mountain-ringed Katmandu, defying overcast monsoon skies, hailed the arrival of Prime Minister Nehru for a busy 72-hour State visit.

At Gauchar Airport where earlier flights were disrupted because of weather conditions Mr. Nehru landed in a Russian-built Ilyushin, forty minutes late. He was greeted by Prime Minister B.P.Koirala, members of the newly-elected democratic Nepalese Government and a 5000-strong crowd.

A pageant of colour awaited Mr. Nehru...decorated streets, ceremonial arches, and elaborate floral designs. The seven-mile ride along the national highway - built with Indian aid - from the airport to the capital in an open car took over an hour so great was the welcome by applauding crowds.

Importance is attached to the visit because of Nepal's position between Tibet and India...Nepal ruled by the only living Hindu monarch, King Mahendra, and once considered with the protection of the Himalayas to be virtually invulnerable from land attack, now lies a few air minutes from the Chinese Communist Forces occupying Tibet.

During his talks with the King and members of the Government Tibet was a major topic. Another: further Indian economic aid.