The Seventh General Convention of the Nepali Congress Party opened at Katmandu, May 7. Personalities present included a delegate from Israel - whose speech to the Congress was interpreted by Nepali Home Affairs Minister Upashaya - Mrs. Dwarika Thakurani, a woman Minister, and Premier Koirala.

The Congress party is Nepal's leading political organization. It brought about the 1950 revolution which ended the absolute rule of the Rana royal house, and for 8 1/2 years, by Royal nomination, it continued the governing party. Then it fell from grace for a few months, until Nepal's first-ever election under the new Royally-promulgated Constitution returned it to office. The Seventh Convention is the first held since that event.

Because of tension between India and China - Nepal's powerful neighbours - discussion at the Convention on foreign affairs was restrained in tone; little was said about China's recent claims to Mount Everest. The Convention closed with a speech by Mr. Upadhaya - who takes a prominent role in forming party policy - and a late night vote on Congress' programme.