Jaanimets dramatic flight to freedom created a sensation in the midst of the United Nations General Assembly meettog attended by Premier Khrushchev and other heads of states. Jaanimets was a sailor aboard the Baltika which brought Premier Khrushchev to New York. On October 10. 1960. he slipped past fellow crewmembers and with the help of the International Rescue Committee and the Estonia Relief Committee. he contacted U.S. authorities. He was declared a political refugee and was given permission to remain "temporarily" in the United States. Under Jaanimets present status. he cannot leave the United States and attempt to reenter without encountering difficulties. If granted permanent residence. he will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.