N.Z. Ready To Help In Pacific H-Bomb Tests

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28089, 3 October 1956, Page 6

N.Z. Ready To Help In Pacific H-Bomb Tests

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 2. The New Zealand Government had offered to help in any way it could to facilitate Britain’s hydrogen bomb trials in the Christmas Island area of the Pacific next year, said the commander of the joint task force for the trials. Air Vice Marshal W. E. Oulton, this afternoon. Air Vice Marshal Oulton is making a two-day visit to Wellington to discuss the trials with the Government and the Chiefs of Staff. He leaves Auckland for Australia tomorrow. There were “a lot of problems to be attended to before the trials, and we are seeking help from our friends—and that is why I am here to-discuss the matter in New Zealand.” said Air Vice Marshal Oulton. As far as he knew New Zealand had not planned to send observers to the trials. “No-one has asked to come to these trials, nor have we pressed people to come,” he said. “We have a planning programme, and at the moment it is not more than a few days behind time I am very satisfied with that,” he said.

Questioned on ’ the possibility of radioactive “fall out” endangering the inhabitants of surrounding Pacific islands, he said Christmas Island was 1000 miles from any reasonably inhabited area. Sir Anthony Eden had already given his assurance in the-

House of Commons that there would be no danger to any inhabited islands. For security reasons Air Vice Marshal Oulton said he was unable to answer many- questions. He said he could not name the island on which the trials would take place. Air Vice Marshal Oulton would not confirm an Auckland report that the trials would be held next April or May. He said the trials would be between next December and next July.

This morning he had separate conversations with the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) and the Minister of Defence (Mr T. L. Macdonald).

Air Vice Marshal Oulton is accompanied by his personal staff officer, Squadron Leader T. Helfer. Next week he is to have discussions with the Australian Federal Government.