R.A.Z.N. Frigates’ Role In Atom Bomb Tests
(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 19. The Government could not withdraw Royal
New Zealand Navy ships from the British nuclear weapon tests at Christmas Island, the Chief of Naval ■* Staff (Rear-Admiral J. E. H. Mcßeath) said in Auckland today. To do so would invite the accusation of “starting a job and not having the guts to finish it.”
Admiral Mcßeath said it was lilly to say that the New Zealanders would be endangered by participation in the tests. The New Zealand frigates Pukaki and Rotoiti would not be within 200 miles of the explosion. Nevertheless, as weather-station ships they would have an im-
portant job. By providing accurate weather data, they would be helping to ensure that no harm was caused by the bomb. Admiral Mcßeath was confident that there was no possible danger from the tests and said that, while Russia was letting off bombs like firecrackers, it was no use insisting that Britain abandon her research.
Japanese protests were political, he said. Admiral Mcßeath left Whenuapai by air this afternoon to attend a Commonwealth naval conference in London. He will be away about a month.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28257, 20 April 1957, Page 12
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195R.A.Z.N. Frigates’ Role In Atom Bomb Tests Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28257, 20 April 1957, Page 12
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