RUSSIA CLAIMS NEW WEAPON

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28367, 28 August 1957, Page 13

RUSSIA CLAIMS NEW WEAPON

Ballistic Rocket Tested

W.Z. Press Association— Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) MOSCOW, August 26. The Soviet Union had successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic rocket and exploded atomic and hydrogen weapons as part of a scientific research programme, the Soviet news agency Tass reported today.

Tass said: “A super long-distance, intercontinental, multi-stage ballistic rocket was launched a few days ago.

“The tests of the rocket were successful. They fully confirmed calculations, and the rocket fl»w at a very high and unprecedented altitude. After covertarget “ brief tim<5 ’ the rocket ,anded

•■The results obtained showed that it is possible to direct rockets Into any part of the world,” the report continued. “The solution of the problem of designing intercontinental ballistic rockets will make it possible to reach remote areas without resorting to a strategic air force, which at present is vulnerable to up-to-date means of anti-aircraft defence. “Taking into consideration the tremendous contribution to the advance of science and the great importance of this scientific-tech nical achievement for strengthening the defence potential of the Soviet, the Soviet Government expresses gratitude to a large group of workers who have taken part in designing and manufacturing the intercontinental ballistic rockets and the complex facilities tor their launching.” Test Explosions “A series of explosions of nuclear and thermonuclear (hydrogen) weapons has been staged in the Soviet Union in recent days,” Tass said. “In order to ensure the safety Of the population, the explosions were set off at a high altitude. . “The tests were successful.” “Tass has been authorised to state the following: The problem of disarmament, including the question of banning atomic and hydrogen weapons and the question of stopping their tests, has been discussed for many years ip the United Nations without producing any result. “The Soviet Government, undeviatingly carrying through a policy of peace, has more than once submitted concrete proposals on a substantial reduction srmorl fnrrpc nnrl arms-

ments of States, on the prohibition of atomic and hydrogen weapons, on the cessation of tests of these weapons and on other measures connected with the disarmament problem. “The Western Powers, however, have not yet taken any practicable steps in the field of disarmament. ‘On the contrary, they create all kinds of obstacles to agreements on this highly important problem of our times. “It is common knowledge that the United States and its partners not only rejected the prohibition of atomic and hydrogen weapons, but in fact do not want agreement on the unconditional and immediate cessation of the tests of nuclear weapons while staging large series of tests of these weapons. “Encountering such an obviously negative attitude by the Western Powers, primarily the United States, towards a positive solution of the disarmament problem, the Soviet Government has been impelled to take all necessary measures with the object of safeguarding the security of the Soviet State.” Agreement on Tests “At the same time, the Soviet Government would continue to persistently press for agreement on the cessation of tests and the prohibition of. atomic weapons, on the problem of disarmament as a whole, in positive solution of which all the peoples of the world are interested.” . the Tass statement said. The Russian announcement came on the eve of a resumption of talks in the United Nations Disarmament Sub-committee in London on the Western proposal for a two-year suspension of nuclear tests on certain conditions.