CIRCULAR TO CANDIDATES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28435, 15 November 1957, Page 16

CIRCULAR TO CANDIDATES

Views On Nuclear Warfare Sought

A circular letter asking where they stand on nuclear warfare has been sent to all Parliamentary candidates in Canterbury and Westland by the chairman of the Campaign Against Nuclear Warfare (Mr John Johnson). “Experience with petitions to Parliament and letters to the Prime Minister this year has shown that up to half of the adult population will readily sign statements urging our Government to work for the cessation of nuclear weapon tests and for agreement between the powers concerned,” says the letter. Candidates are asked to make a clear declaration on where they stand and to answer the following questions: “Do you feel that an arms race in nuclear weapons can contribute to world peace? ‘‘Would you favour, as a first step to end the nuclear arms race, a declaration from the three nuclear powers that in case of war such weapons should not be used? “What do you think New Zealand can do to bring about agreement among nations towards ending the nuclear weapon menace? ‘‘Would you oppose all participation by New Zealand in any further testing and manufacture of nuclear weapons? “Would you ensure that our uranium resources are used solely for peaceful purposes? “Are you in favour of an unconditional stopping of tests? “Are you in favour of seeking much more friendly relations with Soviet Russia and China, rather than following the continuance of the arms race?”