NUCLEAR TEST OPPOSED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29165, 28 March 1960, Page 15

NUCLEAR TEST OPPOSED

Protest Sent To U.S. Embassy The New Zealand Council for Nuclear Disarmament, which represents five groups working in New Zealand for nuclear disarmament, has written to the United States Embassy in Wel’ington expressing regret at the announced intention of the United States Government to hold an underground nuclear test early next year. “While tests for peaceful purnoses with international observation are naturally to be preferred to secret tests for military purposes. we feel that action by one country at this time can prejudice the outcome of the current discussions in Geneva on nuclear tests and on disarmament.” the council says. “So much depends on the success of these talks that any move which lessens their chance of success is to be deplored.”

The following cablegram has been sent on behalf of the council to the chairman of the disarmament conference in Geneva: “New Zealand Council for Nuclear Disarmament welcomes prograss in negotiations, and earnestly hopes for continuation until agreement reached.” The council has arranged an exhibition to be shown in the Canterbury Public Library hall from today until April 3. The exhibition will emphasise the different uses of nuclear energy, and the responsibility persons to choose the constructive applications rather than the destructive ones. There will also be films at 7 p.m. on April 1.