FRANCE TO BUILD ITS OWN ATOM-AGE ARMY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 13

FRANCE TO BUILD ITS OWN ATOM-AGE ARMY

44 Imperfections” In N.A.T.O. (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 pjn.) PARIS, October 14. The French Prime Minister, Mr Michel Debre, launching a Government bill to give France an £B5B million atomic striking force, said yesterday there were “imperfections” in N.A.T.O. Mr Debre said France proposed that the Atlantic Alliance should be reformed by extending it to other regions, providing it with a political leadership to take the big decisions, and assuring close military co-ordination without relieving governments of their responsibilities.

Speaking of “America’s atomic monopoly” and France’s responsibilities to N.A.T.O. and Africa. Mr Debre said a country’s allies were more likely to take her defence needs into account if she made an appropriate effort herself.

He rejected as “unjustified” allegations that France would weaken N.A.T.O. by creating her own atomic striking force. Other countries including Britain—had followed a similar

policy without damaging the alliance. he said.

American atomic power was one of the guarantees of Western security, Mr Debre said. But he asked: “Does that justify that employment of this power should be a decision in which the other nations do not have their part?" Mr Debre’s speech launched the most important Parliamentary debate of the year on a Government bill to establish French atomic striking force over fhe next five years. The full debate will be next Tuesday. The bill has aroused criticism and hostility among the Conservative and Left-wing groups in the National Assembly, and to a smaller degree in the centre. No serious difficulties are fore-

seen for the Government in getting it through although the debate may be lively and the Government may be forced to call for a vote of confidence.

Mr Debre said European and Atlantic co-operation had its limits. It did not extend to the political field and it was quite insufficient in scientific matters.

The present distributions of strategic responsibilities among the allies was unequal, with the Americans “in fact keeping the monopoly of using atomic weapons.

“In fact, no-one is ready to integrate his deterrent forces.” he said.

The Foreign Minister. Mr Couve de Murville, told the Foreign Affairs Committee: “The Atomic arm ... is a national arm. Its use can only be decided on by the Powers that possess it.” He said France did not for a moment consider engaging in a nuclear conflict alone with Russia.

“What we want,” he said, “is a modern armament comparable to other world armies; one that would permit us to take part in the atomic defence of the free world."