EUROPEAN SATELLITE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29427, 1 February 1961, Page 19

EUROPEAN SATELLITE

“Now Is Time,” Says France (N .Z.P.A.-KevHr—Copyright) STRASBOURG, January 30. Australia's Woomera rocket range would permit testing of launchers, at least in the first stage ot a European space satellite project, the chief French delegate (Mr Francois de Rose) said at the opening of a 15-nation conference, called to discuss the scheme, at Strasbourg today. “But that does not mean that we are eternally tied to Woomera,” he said. It was quite conceivable that if European countries decide to co-operate in commercial application they would choose launching bases on their own territories. He said there was capital in the form of work done in Britain, Australia, France and other countries. “That capital is there to be exploited now and I really think one can say now is the time,” Mr de Rose said. The conference had to discuss whether Europe should become the third space Power he said. Britain’s Minister of Aviation (Mr Thomeycrofti urged the conference to use his country's Blue Streak rocket in a satellite launching project. Mr Thomeycroft, who was elected conference chairman, has been touring European capitals to press the Blue Streak’s claims. The British United Press reported that Mr Thorneycrofi said that the Blue Streak had reached an advanced stage of development that made it highly suitable for use as stage one of a satellite rocket “There is a powerful identity of views between Britain and France,” he said. Eighty delegates attended from France, West Germany Italy, Holland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland. Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Britain. The Irish Republic, Canada, Turkey and Greece sent observers.