U.S. Almost Ready For New Tests

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29800, 17 April 1962, Page 15

U.S. Almost Ready For New Tests

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) WASHINGTON, April 15. Preparations for the first of a new American series of nuclear tests in the atmosphere were virtually complete, officials said todav. It appeared the first test would be set off in about 10 days, United Press International reported.

The Pacific tests will be the first American atomic shots in the air since 1958.

The original target date for the first test was May 1. Authorities said it had been decided that since all was in readiness, the tests might as well go ahead quickly, since the Soviet Union obviously did not intend to accept United States proposals for an inspected test ban treaty. Offer Re tec ted

The Soviet Prime Minister (Mr Khrushchevi last Friday rejected again an offer by President Kennedy and the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) to call off Western atmospheric tests jf the Soviet Union would

quickly sign a test-ban treaty containing provisions for international inspection and control Mr Khrushchev branded the Western offer as nothing but a disguised espionage plan to place foreign agents on Russian territory. The new series of United States tests will take place in . the vicinity of Britain’s Christmas Island, about 1500 miles south of Honolulu, and Johnston Island, about 1200 miles south-east of Honolulu, and owned by the United States. Some of the experiments will be designed to further progress on an anti-missile missile, according to United. Press International.