N.Z. Policy On Bomb Tests Stated

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29890, 2 August 1962, Page 2

N.Z. Policy On Bomb Tests Stated

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 1. The Government is to continue to express abhorrence of the use of nuclear weapons. It will continue to lend its support for the principles of effective world disarmament. The Prime Minister, Mr Holyoake, reaffirmed this today to a deputation of 30 women, representing 18 Wellington organisations. The women urged New Zealand’s “complete abhorrence of nuclear weapon testing” to be expressed in the United Nations and to any Powers conducting tests. Mr Holyoake said he agreed completely with the

ideas put forward, but he said the problem was complex. There was a preponderance of conventional arms on the side of the Soviet Union, Mr Holyoake said. The free world was vitally dependent on the United States “nuclear shield” to preserve peace and freedom. “The greatest danger is not so much the question of fallout from any tests, but the inevitable heightening of in-

ternational tension and the increasing possibility of a frightful nuclear war being precipitated,” he said. New Zealand at all times would urge the great Powers to desist from nuclear testing and to disarm. "However, we must guard against adopting mere declarations without provision for controls,” he said. “The fact that the Soviet Union broke the voluntary and uncontrolled moratorium on nuclear tests at a moment’s notice, and then proceeded to mount tests, showed that months of secret preparation had been made.” Mr Holyoake explained New Zealand's attitude at the last United Nations Assembly in abstaining from voting against certain resolutions condemning the use of nuclear weapons He said this was a deliberate decision against supporting broad declarations or intention without any binding treaty for inspection or control. Government policy was to support every effort to bring about proper disarmament which could be phased and policed to prevent any country stealing a march on another.