U.S. Asked Not To Hold High-Altitude Tests

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29899, 13 August 1962, Page 9

U.S. Asked Not To Hold High-Altitude Tests

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, August 11.

The Soviet Government has asked the United States to refrain from nuclear tests that might endanger the safety of Major Andrian Nikolayev, who was launched into space earlier today, Moscow Radio reported.

The broadcast said the message asserted the spaceman’s flight was peaceful space exploration “and corresponds with the interests of all nations.”

The Soviet Government said: “The common interest of all countries in such exploration imposes certain commitments to all

“That maans for one thing that nations must refrain from actions that might in any way interfere with peaceful space exploration, and even more so from actions that jeopardise an astronaut.

“It is common knowledge, however, that the United States Government plans more high-altitude explosions. The Soviet Government therefore requests the United States to display an understanding of its responsibility now that a third

Soviet astronaut is orbiting the earth." In Washington, United States officials, noting the Soviet Union's appeal, said today that no atmospheric tests were planned for several weeks, at least. The United States Atomic Energy Commission announced on July 12 that its series of atmospheric nuclear tests at Christmas Island in the Pacific had ended, although the possibility was left open that high-altitude detonations would be held at Johnston Island towards the end of 'the summer. Officials said they pre-

sumed that Major Nikolayev would be brought back to earth within hours or days, long before a possible new high-altitude test was held in the Pacific. A high-altitude test attempt failed over Johnston Island on July 5. Substantial damage was caused to lhe launching pad. and the A.E C. announced on July 31 that “some weeks” would be required to repair the site and prepare for remaining high-altitude tests of the Pacific series.

Officials said it was not certain yet whether further high-altitude tests would be held. The last word came from President Kennedy, who told a press conference on August 1 that a decision would be made when repairs to the launching pad had been completed Some estimates were that the repairs would not be completed until the end of August. The State Department later issued the following statement: “We wish Major Nikolayev a safe flight and a happy landing. The United States, of course, contemplates no activities that would interfere with him in any way.” The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mr

James Webb, said in a statement tonight:. “We wish the Russian cosmonaut well and share with the Soviet people their desire for his safe return.”