Test-Ban Talks Surprise Russian Proposals

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30057, 15 February 1963, Page 14

Test-Ban Talks Surprise Russian Proposals

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) GENEVA, February 12. The Soviet Union today proposed an East-West treaty that wotpd weaken the United States nuclear deterrent, the Associated Press reported.

The Soviet proposal catme at the 17-nation disarmament conference when it resumed today after a two-month recess. The agency commented the treaty stood “no chance” of conference support as it would “completely alter the world’s balance of power.” Reuter said Russia’s proposal called for a “solemn undertaking” by the signatory Powers to: Dismantle foreign bases for submarines armed with nuclear weapons. Withdraw from foreign ports aircraft carriers with a nuclear potential. Dismantle strategical rocket installations in foreign territories. Remove rockets of more than 930 miles range to national territory. Withdraw strategic nuclear bombers and their bombs from foreign territories. The Russian proposal, in draft form, was submitted by the Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister (Mir Vasily Kuznetsov). Western Reaction It clearly took Western delegates by surprise, the Associated Press reported. The main interest of the talks had been the drawnout negotiations flor a nuclear test ban. This issue was pushed into the background, the agency said. Mr Kuznetsov spoke of the need to end the arms race, particularly in the light of the Cuban crisis. During this crisis, he said, the world “felt so closely the flaming wind of thermo-riuclear war.”

Mr Kuznetsov then lashed out with a sweeping denunciation of United States policy. United States resumption

of underground nuclear tests had violated a United Nations resolution calling for an end to all such blasts by last New Year’s Day.

He attacked the Nassau agreement to give Britain Polaris submarines, the plan for a N.A.T.O. nuclear force, the French-West German treaty and "measures taken by the United States in order to force nuclear weapons on to Canada.” The United States chief disarmament negotiator, Mr William C. Foster, read a statement from President Kennedy calling flor the conclusion of a safeguarded nuclear test ban agreement which would promote “confidence and trust among the nations.”

Mr Kuznetsov repeated the Soviet position offering two or three manual on-site inspections in the Soviet Union. But his remarks on the test ban contained nothing new, the Associated Press reported. Holy Loch

Mr Kuznetsov said the American Polaris base at Holy Loch, in Scotland, was just, as repugnant to the Russians as old missile sites. Reuter quoted comments by the chief British delegate at the conference, Mr Joseph Godber on the Soviet proposal. It appeared to be an attempt to "capitalise on a nation’s geographical situation,” he said. It might be an astute political move but it was difficult to think such a proposal which appeared to give great advantage to one side to the disadvantage of the other could help “realistic disarmament negotiations,” Mr Godber added.