FRENCH A-TESTS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30120, 2 May 1963, Page 15

FRENCH A-TESTS

Base Ready In 1966

(N Z.P..A.-Reuter- Copyright) PAPEETE. May 1.

General Thiry, officer in charge of France’s nuclear testing centre in the Pacfic said that the base would be in full operation by the end of 1966. The nuclear base wiU be built on the Mururoa atoll, about 1250 miles south-east of Tahiti.

General Thiry told a press conference in Papeete last night: “France is determined to have nuclear arms, not in a spirit of conquest, but to ensure her defence in order to avoid a conflict” France would not be a big Power if she did not possess nuclear arms, he said. She was only following in the footsteps of her predecessors. The ■ choice of the Pacific was motivated by the necessity of utilising a naval testing range,, General Thiry said. “When the base will be in full operation by the end of 1966 all problems of risks to the populations will be solved.” he said. “Talk of dangers of contamination resulted from a propaganda of lies.” Local command of the nuclear testing base was entrusted to a naval commander responsible to General Thiry. Considerable economic activity was expected as a result of the construction of harbour installations and residential quarters in the Pacific nuclear base. The initial personnel of about 2000 to 3000 would be increased to 5000 when the base became fully operational.