France “Courteous But Firm” On Test Ban

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30181, 12 July 1963, Page 12

France “Courteous But Firm” On Test Ban

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 11. France had told New Zealand that unless a suspension of nuclear tests were accompanied by effectively controlled cessation of production and progressive elimination and verification of existing stocks of arms, other powers would be left in possession of nuclear arms.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) told the House of Representatives today France had given this reply to New Zealand’s formal diplomatic protest to the Government of r rance about French plans to conduct nuclear tests in the South I acific.

Mr Holyoake said the reply had been quite firm although courteous in tone. France had said that although she was ready to join in effective and controlled disarmament, she considered that failing this, it must retain its freedom of action.

The French reply said that “quite a long time" would elapse before the test site was ready. “Not unexpectedly the reply recalls that other countries have tested in the Pacific,” Mr Holyoake told the House. “It is intended that information about safety measures should be given and the matter eventually discussed with the New Zealand authorities.” he said. “I do not intend to take

these arguments up on this occasion. I will simply say that the position of the Government remains unchanged. We believe that there should be no more atmospheric tests at all.

“The special high level negotiations between the United States. Britain, and the Soviet Union, to be held soon in Moscow, give some ground for hope that an agreement for a test ban treaty may be reached, perhaps a limited agreement which would cover testing in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water, if not underground.” he said. “The differences over the degree of inspection necessary to guard against clandestine underground testing have been the principal obstacle in the negotiations to date,” said Mr Holyoake. "I am certain that I speak for all New Zealand when I express our earnest hope that the talks will prove successful and that, if they are, all countries will abide by the treaty agreed on. “On present indications, however, we may have to face the fact that neither France nor Communist China will comply, and, of course, both are of particular concern to New Zealand.” said Mr Holyoake

“It will be in the light of the results from the talks

and any following negotiations there may be in the Disarmament Committee at Geneva that the Government will be able to determine what further action it should take in respect of the French proposals. "We remain in contact with other Governments which share our deep concern, and we shall certainly use all appropriate means to press our views to the best effect.” said the Prime Minister.