NUCLEAR CLUB LIMITATION

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30188, 20 July 1963, Page 11

NUCLEAR CLUB LIMITATION

Common Concern At Moscow Talks (N.Z Press Association—Copyright) MOSCOW, July 19, The shadow of East Germany hangs over the test-ban talks in Moscow between the Soviet Union, the United States and Britain, according to United Press International. But this did not alter the fact that the first EastWest nuclear weapons test-ban agreement appeared firmly in sight, the news agency said. “Progress” toward actual drafting of an agreement banning tests in the atmosphere, outer space and under water was officially reported at the end of the third meeting.

From informed sources, it was learned that the “progress” included a tendency among the Americans, the British and the Russians to see eye to eve on the necessity to close the so-called nuclear club.

The draft treaties which the United States Under-Sec-retary of State, Mr Averell Harriman and the Snence Minister (Lord Hails.nam) exchanged with the Soviet Prime Minister (Mr Khrushchev! last Monday contained mutual undertak-

ings ‘‘to refrain from causing, encouraging or in any way participating in the execution cf nuclear weapcns tests anywhere " Any form of nuclear weapons aid to France and China would be ruled out, it was agreed.

Both sides, however, reserved the right to resume nuclear weapon testing if fourth nations meaning France or China —ever should jeopardise the national security of the signatories Such an eventuality would require mutual consultation and advance warning

Another subject discussed at the first sessions concerned the Soviet proposal for a nonaggression pact between the North Atlantic Treaty and Warsaw Pact Powers, informed sources said It was believed that Mr Harriman and Lord Hailsham explained the Western view that any agreement involving the Allies could be considered only after consultation and agreement with all NAT O members.

Diplomatic observers predicted some degree of flexibility on the Western side on any eventual declaration of non-aggressive intentions between N.A.T.O. and the Warsaw Pact. East German sources connected the visit to Moscow of an East German Government delegation with the three-Power talks

They said that East German representatives had come to consult the Russians on matters concerning the proposed non-aggression pact, and also on the Berlin prob-

lem if that entered the test ban talks.

Should the mounting optimism on the reality of a partial test-ban agreement prove justified, the American and British Governments would continue pushing for a total ban and the solution of other cold war issues, U.P.I. said