Moves On French Tests Urged

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30191, 24 July 1963, Page 20

Moves On French Tests Urged

(New Zealand Pres, Association)

WELLINGTON, July 23. The Government will be urged to request the French Government to withdraw from the South Pacific Commission because of its nuclear testing policy. A deputation of three members of the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association waited on the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nordmeyer) to present ttieir views on the proposed French nuclear tests in the Gambier Islands. The president of the association (Mr P. J. R. Blizzard) said after the interview the students hoped to see the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) and the French Ambassador later this week. The students resolutions are:—

(1) That the New Zealand Government requests the French Government to withdraw from the South Paci-

fic Commission because its actions are no longer compatible with the aims and undertakings of that organisation.

(2) That our Government, through its United Nations representatives, should initiate action, at the 18th session of the General Assembly, calling on France to cease preparations immediately for the forthcoming tests. We believe New Zealand should provide this lead—and not leave it to others. Mr Blizzard said Mr Nordmeyer told the students that France probably regarded New Zealand’s protest as a matter of form and treated it as such. He told the students the Government's protest was not a strong enough one to make France call off its test and suggested that all nations in the Pacific basin should make a combined appeal which would therefore be a stronger protest, said Mr Blizzard. According to Mr Blizzard. Mr Nordmeyer said pressure of opinion forced France to abandon nuclear tests in the Sahara. He agreed with the students that the United Nations should be used as a forum for the mobilisation of public opinion. The students spent half an hour talking with Mr Nordmeyer in his office at Parliament Buildings.