TEST BAN TREATY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30196, 30 July 1963, Page 6

TEST BAN TREATY

‘Senate Will Ratify’ (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) HYANNIS PORT. July 29 President Kennedy was today authoritatively reported to feel that the chances of Senate ratification of the partial nuclear test ban treaty were very bright. Officials predict a minimum of 80 votes for ratification, and possibly as many as 83. Only 67 are needed Although the Administration was hoping for virtually unanimous approval, ratification with a vote of 80 would be regarded as a mark of confidence in the President’s policy of seeking new avenues for peaceful co-operation with the Soviet Union. A herd core of about 20 Senators, including Senator Barry Goldwater, a leading contender for the Republican Presidential nomination next year, is expected to vote against ratification on the grounds that the treaty would prevent the United States from developi n g anti-missile rockets and other advanced nuclear weapons. The Secretary of State. Mr Rusk, was reported to believe that the Administration had gained support with its assurances that the treaty:

Did not weaken American security and nuclear superiority. Did not commit the United States to take steps weakening the N.A.T.O. alliance.

Mr A. Harriman, the American treaty negotiator, echoed President Kennedy’s theme that the test ban treaty, while it did not signal a relaxation of caution, was a shaft of light which had cut through the darkness of the East-West cold war. Mr Harriman carried back from Moscow a friendly message from the Soviet Premier, Mr Khrushchev, to President Kennedy. Informed sources said the message was “extremely friendly’’ in tone and expressed the hope that the test ban treaty had opened an era of peaceful co-opera-tion between the Soviet Union and the West.