France Sounding Out Views On Pacific Tests

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30275, 30 October 1963, Page 11

France Sounding Out Views On Pacific Tests

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) PARIS, October 28. France has begun discreet sounding out of a number of other countries, including some in Latin America, about their likely attitude to its planned hydrogen bomb tests in the Pacific, it was learned today, United Press International reported.

First indications were reported to have been that France could not count on much support if the matter was brought before the United Nations. No date for toe first French hydrogen bomb test explosion has been announced, but it is expected to be some time in 1966. The French diplomatic soundings followed sharp advance protests earlier this year by several countries bordering on toe Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. Their pro-

tests brought angry notes from the French Government in reply. France did not sign the Moscow Nuclear Test-ban Treaty, which outlawed testing in the air. The planned French hydrogen bomb tests in the Pacific will be carried out in the air, and President de Gaulle is said to be making advance diplomatic preparations to deal with widespread hostile reaction when the time comes. Diplomatic sources said President de Gaulle wanted to know what countries would be likely to support France or at least remain neutral if, as was thought likely, the issue was taken to the United Nations.