NUCLEAR TESTS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30602, 19 November 1964, Page 11

NUCLEAR TESTS

Another Appeal To France

The following letter has been sent by the chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Youth Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (Mr G. A. Lane) to the Secretary of State for Youth and Sport to the Government of France (Mr M. Herzog), who was recently in New Zealand:— “Having read of your visit to this country and of your work for the welfare of the youth of France, I felt that a plea for the welfare of the youth of this country might be heeded by one obviously interested in young people. As you will by now be aware, no doubt, the people of New Zealand are very concerned about the series of nuclear tests your country proposes to hold in the Pacific. I appeal particularly that you consider whether the attainment of an independent nuclear force can justify the risk of harm to the youth of the Pacific islands. “France’s efforts in the development of sporting and recreational facilities certainly set a good example; and if she were to extend her concern for youth from France to the South Pacific and stop her programme to produce fusion bombs the example would be of lasting importance. “And as France has shown her greatness in sport by the exploits of courageous athletes like yourself, so could she show her greatness in international affairs and make a valuable move toward lasting peace by daring not to go ahead with the development of a nuclear force, and by having the courage to give up, at this late stage, her plans to test nuclear weapons in the Pacific. “On behalf of the Youth Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament I ask you to use your influence to persuade your Government to abandon the tests.”