Treaty Ratified

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32060, 7 August 1969, Page 1

Treaty Ratified

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 6. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today signed the New Zealand instruments of ratification of the treaty of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The ratifications will be deposited •in London, Washington and Moscow later this month.

“T think it is particularly appropriate that New Zealand* should, take early action to become a party, to' this treatyi” said Mr Holyoake.

“The latest information we have indicates that of the 90 countries to sign the treaty since it was opened for signature on July 1, 1968, 16 have now proceeded to the final step of ratification.” The Prime Minister said that under the terms of the treaty, New Zealand had formally reaffirmed its longstanding policy of renouncing any intention to acquire nuclear weapons. In supporting the non-pro-liferation treaty, New Zealand hoped that all nonnuclear weapon countries, and particularly those which already pad the. technical ability to develop atomic " weapons, would eventually be

similarly ready to renounce any ambitions to produce their own nuclear weapons. The treaty would not inhibit signatory States in using nuclear energy for development purposes. Indeed, the terms of the treaty were designed actively to promote the exchange of nuclear material and equipment for the processing, use and production of nuclear material for peaceful purposes, said the Prime Minister. “As part of the safeguards system envisaged by the treaty, New Zealand will in due course need to negotiate an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency on arrangements for inspection and verification of our compliance in this country with the obligations assumed under the treaty,” he said.