‘PURPOSE’ SERVED

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32702, 3 September 1971, Page 15

‘PURPOSE’ SERVED

1971 French tests end (N.Z. P, A. -Reuter—Copyright.) PARIS, Sept. 2. France formally announced yesterday that it had cancelled nuclear testing in the Pacific this year, saying that no scientific purpose would be served by continuing them.

The official explanation was in contrast to widespread speculation that France curtailed the test programme mainly to safeguard its economic and political position in Latin America.

The Government spokesman, Mr Leo Hamon, said that President Pompidou had written a letter on the controversial issue to President Alvarado of Peru, who earlier had said that his Government would break off relations with France if the nuclear explosions continued. The explosions this year—five blasts, including one hydrogen-type detonationhad fully met the hopes of French scientists, he said. He gave no explicit reply . when asked if France intended to resume the tests, as planned, on Mururoa Atoll next year. The decision has clearly : been an embarrassing one for France, although French officials have insisted that the blasts pose no health danger to the peoples of the Pacific. The influential newspaper “Le Monde” said that the real reason for the cancellation was to avoid the possible loss of France’s growing markets in arms and other goods in South America. It noted that the French decision marked the first time a nuclear Power had yielded to pressure from countries in the Pacific area.