New move for bomb-free zone

Press, 8 May 1978, Page 14

New move for bomb-free zone

PA Auckland An extension of the nuclear-free provisions of the Antarctic Treaty, which could lead to a ban on atomic weapons in the Southern Hemisphere, may become part of the Labour Party platform in the General Election.

The Labour spokesman on health (Mr J. L. Hunt) said that the proposal to have the treaty extended would be put to the party conference this month.

He told a seminar organised by the Labour Youth Advisory Council that the present Antarctic Treaty set out that the area between latitude 66deg. 30min. South and the Pole be completely free of all weapons, including nuclear weapons, and all nuclear testing. “Labour Party policy could envisage the establishment

of a United Nations convention whereby this could be extended north by lOdeg. latitude each year,” said Mr Hunt. “This would mean that in six to seven years we would be able to free the Southern Hemisphere completely of all nuclear weapons, of all nuclear tests, and of all vessels that have nuclear weapons in them.” He said that such a proposal would find support not only from South Pacific nations but also from South America, and from Africa, with the exception of South Africa. “I think it is the sort of step which is attainable by the sort of convention which New Zealand can promote with a great deal of force.” New Zealand could persuade its Pacific neighbours to put pressure on the big powers.