French Neutron bomb?
NZPA-Reuter Paris France has acquired the capacity to develop a new strategic Neutron bomb, the newspaper “Quotidien de Paris” has reported. If developed, this weapon, of an entirely new type, would propel France into the third nuclear generation and would, given its power, be a major addition to' France’s sophisticated strategic nuclear arsenal, the paper said. The French super-Neutron bomb, believed to have been
(tested at Mururoa, would be capable of spraying millions 'of neutrons over a surface 30kms in diameter.
All previous studies said the destructive power of a neutron bomb would extend over a surface a maximum 600 m in diameter.
’ This breakthrough was expected to affect the controversy over the neutron bomb in France.
I A big strategic debate has 'been under way for months lover whether France should abandon its deterrent force iin-favour of a strategy of-
jgraduated riposte, or of | fighting on German soil if Soviet troops crossed into West Germany, without [waiting for them to reach [France’s border on the Rhine.
The Neutron bomb, also euphemistically known as an ‘‘enhanced radiation weapon,” is mainly designed for defence against armoured columns.
It kills troops and tank crews with neutron radiation —but its blast and heat are reduced to limit damage to nearby civilian installations.
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Press, 9 June 1980, Page 9
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212French Neutron bomb? Press, 9 June 1980, Page 9
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