Mururoa testing 'still worth while”

Press, 19 August 1983, Page 2

Mururoa testing 'still worth while”

PA Wellington The Prime Minister thinks New Zealand scientists should go to the Mururoa atoll nuclear testing ground in spite of the conditions the French could impose. Mr Muldoon told a postcaucus press conference yesterday that he thought the trip was still worth while. The Australian Government is apparently unhappy at the reportedly strict conditions and is expected to raise the matter at the coming South Pacific Forum in Canberra. Mr Muldoon said he did not think the French were putting obstacles in the path of the scientific team.

“I think they have been very forthcoming,” he said. Labour’s foreign affairs spokesman, Sir Wallace Rowling, said earlier this week that the possible strict conditions indicated that the French had something to hide.

The French authorities are reported to be refusing to allow the scientific party to make their tests until October.

The investigators may be under the control of the French and be able to spend only one day and night on Mururoa. In addition, the scientists may not be able to collect their own samples, but have to work with some provided by the French.

Another possible restriction may be a ban on inclusion of a geological scientist in the team, which must be made up of scientists of radiological and biological disciplines. This is in spite of allegations that the nuclear blasts are making the atoll break up. Sir Wallace said such conditions would make the trip farcical and were another example of the French determination to “trample on the rights and wishes of the people of the South Pacific.” Mr Muldoon said he had some information on the trip but was not ready at the moment to make it public. “In due time all will be made known,” he said. “We certainly believe the trip is worth while. You don’t want to be too negative about it. We will see what happens.”