France hosts the Warrior

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 5

France hosts the Warrior

NZPA Paris The French here renewed their acquaintance with the Rainbow Warrior, but in a more peaceful way than the explosion of July 10, 1985. On a four-day goodwill visit to France, the Greenpeace vessel, Rainbow Warrior 2, docked at the port of La Rochelle before setting out across the Atlantic Ocean. The Rainbow Warrior’s presence, however, was treated with noticeable indifference by French authorities. In spite of the keen interest of local people, national and local officials declined invitations to visit the ship. Rochelle’s choice mooring spot, usually reserved for honouring important visiting craft, was suddenly unavailable. According, to the Paris daily, “Liberation,” this was mysteriously occupied by “a rusty old dredge,” which is habitually kept well away from the place of honour. The Rainbow Warrior’s visit produced an opportunity for Greenpeace France to officially announce the reopening of its Paris office. Greenpeace closed down its operations in France after the 1985 incident but has a new headquarters, with four staff, who produce a three-monthly newsletter.

It has recruited 5000 members, but that is still a long way from Holland, which has 400,000.