[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12359-S12360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             SOUTH PACIFIC NUCLEAR-FREE ZONE TREATY [SPNFZ]

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, I was gratified yesterday by the French 
announcement in support of a complete ban on nuclear testing next year. 
Unfortunately, at present, France intends to conduct a series of 
nuclear tests in the South Pacific during the remainder of this year 
and the first part of next year.
  The decision of the new French Government has brought about a storm 
of protest from Pacific nations who had fervently hoped that they would 
never see nuclear testing in their region.
  So far, the United States, Britain, and France have maintained a 
relatively united public position with regard to nuclear testing. This 
changed with the decision of the French to resume testing while Britain 
and the United States have placed a moratorium on their own nuclear 
testing. 

[[Page S 12360]]

  Mr. President, it is very important that the world understand that we 
were very serious about our commitment at the Non-Proliferation Treaty 
Review Conference in New York this spring in negotiation of a 
comprehensive test ban. We must not lose sight of that goal. A good 
step in that direction now would be an affirmation to the nations of 
the South Pacific that we stand with them in their desire that there be 
no further nuclear testing in their region.
  Mr. President, today Senator Thomas and I sent a letter to the 
President to urge that he take the positive and important step of 
seeking Senate advise and consent to ratification of three protocols to 
the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty. This treaty, known as the 
Treaty of Rarotonga, took effect in 1986. Parties include Australia, 
the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New 
Guinea, Western Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.
  Countries in the region are united in their opposition to the 
proposed French tests. The chairman of the South Pacific Forum, the 
Prime Minister of Australia, P.J. Keating, expressed the forum's 
``unequivocal opposition of France's decision'' to resume testing. In a 
separate statement, Keating went on to say that the tests were viewed 
as ``an assault upon the rights of small nations by a large one.''
  Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Julius Chan described France's 
decision as ``deplorable and unacceptable.'' He argued that the 
decision is ``not only counter-productive to the conduct of friendly 
relations between Metropolitan France and Island Governments, but must 
be condemned.'' Chan went on to say that ``France's total lack of 
sensitivity of the issue'' is a major problem for the entire region.
  Several countries in the region expressed concern that the French 
tests would set back nonproliferation efforts around the world. New 
Zealand Prime Minister Bolger cited the South Pacific's ``sense of 
outrage'' and argued that the tests run ``directly counter to the 
worldwide trend away from the development and use of nuclear weapons 
and puts at risk all that has been achieved in nuclear disarmament 
since the end of the cold war.'' Keating noted that ``France's very 
position as a responsible and leading power in the world means that 
each new test by France will give comfort to would-be proliferations, 
and each test will give pause to many of those countries whose support 
we will need to conclude the CTBT.''
  The sentiment of the region was perhaps best expressed by Keating, 
who said that the overwhelming majority of countries in the region felt 
that ``if France must test these weapons, let her test them in 
metropolitan France.''
  Mr. President, I hope very much that the administration will decide 
to show support for the desires and resolve of the inhabitants of the 
South Pacific with regard to nuclear testing. It will serve to 
reinforce our commitment at the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review 
Conference to achievement in 1996 of a complete ban on nuclear testing. 
Moreover, Presidential action would demonstrate that we are willing to 
stand with those nations desiring to take strong positions with regard 
to nuclear nonproliferation.


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