>NUCLEAR EXPLOSION IN THE SAHARA (Hansard, 23 July 1959)

HL Deb 23 July 1959 vol 218 cc447-9 447

§ LORD OGMORE
My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

§ [The Question was as follows:

§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made representations to the Government of France, as requested by the Nigerian authorities, against the intended nuclear explosion in the Sahara Desert.]

§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE)
My Lords, following the request of the Nigerian Prime Minister, we transmitted to the French Government the views expressed in the Nigerian House of Representatives. Although the French Government has made no comment on the views expressed in the Nigerian debate, on June 22 the French Minister of War, M. Guillaumat, stated publicly that due notice of their tests will be given to all countries bordering on the Sahara. Moreover, on May 4 in a written answer in the French National Assembly, the French Prime Minister, M. Debré said that all necessary precautions would be taken to ensure that there would be no damage to health.

§ LORD OGMORE
My Lords, I am grateful to the Government for transmitting the request of the Nigerian Federal Government; but in view of the widespread alarm and feeling that there is in Nigeria on this question, will not the Government continue to press the French Government to abandon the tests?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, I think I should remind your Lordships of the statement which was made in another place by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister. think it would be as well if I quote his words [OFFICIAL REPORT, Commons, Vol. 608 (No. 143), col. 1563]: I think that our purpose should be first to get agreement for the stopping of tests between the three great countries which have been carrying on tests in the hydrogen field. After that, I think that our purpose should be to try to get other countries to accede, but I do not consider that at this time an approach on the lines suggested"— 448 that is, as has been suggested by the noble Lord, Lord Ogmore— would lead to a suspension of the proposed French test in the atomic field.

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
My Lords, is it a fact that this is the first time that the nuclear weapon has appeared in Africa?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, so far as I am aware, yes.

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
My Lords, do not the noble Marquess and the Government think it is a very serious thing, when you have Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria all protesting against this test, that we are not able to do something to save Africa from this curse?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, I think that all your Lordships on every side of the House are aware that anything to do with atomic tests is a very serious thing.

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
But that really is no answer. Does the Sandys doctrine apply to Africa? Supposing we are in difficulty with our conventional arms, are we then, according to the Sandys doctrine, to take the initiative in using the nuclear weapon?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, I really must tell the noble Viscount that that does not refer to the Question.

§ LORD WILMOT OF SELMESTON
My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether, even at this late date, it is not possible for the Government, in view of their very heavy responsibility in Africa, to consider again the serious effect that this will have, and whether they will not make renewed representations to try to prevent this from happening?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
I have already given the answer of my right honourable friend the Prime Minister, and that is as far as I can go.

§ EARL ATTLEE
My Lords, is it suggested that the setting off of one of these things by a Power other than the three great ones is more, or less, dangerous? It seems to imply it is all right if it is done by a small Power as compared with a large Power.

449

§ LORD BOOTHBY
My Lords, I think it is quite useless to protest to the French Government, but may I ask the noble Marquess whether he has any idea when this test is likely to take place? I have a feeling that the sooner we get it over the better.

§ VISCOUNT STANSGATE
Does the noble Marquess know that these tests are proposed at Hammada, 700 miles from the borders of Nigeria and Ghana? I do not agree with the noble Lord, Lord Boothby, but does he mean to say that when we reach agreement in Geneva there is the least chance of persuading General, de Gaulle not to arm French Africa with nuclear weapons?

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
I do not think the noble Viscount can expect me to add anything further to the answer I have given by the Prime Minister.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGH
My Lords, are the Government asking the French Government exactly what precautions are being taken so that they can give this assurance of no injury to health? Have the Government taken the precaution of finding out what the French are doing to protect health? We all have a feeling that being in close proximity to these tests is bound to be injurious.

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
My Lords, I am always at the service of your Lordships' House, but I am not in a position to give detailed facts. If I am able to obtain them I will see that the noble Viscount receives them.