Wednesday, October 18, 1995


   WELLINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuter) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger
expressed delight on Thursday at the surprise news that France, Britain
and the United States planned to join the South Pacific nuclear-free
zone.
   The move, expected to be announced by the three governments by
Monday, is an apparent response to the worldwide denunciation over
French nuclear testing and an effort to help France rebuild its ties in
the South Pacific.
   "The prime minister is delighted.  This is very good news indeed," a
spokesman for Bolger told Reuters, adding that it was a complete
surprise to Wellington.
   However, he said New Zealand's more immediate goal remained the
cessation of French nuclear testing in the South Pacific.
   "But this is very encouraging news as far as the long-term goals of
New Zealand are concerned," the spokesman said.
   France ended a 1992 moratorium on testing last month with a blast at
Mururoa.  It staged a second explosion on October 2 at the Fangataufa
atoll and plans up to six more by May next year before ending testing
forever.
   French President Jacques Chirac says they are vital to check the
safety and efficiency of France's arsenal.
   Bolger's spokesman said the other major milestone yet to be signed
was the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty which is due to be signed by major
nuclear powers next year after France completes its current nuclear test
programme.
   A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said on Wednesday
France, Britain and the United States planned to sign three protocols to
the 1985 South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) treaty, also known as
the Treaty of Rarotonga, which commits them not to station nuclear
weapons in the region and not use or threaten to use nuclear explosive
devices.
   Paris is also expected to close its South Pacific test facilities
once it completes it current round of blasts, diplomats said.  Russia
and China, the other two acknowledged nuclear powers, are already
signatories.
   The news may also take some of the heat out of next month's British
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Auckland where
Britain's failure to condemn France's nuclear-test programme is expected
to be high on the agenda.
   "In terms of New Zealand's host role it is also very encouraging,"
the spokesman said.