The World : S. Pacific Bans A-Weapons

The 13-nation South Pacific Forum unanimously adopted a treaty for a nuclear-free zone that bans the testing or use of nuclear weapons and the dumping of nuclear waste across a vast area of the South Pacific. New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange, speaking for the forum, said the five nations known to have nuclear weapons, although not forum members, will be asked to sign protocols observing the treaty’s terms. He said he especially hopes that France, which has tested weapons in French Polynesia, will sign.