FRENCH NUCLEAR TEST PLANS

Created: 2/25/1960

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CURRENT INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY SUMMARY0

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FRENCH NUCLEAR TEST PLANS

initial series of French nuclear teats is expected to involve three additionalof lighter, saaller devices than the one exploded onebruary. The next ehot la planned before Mayllhlp a

planned for the fallnd one may be an underground test, although no site has been selected.

Testing of the lighter and smaller devicestep toward the developmentuclear weapon, which is not expected forear. The extreme summer heat of the Sahara will slow testand probably explains the relatively long delay forecast between the second and third shots.

Paris may have beento switch more rapidly

to underground testing by the widespread internationalof its first test, particularly in view of De Gaulla'a reported sensitivity to world opinion on the Underground testing requires considerablehowever, and Prance can be expected to step up itsto secure US assistance, especially Information on the use of measuring equipment.

There are indications that because of its recently acquired nuclear production and weapona capability, Prance will push the disarmament plan which It proposed before thelitlcal Committee last fall Id lieunifiedposition. The French plan focuses on elimination ofweapons delivery systemsPrance does notutoff ofof fissionable materials,

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