FOR RELEASE, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1961 AT 6:00 P.M., E.S.T.

ROBERT L. McMANUS, PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
ALBANY

STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR ROCKEFELLER

The issue of resumed nuclear testing by the United States continues to press for clear national decision. I find myself increasingly concerned by the possibility of a significant shift in power in favor of the Soviet Union unless we realistically face the facts.

As I have recently said in some detail, our essential power to defend ourselves -- and freedom itself -- has depended and will continue to depend critically on nuclear weapons. The shield for the whole free world is a nuclear power of America that can survive any attack, retaliate upon any aggressor and equip us to defend freedom under local attack anywhere in the world.

The strength of this shield has been called into question by the Soviet Union's recent series of nuclear tests -- producing still unknown and unmeasured advances in Soviet nuclear technology.

I know of no way by which we can remain confident of our nuclear power without further nuclear testing.

This testing needs to be undertaken for six vital objectives:

One -- To develop lighter warheads for more mobile retaliatory weapons, safer from attack.

Two -- To develop anti-missile missiles and to measure the better the vulnerability of our own retaliatory weapons to any Soviet defenses.

Three -- To improve our tactical weapons.

Four -- To develop new and more flexible weapons -- and to insure against any enemy enjoying a monopoly of any such discoveries.

Five -- To improve control devices guarding against error or miscalculation in handling of atomic weapons.

Six -- To develop a fool-proof system of detection -- which does not exist today.

This last point seems to me a crucial question, for the inadequacy of present-day detection devices seems to cast a shadow upon all schemes of test bans.

It has been assuring that the Administration has so firmly rejected any possibility of another uninspected moratorium on nuclear tests as prejudicing the national security.

I wish there were more assurance that serious attention is being given to the inadequacy of today's detection methods, which must be perfected to make any test ban consistent with national security.

I also feel grave concern over the fact that it is estimated that the installation of the proposed inspection system would, itself, require some three years.

In view of the Soviet record of duplicity in the past and its use of the period of the recent test ban negotiations to prepare new testing, is there any reason to assume that the Soviet Union would not do precisely the same thing again -- while we stand still for another three years?

(more)

(more)