FRENCH NUCLEAR TEST

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001300030032-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 5, 2002
• Sequence Number: 32
• Publication Date: December 29, 1960
• Content Type: BRIEF

CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Release 2002/08/06 : CIA-RDP79R0089OA001300030032-5
Sahara.
A. Public announcement of test said plutonium weapon of
"small" yield fired from 50-meter tower.
The French announced their third nuclear test was held 0730 local
27 December at regular Reggane test center in South-Central
, t--~
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25X1 D
Test designed as part of program to make smaller, simpler
weapons and study effect of nuclear weapons on military 25X1D
materiel and animals in blast zone.
1. A French Foreign Ministry spokesman says another test
can be expected in a "relatively short time--perhaps a
few weeks."
Ii. USSR and Arab states have reacted more sharply than to first
two tests.
Approved For Release 2002/08/06 : CIA-RDP79R0089OA001300030032-5
CONFIDENTIAL
25X1
 CONFIDENTIAL
Approved For Release 2002/08/06 : CIA-RDP79R00890A001300030032-5
A. Radio Cairo couples French test with reports France aiding
Israel in nuclear weapon production, and Arab League
spokesman threatens possible severance political and
economic relations with France.
III. Most African states strongly adverse.
A. Moroccan-sponsored African summit meeting on 3 January
likely to provide forum for bitter denunciations of France.
B. Nkrumah has summoned "emergency" cabinet meeting for 30
December to consider new action against France.
Approved For Release 2002/08/06 : CIA-RDP79R00890A001300030032-5
CONFIDENTIAL