FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001200020004-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: February 17, 1960
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved For Release 199
NSC BRIEFING
79R00890A001200020004-8
17 February 1960
Ia France can be expected to continue nuclear weapons fabrication
and testing.
A.
25X1 136d
1. French have allowed impression to circulate that shot
was about 20 kilotons by saying test was about same
size as first US bomb.
B. One or two additional atmospheric tests will probably be
conducted before Khrushchev's arrival in Paris 15 March.
C. Practicality of underground testing as follow up to present
test series under investigation.
1. At present France lacks underground test measuring
instruments,
2. However, pressure of unfavorable international reaction
to atmospheric tests may accelerate decision to change
over to underground testing.
D. Plutonium on hand to complete initial test series.
1. Present plutonium production facilities able to add
about
25X2A2
E. Expansion of gaseous diffusion plant now under construction
could provide highly enriched U-235 for production of advanced
nuclear and thermonuclear weapons by 19650
Approved For Release 1999/
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IT. International reaction ranges from violent opposition of
Africans and many Asians to cool "no comment" from some western
allies.
A. Western reactions slight with only Chancellor Adenauer noting
improved western defense posture.
B. Moscow's reaction suggests it will not revoke 29 August
pledge not to resume tests unless "western powers" do so.
C. In Africa, Ghana in vanguard of those pushing for extreme
retaliatory measures.
1. Prime Minister Nkrumah announced that, as first step,
he was freezing assets of French companies in Ghana
pending determination of effects of test program on popu
lation. ((.t c.:. I . t ~i /,( , F-t e.