F.O.L. Considering Boycott On French

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31097, 28 June 1966, Page 18

F.O.L. Considering Boycott On French

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 27. ' The Federation of Labour was considering placing a boycott on French goods, even though the French bomb tests were only days away, the president of the federation (Mr T. E. Skinner) said tonight.

Mr Skinner said the federation was ascertaining if any French ships were to visit New Zealand shortly, and was examining trade statistics to determine the possible effect of any boycott. “Our problem is that we have so little trade with France,” said Mr Skinner. “Boycotts will be made only if they are likely to have a suitable effect.” The federation would definitely ban the handling of any equipment or supplies destined for the Mururoa atoll. At least three Government agencies will be looking for possible effects of the nuclear tests, although they are likely to be fairly small at this range. The regional superintendent of civil aviation, Mr A. Holdsworth, said his office would almost certainly receive advice of the French testing by teleprinter from Nandi. “The French have an obligation to notify the air traffic control at Nandi before

the tests begin,” he said. "Nandi will pass the information on to us, but I do not know how long this will take.” Air traffic control at the Auckland International Airport had received no advice by tonight The seismological observatory in Wellington would probably record the tests if they were held close to the ground or in the ground, the superintendent (Dr. R. D. Adams) said tonight. The weather office would not be keeping' a specific watch for the tests, but the barograph might show “a slight kick” as a result of them, said the officer in charge of meteorological services in Auckland, Mr L. Larsen.