Hiroshima's non-nuclear voice demand U.S. forgo underground N-tests

Hiroshima A-bomb survivors and anti-nuclear activists were quick to voice their reaction to the report that a senior U.S. military official has recommended the United States consider resuming nuclear weapons tests, which were suspended in 1992.

The Hiroshima Council against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo) and the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A and H Bombs Sufferers Organizations (Hidankyo) on November 20 sent a letter to U.S. President George W. Bush, calling on him to forgo the resumption of such tests.

The recommendation was made by U.S. Defense Undersecretary Edward Aldridge in a memorandum to the Nuclear Weapons Council, saying that it would be desirable to assess the potential benefits that could be obtained from a return to nuclear testing with regard to weapon safety, security and reliability."

In the letter to President Bush, sent via the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Hidankyo and Gensuikyo pointed out that resumption of underground nuclear tests is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The letter states that nuclear test explosions have not taken place since 1992 as a result of the pressure exerted by international movements calling for nuclear weapons to be abolished. (end)