Do Unto Others

Sir,—There is a subtler approach to French nuclear testing in the Pacific than paying a visit to the local French embassy. General de Gaulle is a staunch Roman Catholic and Roman Catholics claim to be Christians. Christians are expected to obey the fundamental edict: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." General de Gaulle, in carrying out his nuclear tests in the Pacific, is obviously going against this great Christian law. We know he would be the first to complain if West Germany or Britain decided to explode a nuclear device in his back-yard.

The Church of Rome has shown in the past that it will excommunicate people who disobey fundamental laws. In this particular case the Holy See must act if it accepts the principles of human behaviour laid down by Christ, and if it considers General de Gaulle's proposed action un-Christian.

Naturally, the Church of Rome will steer clear of this question— as long as the matter is kept in the political arena. But there is no law that says it must remain a political question; indeed, here we have a test of faith and power without precedent in the history of the world. I am, etc.,