Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 12. June 8 1981
The Colonial Role
The Colonial Role
To safeguard its own defence France is prepared to exploit its Pacific colonies, which are important both as sources of income (tourism and agriculture) and militarily (atomic bomb testing). The French Government has shown a total disregard for the people on nearby islands - where there have been cases of radiation sickness as well as deaths.
The new 'Socialist' Government seems set to continue the policy of treating colonies as mere play things, and ignoring their struggles for independence. Their continued testing in the Pacific shows French intransigence in the face of condemnation by the International Court and countries in the affected area.
The SRC motion condemning continued French testing was a timely move to re-emphasise our support for the independence struggles of third world countries, as well as support for a nuclear weapon free Pacific.
Paulette Keating