France Breached the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Humanité : France is preparing for another test of the M51 missile, either today or tomorrow (translators note : original article from 20th March 08) In what way does this signify a major political shift ?

Pierre Villard : The M51 missile is a new weapon of attack developed to arm 4 ballistic nuclear missile submarines. The missile range has been increased to 10,000kms. The submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) will carry nuclear warheads capable of reaching China. This is far from being a defence strategy. It is clearly a strategy of attack shattering all arguments of deterrence. The seriousness of the situation is twofold ; firstly – in the evolution of military strategies to include nuclear weapons in their weapon tactics and, secondly in the violation of international law. From this optic this third missile test sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. In breaching the non-proliferation treaty by upgrading its nuclear weapons France loses all credibility – it is allowing itself to do what others are not permitted to do. The biggest threat today comes from governments that possess nuclear weapons not respecting their commitments. In this case, France gives two examples : Nicolas Sarkozy launching the last ballistic submarine the Terrible on Friday, and this third missile test of the M51 planned for the end of the week.

Humanité : A cyber-protest has been suggested against this missile test, how will it work ?

Pierre Villard : Up until now protests have always taken place after a missile test. This time, we wanted to act in advance. Our objective is that the M51 program be cancelled. Don’t forget the total lack of public debate around this subject. While governments not possessing nuclear weapons are subject to regular inspections by the IAEA [1], the handful of nuclear powers are subject to no control at all. It is their citizens who must investigate in the name of international law. In the next few days, new inspectors will arrive at Biscarosse, supported by the ’Non au missile M51’ (No to the M51 missile) collective. The proposed cyber-action will complement these citizens’ inspections which delayed the missile launch in June 2007. It’s easy and simple. It gives everybody the possibility become part of a huge chain for peace. It is simply a case of writing to the President of France, to the Prime Minister (and to the Mouvement de la Paix for us to be able to follow the action). Everybody knows somebody with a computer, or it’s possible to go to a place that has public access.