+++ PRESS RELEASE +++

FROM: U.K. HIGH COMMISSIONER IN AUSTRALIA

Extensive atomic tests will be held at Maralinga, in South Australia, later this year.

Tests will be largest ever held by United Kingdom and are expected to lead to major advance in development of British tactical atomic weapons.

Official sources said tonight that plans for tests were begun as soon as last year's tests were completed.

Tests are vital to Britain, which is planning to reduce its defence manpower by use of tactical atomic weapons.

Increased fire-power of atomic weapons will offset cut in size of defence forces.

Australia will receive these weapons from United Kingdom as part of its defence equipment.

Tests are expected to be held in spring, when weather conditions are most suitable.

Main objective is believed to be development of atomic missiles.

Whilst arrangements for Maraling tests are in progress, work has been stepped up on Woomera rocket range in development of ballistic missiles.

These missiles which will have supersonic speed, a range of about 1,500 miles, and almost pinpoint accuracy, are expected eventually to replace bomber aircraft.

Equipped with atomic war-heads, they will have a devastating effect.

PRESS RELEASE ENDS

This press release was sent on 21st March 1957.

Conclusion

Could you imagine the outcry if this press release was to be sent out today? Yet in 1957, it was acceptable. In 1957, the testing of nuclear weapons, the exposure of the men involved, and the race to become a Nuclear Power was acceptable by many governments. Today it is not.

We must never forget the past, and we must remember that the testing program took place. We must also recognise that what the governments across the world did was wrong, the testing of these weapons, the experiments have affected us all, every one of us. The UK Government is still the only Nuclear superpower to not formally recognise their Nuclear Veterans in any way. No medal, no compensation.

In 2021, the US, UK and Australia announced a new trilateral security partnership known as AUKUS. This partnership will enable Australia to have nuclear-powered submarines for the first time.

Were the representatives of the UK Government not embarrassed at the AUKUS partnership talks? I doubt if the representatives even knew about the testing program or the devastation that it has caused the planet and millions of lives.

The UK Government should acknowledge that the testing of Nuclear Weapons in Australia and in the Pacific was wrong, that men were exposed and they need to morally do the right thing and recognise these servicemen.

All representatives need to visit our new LABRATS Academy which provides educational material about all the Nuclear tests carried out across the world. Dom, Kitty, Runit, and Jessie are on their own mission, to educate the world. So that no one forgets.

Visit the Academy and find out for yourself

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