TNAG-0836-FCO40-1044-Comprehensive-Test-Ban-Treaty-national-seismic-stations-on-U-1979 — Page 66

2.2

CONFIDENTIAL

Moderate background seismic noise:

could monitor Malaya,

Borneo and part of the Philippines. Not a possible site for

clandestine nuclear testing.

TARAWA

3.1 When the Gilbert Islands become independent in July 1979

Tarawa will be their capital. The highest point on Tarawa is

about 5. feet above sea level and NSS would be vulnerable to flooding

and seepage.

3.2

The long-range verification capability is poor because of

Suitable for detecting

water-borne signals generated by explosions at the French test site on Muroroa (Soviet NTM could provide equally useful coverage by a ship

trailing hydrophones in the vicinity of Muroroa). Not a possible

site for clandestine testing.

high background seismic noise from the sea.

MALDEN

4.1

Like Tarawa is part of the Gilbert Islands and will become

independent in July 1979. From 1956 to 1964 it was used as a base

for the UK's atmospheric nuclear tests at Christmas Island in the

Northern Line Group.

4.2

Long-range verification poor but could monitor seismic.

waves from Christmas Island. Could detect water-borne signals

from Muroroa. Not a possible site for clandestine testing.

B SITES OPEN TO OBJECTIONS

HONG KONG

5.1

British lease expires in 1997. The Chinese would interpret

NSS as directed at them. Moreover present policy is to exclude

Soviet nationals as far as possible out of deference to Chinese

fears.

CONFIDENTIAL

/5.2