LETTER : Chirac's big risk

From Dr Christopher Williams

Sir: Further French testing raises a crucial question. How in the future can we prevent a single national leader posing a threat to global security against global democratic will?

Chirac's actions stem from political self-interest, not concern for global safety. President Mitterrand had suspended tests, so they are not imperative. As other nations do not now need primitive "does it go bang" testing, the main effect on French science is to advertise its inadequacies.

People are not ignorant of the need to take risks to improve security, but risk must be shared. The post-Chirac era must be marked by an end to risk-taking that enhances the security of some at the expense of the security of others.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher Williams

Environmental Victims Project

Global Security Programme

University of Cambridge

Cambridge

2 October