On Feb. 5, the United States plans to conduct its first nuclear test of this year. Since August 1985, the United States has conducted at least 22 tests; the Soviet Union probably has conducted none. According to Mikhail Gorbachev, the February U.S. test probably will bring the end of the 18-month testing moratorium observed unilaterally by the Soviet Union.

Last October, the United States came very close to joining this ban on testing. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to cut off funding for nuclear weapons testing. A battle between the Senate and House over this action was imminent. Then President Reagan announced the Iceland meeting. The House decided not to “tie his hands,” and the funding cutoff was dropped. We all know the results of the subsequent meeting in Iceland.

Every U.S. President in the Nuclear Age, except Reagan, has supported and worked toward a comprehensive test ban. According to public opinion polls, the majority of Americans want a test ban. Experts agree that a test ban is fully verifiable.Still, with the February test, we are giving up the best opportunity yet to bring about an end to nuclear testing.

Can anything be done to stop the February test? Possibly. Call Congressman Hastert at (202) 225-2976, Senator Dixon at (202) 224-2854 and Senator Simon at (202) 224-2152. Tell them that you want an end to nuclear weapons testing now. Call them immediately. Time is running out.

Elizabeth Johnson

esearch Assistant

Center for Governmental Studies.