INTERNATIONAL APPEAL S A I L F O R P E A C E

In order to demonstrate the strength of global opposition to the decision by President Chirac of France to resume nuclear testing in the South Pacific, Greenpeace is calling on people around the world who are committed to non-violent direct action and who have the means, to join us, in a Peace Flotilla to Moruroa Atoll Test Site in French Polynesia.

By resuming tests when the rest of the international community is trying to agree a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, France is contributing to nuclear proliferation, undermining progress toward nuclear disarmament, and threatening the Pacific environment and people with radioactive contamination.

President Chirac has said his desision to test is "irrevocable". Greenepace believes that only the force of international public opinion can change his mind.

If you wish to join us, the nuclear test are due to start in early September, so you should plan to arrive at the 12-mile military exclusion zone off Moruroa and Fangataufa Atolls on 1 September 1995.

This is not a voyage to be taken lightly. Your ship needs to be fully equipped for ocean sailing, and your skipper and crew need to be experienced blue-water sailors. You need to be prepared to stay on the site for a month to six weeks -- or as long as it takes to disrupt the testing.

We do not expect you to cross the 12 mile exclusion zone, which could result in the seizure of your vessel and your deportation. What we ask is for you to be at the test site to help represent the views of millions of people around the world who want an end to the nuclear threat, and to join us in bearing witness against the tyranny of nuclear testing.

Greenpeace can: - act as a contact point for passing on information on charter possibilities, prospective crew members, etc; - keep you updated with information such as rendezvous points with other boats, campaign information; - provide some coordination of activities once boats assemble at Moruroa.

In order to avoid misunderstandings, we must explain that Greenpeace is not able to: - provide funds, equipment or supplies either in preparation or once you arrive at Moruroa (although in some countries we might be able to connect you with possible funding sources); - take responsibility in any way for anything that might happen to you during the voyage or the time you are at Moruroa.

Contact Greenpeace at:
JANET DALZIELL, COORDINATOR OF PEACE SAIL,
GREENPEACE NEW ZEALAND, +64 9 3776 128, FAX +64 9 303 2676, You can E mail her here