The Nation : Most Back Atom Test Ban

Despite President Reagan’s contention that U.S. underground nuclear testing is vital to the nation’s security, a majority of Americans favor a ban on further U.S. tests if the Soviet Union continues its test moratorium, which began last August, the Gallup Poll said. In the latest survey, conducted from April 11 to 14, 56% said the U.S. should go along with the Soviet moratorium on nuclear testing, while 35% disagree and 9% are undecided. The poll showed that the 47% who think the possible loss of U.S. nuclear strength constitutes a greater war risk are more reluctant to endorse the test moratorium than are the 39% who said that the arms race poses the greatest risk.