The World - News from July 8, 1986

European space officials said they are investigating whether sabotage was responsible for the failed launch of an Ariane 2 rocket May 30, although there is no direct evidence to support the theory. “I can confirm today that . . . there is not much to attach to the theory of sabotage,” Frederic d’Allest, chairman of Arianespace, the French-led Ariane consortium, said at a Paris news conference. But he added: “You can never rule out anything 100%.” Officials said a flaw in the rocket’s third stage was the most likely reason for the failure shortly after liftoff from Kourou, French Guiana.