BIKINI

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24932, 20 July 1946, Page 5

BIKINI

Sir,—Atomic bombs on Bikini are not released so that science may benefit. Ranges for rockets and atom bombs are not provided in central Australia to serve the needs of humanity or to evolve a new source of industrial power. These experiments are not concerned with defence. They are trials of the most disastrous weapons of offence the mischievous brain of man has yet evolved. Their use is for purposes of annihilation: their mere possession constitutes a threat to peace. And yet we continue to allow ourselves to be entertained bv the thought of that 30,000-foot cloud and the number of goats killed by the explosion. I may be unobservant, but not one word of protest, grief, or rage have I heard or read in this country. If politicians think it no business of theirs, will not the churches, at least, record their loathing for these things.—Yours, etc., R. R. BEAUCHAMP. July 19, 1946.

Sir,—Scotland has sculptured mice in her war memorial, so hats off to the San Fernando Valley Goat Association for its symbolic “drum taps.” Savagery and witchcraft slay and torture enemies in effigy. We have to tolerate the betrayal of useful animals, or do we? And are they substitute for enemies or for children, women, and men in every open city of the world? Christ protested even unto violence against sale and -slaughter in the Temple. Is it not sad that every Christian voice is not raised to prevent such symbolic slaughter and its realisable sequence? Enough of this horrid voodoo business, surely, in the name of St. Francis.—Yours, etc., ONE OF HIS HUMBLE FRIENDS. July 19, 1946.