Concern About Defence Of Main Cities

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25391, 14 January 1948, Page 7

Concern About Defence Of Main Cities

(From C. R. MENTIPLAY, Special Correspondent of the N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 10 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 13. The possibility that the development of atomic bombs and directed missiles may entail a complete replanning of the main Australian cities and of growing industrial areas is said to be the most important matter for examination by the newly-formed Cabinet committee on defence. Already in its formative stages is a vast and costly plan to protect industry and centres of population from weapons of incredible power. Defence experts believe that even Canberra, with iis modern design and spacious lay-out. could be demolished by one rocket bomb with an atomic warhead. Prominent in the committee’s first deliberations is a confidential analysis of the effects of atomic bombs, rocket projectiles, and guided missiles recently sent to the Australian Government by the British Ministry of Works. Experience has shown that the only type of passive defence against the latest aerial weapons is dispersal on a scale difficult to imagine. The committee witl consider the dispersal of all public utilities and key industries, coupled with the use of natural contours to in protection from rays and blast effect. Townplanners who have studied the effects of modern warfare suggest that public buildings in main cities may be separated by hills to act as shields against atomic radiation, and that the future

development of capitals and industrial centres may be governed by a longrange policy aimed at the creation of satellite towns built about scattered industries.

For some years the authorities have been perturbed because Australia—a country of great spaces with a total population of 7.500,000 —has two cities each of well over 1,000,000 people, and because half the total population of the Commonwealth is concentrated In five main cities. Study of the effects of modern weapons has brought the conclusion that a change is imperative. 'The Cabinet committee will seek the advice and services of the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs of staff, officers of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, physicists from the Australian universities, experts on local government and town planning, architects, and heads of industries. A conference of all the State building authorities will be held as soon as possible to, discuss building methods that would provide the greatest safeguard against atomic attack. Later the chiefs of staff will discuss the same subject and a specialist committee will advise the Government on civil defence.

Though it is believed that the Cabinet’s action results from an exchange of notes with the British Government on the importance of Australia's position and resources for Empire defence. Federal Ministers deny that there has been any hint from Britain that the international situation is deteriorating.