SUCCESS OF GENEVA ATOM TALKS

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27736, 13 August 1955, Page 7

SUCCESS OF GENEVA ATOM TALKS

’Rec. 10 p.m.)

LONDON, August 12.

The Geneva conference on the peaceful uses of atomic nergy appears to have been a success in every possible sense of he -word, according to British correspondents attending the liscussions.

The correspondents emphasise Britain’s lead in atomic development, but issue a warning that it cannot be long before her effort is equalled by the United States and Rtissia. The scientific correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian/' who is in Geneva, says information concerned with the essential nuclear physics of atomic power—which till now had been a closely-guarded secret and which is essential for designing atomic power stations—was given freely and completely by delegates from Russia, the united States, and Britain. He says delegates from different countries are congratulating each other on the frankness and confidence with which these data were presented. Two points are of special importance and do much to explain the excitement of delegates at Geneva, the correspondent says. In the first place, the data which had now been released are con listent among themselves. The Russian results agree, where agreement is possible, with those from the two other countries. This means that the information which is coming out is honestly compiled and honestly prepoint is that this is only the beginning, "here is a great deal of information- not yet disclosed, but the frankness of the proceedings suggests that this, in its turn, will be forthcoming. , , . The correspondent says that a few weeks ago people were wondering what sort of c.Jamboree the conference was going to be. Would, it be a trade lair, pure and simple, with firms trying to fob off potential customers with ntomfc reactors that could not be used for lack of information? Would it be a circus of a social occasion and scientific gos in? Would it be another source of'disappointment to, the world? “It turned out to be, instead, an occasion which in itself will do a great deal to chase away all the suspicion which has surrounded atomic bombs ever since they were invented and thus do much to make uu for what went on at Hiroshima,” t correspondent adds. The “Daily Telegraph” says Britain’s lead in atomic affairs is already

under a severe challenge from the United States. Although late in the field, the Americans are certainly now making herculean efforts to catch up and overtake us. the paper says. But if British science, political leadership, and now business acumen make the most of their present advantages—and from the Geneva showing it looks as if they are—Britain can reap a rich reward from its successful atomic pioneering. “Opening ot New Era** Geneva, in fact, marks the opening of a new era when the construction and export of atomic equipment will have become not a- patriotic duty, but a highly attractive business proposition, it says. The “Daily Mail” says that although Britain is several lengths ahead in the raqe for peaceful 'atomic power, “we have the uneasy feeling that it is the ■ Americans who are still regarded as ■ being atomically foremost.” It adds: “However, three famous ' British firms joined in one group are ■ advertising complete atomic power stations under a single contract. No ! nther country can do that.”