Readiness Only Deterrent To Atomic Warfare

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28700, 25 September 1958, Page 7

Readiness Only Deterrent To Atomic Warfare

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 24. If an all-out nuclear war were to occur, the one certain loser in terms of devastation. would be the United Kingdom, said Group Captain R. G. Dutton, air adviser to the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand, in Wellington tonight. Group Captain Dutton was speaking at the Battle of Britain commemoration by the Royal 1 Society of St. George. “Under present conditions, it is quite impossible to prevent a determined and well-equipped agressor from devastating an area like Britain—however skilled and gallant the defence. Fighter Command will no longer be able to repeat the performance of 1940,” he said.

Since the war, the development of nuclear weapons had revolutionised defence policy. Atomic bombs had been stockpiled for years, first by the 1 Americans and since by Britain and Russia. The same thing was happening with the thermo-nuclear weapons— H-bombs.

The revolutionary developments in weapons had been matched by great improvements in delivery with America. Britain and Russia all developing air forces capable of delivering these weapons with accuracy from great heights and at long ranges and great speeds. “Unfortunately, defence has not been keeping pace with offensive developments,” he said. Radar’s Limitations

Little development had been possible basically because a radar oeam which gave warning of attack followed the line of sight and could not look round the earth’s curvature.

“Today, perhaps six H-bombs in the right places would put

paid to us,” he said. “Against the ballistic missile, there is no defence at present.” Group Captain Dutton continued that on the ground, Britain was also opposed with potentially hostile armies and naval forces in a preponderance she could never match The strategy which the Western countries had developed from a combination of technical, economic and political factors was that of the nuclear deterrent.

“The essential point is that the Western powers must all the time have the power of instant and overwhelming retaliation if attacked. More than this, however, we must demonstrate and convince others we have this power and the ability and are resolved to retaliate instantly. “There is no room for bluff, and anything less than the certain prospect of instant retaliation reduces the value of the deterrent.”

It was clear that the policy must be to prevent war. It was the duty of the armed fprces never to forget that they were efficient and ready to fight. They could be instrumental- in deterring war and leaving governments free to counter the political and economic threats of the cold war. “If we are not efficient or ready, and particularly the air forces, the result will certainly be disaster. The responsibility is not a light one, nor is there any likelihood as yet that it will become any less heavy.”