“Promise Of Atomic Age Not Fulfilled”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30062, 21 February 1963, Page 15

“Promise Of Atomic Age Not Fulfilled”

(N.Z Press Association—Copyright)

PRINCETON (New Jersey), February 20 The promises of the early atomic age have not been fulfilled, a United States scientist said last night

The United States was spending too much time and money on research into the peaceful uses of atomic energy when existing methods of production and power could produce the same result more cheaply Dr David Lilienthal said in a lecture »t Princeton University last night, the “New York Times" news service reported today Dr Lilienthal was the first chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission. In the immediate post-war period scientists had forecast that the power that spread destruction over Hiroshima and Nagasaki could be harhessed to provide eheap power for industry, beating, lighting, transport and scores of. other uses. Some science writers had predicted that small atomic power packs would light, beat and power private

homes cheaply, efficiently and for great periods of time The atom was going to revolutionise industry and technology. But, said Dr. Lilienthal, that had not happened. The Atomic Energy Commission should face the facts of 1963 that "the peaceful atom occupies a subordinate role in the development of the United States, and will continue thus for years to come."

Dr. Lilienthal did not include military spending in his criticism. That was a special category, he said. But he said the United' States should stop trying to "force feed*’ atomic energy and deal with it realistically “When there is no present or prospective economic need for a product or service does it make sense for the Government of the United States to continue to spend as much as it does on civilian atomic energy?" he asked

If an economic need tor atomic energy did arise in the future it could be handled by private utility and manufacturing companies, he said.