BRITAIN LED THE WAY

Evening Star, Issue 26042, 5 March 1947, Page 7

BRITAIN LED THE WAY

ATOMIC BOMB RESEARCH

AMERICA'S INTENSE EFFORT

(Rec. 10 a.m.) LONDON, March 4. It was Britain’s conviction that the atomic bomb was practical, that led to America’s intensified effort to produce it, said the head of Britain’s atoniic research development station, Professor J. D. Coekroft, in a broadcast with Australia’s Professor M. L. Oliphant. Professor Coekroft added that seven or eight months after the outbreak of war, British scientists

turned their attention to the possibili- t ties of an atomic bomb. Early contact between British and American scientists led to a great intensification of effort in the United States. Professor Oliphant said America’s General Groves, who directed the project had supreme contempt for the “ long-haired doctors’ philosophy!” He was in turn admired for his energy and hated for his high-handed methods. Professor Oliphant described the rigid conditions of secrecy ufider which research proceeded, a secrecy which the scientists found hateful.

.Finally successful, the bomb’s first military use came as a surprise to all nations. *• Every man of science fears that these same restrictions will surround bis work for evermore,” he said.