BRITAIN AVERSE TO A-BOMBING AT THIS STAGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23425, 2 December 1950, Page 8

BRITAIN AVERSE TO A-BOMBING AT THIS STAGE

LONDON, Dec. I.—The British national newspapers today splashed the news of Mr. Attlee’s proposed visit on their front pages and welcomed the decision editorially. ' The Times said: “His own proposed journey conforms with the earnest wish of all members of Parliament for the most intimate consultation in this crisis."

The Times, supporting Mr. Attlee’s statement on the use of the atom bomb, said “Here is one plain proof of the need for the fullest frankest and earliest discussion among the Western leaders.”

The Daily Mail claimed that the prime purpose of the visit was: ‘Now that British forces are fighting the Chinese in Korea we must have an authoritative finger in the pie." It added: “Atomic bombing now would make World War Three inevitable.”

The Daily Herald’s correspondent in Washington said that Mr. Attlee will discuss five points with President Truman:

1. The grave turn in the Korean war.

2. In what circumstances the atom bomb would be used.

3. The threat to Europe’s defences if more troops were sent to the East 4. America’s mobilisation plans. 5. Britain’s preparedness. The Daily Telegraph, in a leader, said that British public opinion was “overwhelmingly averse to the use of the atom bomb at this juncture.'’ reflected the general press comment. The Daily Mail said there was no need for the atom bomb on military grounds as General MacArthur had enough air power to “blast the war bases on Manchuria into dust ”