SOVIET REFUSES FULL INSPECTION OF ITS ATOMIC RESOURCES

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1947, Page 5

SOVIET REFUSES FULL INSPECTION OF ITS ATOMIC RESOURCES

(Rec. 6.30) NEW YORK, May 19. Russia still refuses to submit to an unlimited inspection of her atomic resources, or to having international control of her peaceful production of atomic energy.

M. Gromyko has made this restatement of the Soviet policy, in spite of the fact that M. Stalin, in April, expressed confidence that a compromise on atomic control would be reached.

M. Gromyko made his statement when speaking at the AmericanRussian Institute. He also emphasised these points: (1) Russia cannot relinquish her right of veto over the decisions of the International Control Authority for atomic energy. (2) Any thought that the United States can hold its monopoly on atomic bombs is an illusion. (3) The first step towards international control must be an outlawing of the atom bomb and of other mass destruction weapons. <4) The hesitation of the other Powers to carry out measures for atomic disarmament causes doubts as to their real intentions.

M. Gromyko said that the Soviet continues to stand for international control of atomic energy, but the Soviet contends that the effective inspection of atomic resources does not require the provision of unlimited powers for the inspectorate, because these powers cannot be reconciled with the sovereignty and independence of States. BRITISH ATOMIC PLAN LONDON, May 19. The Supply Ministry stated that no decision has been reached on the proposed £7,000,000 atomic power station at Drigg, in West Cumberland. A plan is under technical examination.