Controlled Version Of Atom Bomb

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1947, Page 5

Controlled Version Of Atom Bomb

(Rec. 2.0 p.m.) LOS ALAMOS (N. Mexico), Aug. 29.

Scientists have developed a “controlled vei’sion of the atom bomb” to hasten the day when nuclear fission can be harnessed to light cities and drive industry’s wheels. The American Atomic Energy Corn- 1 mission stated that a new plutonium pile would be a valuable guide-post' for designing atomic power plants for peaceful use. The pile is in two respects: (1) It is made of plutonium, whereas: all previous atomic power piles have been composed of uranium. . (2) The new pile is a fast reactor,, which contains none of the moderBtors of graphite or heavy water placed in uranium piles to slow down reaction.

The pile has been operated successfully since November, 1946, but its existence was kept secret until today.'. BRITISH MACHINE Continuous atomic energy was re* leased for the first time in Britain on August 15, when a chain reaction of splitting ui'anium atoms was established in the Didcot laboratories. This was announced/today by Professor J. D. Cockroft, chief of the Didcot atom plant, at the conference of the Bi’itish Association. , ■ .“ V He said it took a year to build the first atom machine, which is a great « block of graphite surrounded by thick * conci-ete shields.. ■ ' . The machine produces enough energy to supply a block of flats with light and power. RUSSIA REJECTS As expected, Russia has rejected, detailed proposals for the establishment of a World Atomic Energy Agency, which was adopted by seven nations oir the control committee of the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission on August 27. , " M. Gromyko ' told members of the commission today that the proposals were simply an extension of the United States programme and a threat to the national sovereignty of members. The proposals will be. submitted . to the Security Council'.